Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."
Sue Wnetrzak's
Part 2
"Getting in Touch With Your Pets."
Sue is trained in First Aid/CPR for pets and is a Reiki Master!!!
GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR PETS
PART 2
Now that you have spent quiet time with your pet, sitting, reading the body language, picking up subtle signs, we are ready for the next step.
Remember to ALWAYS ask permission. WHY? Would you want someone reading your mind or heart without permission? The next step
is to do the Wellness Assessment. This takes you to all parts of their body
and gives you a basis for how they feel today and makes you more aware
of changes that occur over time.
Again, you want to do this at a quiet time. This technique should be done at least once a week, two or three times a week is better. By following this sequence, you may in fact be alert to changing health status and thus even save your pets life!
Head/Snout/Muzzle/Mouth/Eyes/Ears
The head should be symmetrical, check for bumps and lumps.
Look at your pets eyes and check both pupils to see if they are the same and note any differences. Look at the snout. Is it wet, dry, cracked, moist? How about the mouth area? Is there an odor? Doggie and kitty breath is NOT normal. Look at the teeth and gums to see if there is tarter build up. The gums should be bubble gum pink (unless they normally have black gums like a Chow). If the gums are yellow, white or grey, please take your pet to the Vet right away as something is seriously wrong. Check for chipped/cracked teeth or red/swollen gums? The ears should not have any odor or discharge. They should not be sensitive or painful to the touch.
Neck & Spine
Check this area for any abrasions, bumps, masses, tenderness or sores.
Chest & Ribs
You should be able to feel the ribs under the fur coat. Again, check for any abnormalities. Listen to how they breathe. Is there rattling, congestion or difficulty breathing?
Legs & Paws
Check the legs and feet and pads for excess hair, torn or swollen pads or broken/chipped nails and check in-between the toes and pads for any foreign bodies or excessive hair. Note: Some pets have extremely sensitive feet so be gentle and go at the speed that is comfortable for your pet. Check each leg and note the range of use and movement of each leg.
Abdomen
Use the flats of your hands and feel with light pressure the abdominal area. It should not be sensitive, painful, hard or rigid.
Tail
Look at the tail and rectal area to see if there are bumps, lumps or foul odors. The anal area should be free of hair, debris and feces.
Skin/Coat
Check the quality, texture, color, temperature and for any excessive shedding. Afterwards, give your pets a special treat! Make this a very pleasant experience. Doing this will give you a heads up on their health or any changes. Bring any concerns to your vet.
It is important to tune into your pets health. Knowing how they are today will make assessing any changes easier and quicker! Next time we will go into more depth on
communication with your pets and household bugs and insects!
Information for this article was taken from Knowing Your Pet's Health by Thom Somes and Handbook of Veterinary Procedures & Emergency Treatment by Bistner & Ford.
Article written by Susan Shell Wnetrzak a certified Pet Tech Pet First Aid Instructor #1217. Sue has a pet-sitting business and is a Reiki Master. She offers classes in both pet first aid and Reiki.
You may email at: animalsue@sbcglobal.net or call 586-532-9555.