A while back ago, my son’s dog had a tooth infection. His face was swollen and he could barely eat. The veterinarian prescribed him some antibiotics, however he was still in a great deal of pain. It pained me to see him suffer, so I thought - hmmm, I wonder if Reiki would help him? I remember learning about Reiki for pets when I had my training.
So, I simply placed my hand below his jaw and one above his head. I just held my hands still and did not move them while I started my Reiki with him. I remembered that animals do not need as much time as humans, so I only held my hands there for a few minutes. While I was gently holding my hand under his jaw - Gussy nestled his jaw deeper onto my hand. After a minute, he let out a sigh and lifted his head. It looked to me like he really enjoyed that experience. He actually got up and ate some food and proceeded to do zoomies around the house.
I like to think that the Reiki helped him. He was very receptive of it and seemed to feel better afterwards. I had used it on him a few other times for his anxiety as well. Every time, he enjoyed it. So I thought I would create an article to share my experience and some information about animals and Reiki.

Reiki, a form of energy healing, has long been used to promote well-being in humans. However, its benefits extend to our animal companions as well. Whether you have a beloved pet or work with animals in a professional capacity, incorporating Reiki into their care routine can enhance their physical, emotional, and mental health.
Understanding Reiki for Animals
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive practice that involves channeling universal life force energy through the hands of a practitioner to the recipient. In the context of animals, Reiki can help alleviate stress, ease pain, and support recovery from illness or injury. It can be performed in person or from a distance, making it accessible even for animals who are nervous or skittish around new people.
Benefits of Reiki for Animals
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Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Just like humans, animals can experience stress due to various factors such as changes in their environment, loud noises, or separation from their owners. Reiki promotes deep relaxation, helping them feel more calm and secure.
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Pain Relief and Healing: Reiki can be particularly beneficial for animals recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic pain conditions. The energy helps to accelerate the body's natural healing processes, providing comfort and relief.
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Emotional Balance: Animals, especially those that have been rescued or have experienced trauma, can carry emotional wounds. Reiki helps to release these negative energies, promoting a sense of balance and well-being.
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Improved Behavior: Behavioral issues in animals often stem from underlying stress or discomfort. By addressing these root causes, Reiki can help to improve behavior and enhance the bond between you and your pet.
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Support for Senior Pets: Older animals may face various health challenges and a decrease in energy levels. Reiki can provide gentle support, helping them to stay comfortable and maintain a good quality of life.
How to Perform Reiki on Animals
If you're interested in practicing Reiki on your animal companions, here are some steps to get started if you have been trained in Reiki:
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Create a Calm Environment: Find a quiet space where your pet feels comfortable. Ensure there are no distractions, and allow them to move freely.
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Set Your Intention: Before beginning the session, set a clear intention for healing. This can be as simple as sending love and positive energy to your pet.
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Connect with Your Pet: Sit quietly with your pet and allow them to approach you on their terms. Animals are highly intuitive and will sense the healing energy you are offering.
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Begin the Session: Place your hands gently on or near your pet, focusing on sending Reiki energy. You can start with areas where they seem to need the most support, such as an injured leg or their heart center.
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Observe and Listen: Pay attention to your pet's reactions. They may show signs of relaxation, such as sighing, stretching, or falling asleep. Respect their boundaries and end the session if they seem uncomfortable.
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Close with Gratitude: After the session, take a moment to thank your pet and express gratitude for the healing energy.
Conclusion
Reiki is a powerful tool that can enhance the well-being of our animal friends. By incorporating Reiki into their care routine, you can provide them with comfort, healing, and emotional balance. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to energy healing, Reiki offers a gentle and effective way to support the animals in your life. If you are not a Reiki practitioner, there are many people out there who are and specialize in animal Reiki.
Embrace the power of Reiki, and watch your furry companions thrive!