Home Comforts for Dogs and Holistic Dog Care

Most owners can clearly tell when their animals are stressed and studies have proven the existence of animal stress. Evidence based research has shown how long-term stress can threaten animal health, cause fertiliy and reproduction problems, and influence growth and metabolism.

With the rising interest and personal experience with the effectiveness of alternative techniques in human medicine, it's only natural that animal owners have started investigating these protocols for helping their own animals. One such protocol is Animal Massage Therapy.

Other useful texts manuals with alternative and more holistic approaches to dog care and health maintenance include methods like reflexotherapy, chiropractic methods and canine acupressure.

While no veterinary studies have currently been conducted proving that these methods help reduce stress, anecdotal evidence from owners, trainers and animal therapists attests to benefitial results for animals. Improvements in performance, reduced risk of illness and injury, and calmer behavior have all been noted. Not to mention the incredible bond one builds with his/her animal through massage! Nevertheless, the reader should bear in mind that these methods are never a substitute for veterinary medical diagnosis and/or treatment and should only be administered when no contraindications exist.

We have completed this list of doggie comforts ideas with guides to holistic aromatherapy and natural remedies, design ideas for dog-friendly homes and gardens and more comforts ideas to share with your dog. Also see our separate page of CDs with relaxing music for dogs.

Dogs too, can become stressed and fatigued or experience poor health conditions due to lack of attention and care for their needs. This guide provides you with all the tips and tricks (on grooming, massage, and even canine yoga) for better canine health and grooming. Create you own canine-care retreat at home to cater to the special physical, health, and emotional needs of your dog. more information:

The Well-Connected Dog:
A Guide to Canine Acupressure
by Amy Snow
Paperback: 165 pages
Publisher: Tallgrass Publishers, LLC; 3rd ed edition (October 1, 1999)
This well-researched book presents the traditional theory in an easily digestible way. The basic principles are explained in a way that is easy to understand and apply, even for beginners. more information:

Animal Reiki :
Using Energy to Heal the Animals in Your Life
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Ulysses Press (February 9, 2006)
Introduction to Reiki with step-by-step instructions for treating animals in a gentle, noninvasive way. Ideal for animal lovers who are interested in exploring complementary therapies while helping them deepen their understanding of and ability to communicate with animals. The authors relate stories drawn from their years of healing animals to show the power of this alternative method. more information:

Shiatsu for Dogs
by Pamela Hannay
Paperback: 24 pages.
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing (1998)
For centuries, the Japanese have been using shiatsu, the application of finger pressure to various parts of the body, to relieve muscle and joint pain. Since1982, Pamela Hannay has been developing shiatsu techniques for dogs, working with hip degenerative conditions, arthritis, and problems associated with aging and attitude.

Doga: Yoga for Dogs
by Jennifer Brilliant, William Berloni
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (November, 2003)
When demonstrated by dogs, yoga turns into Doga and yogis into dogis.Dogis Benny, Buster, and Cricket practiced in obscurity for years, perfecting their dogic principles. Now at last they reveal the powerful secrets of doga. Many of the movements and positions of doga can inspire and assist humans in their own yoga practice.

Doga presents the major asanas or postures, from the Downward-Facing Dog to the relaxing Happy Puppy and restorative Pup's Pose. Each stretch is demonstrated by one of the dogis, with accompanying text to help people adapt positions to their own practice. Also included are breathing techniques such as the hot breath, or pant, and tips on practicing with your own dogi. Anyone who does yoga or owns a dog is sure to find inspiration in these pages. On the path to health and inner harmony, Doga shows the way. More information

The Well Adjusted Dog:
Canine Chiropractic Methods You Can Do
by Daniel R. Kamen
Paperback: 166 pages
Publisher: Brookline Books (April, 1997)
Dr. Daniel Kamen, a practicing chiropractor, explains how you can use these simple techniques to help settle your dog?s aching bones. By following the simple step-by-step instruction and clear illustrations in this book, any dog owner can incorporate these alternative methods of healing as a supplement to regular veterinary visits. more information:

Four Paws Five Directions:
A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs
by Cheryl Schwartz
Paperback: 412 pages
Publisher: Celestial Arts (August, 1996)
Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine for cats and dogs. Explains the basics of the Five Element Theory, the Meridians, the Eight Principles, and the Vital Essences in a way that is easy to understand even without prior knowledge of TCM, and how a diagnosis is made using the Traditional Chinese physical exam. The author also introduces the primary holistic therapies used in TCM: Herbology, Food Therapy, and Acupressure/Acupuncture and how these therapies can be applied to correct a variety of health imbalances. more information:

Hands-On Healing for Pets:
The Animal Lover's Essential Guide to Using Healing Energy
by Margrit Coates
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Rider (March, 2004)
Energy healing is a non-invasive, complementary, yet very effective therapy that can be used to improve your pet's health and behavior. Practitioner Margrit Coates provides practical advice on when, where, and how to use hands-on healing; whether you're caring for a dog or cat, rabbit or gerbil, bird or reptile, the essential steps are provided. Hands-On Healing for Pets also includes sections on other alternative treatments, including crystals, massage, and flower remedies, as well as fascinating case studies. more information:

In Shiatsu for Dogs, she shows you how to apply these techniques to your own dog. Chosen for their simplicity and effectiveness, the techniques will benefit all dogs: young and old, sick or well, well-balanced or insecure. Essential reading for all those who wish to have a closer, more beneficial relationship with their canine companion. more information: