Magnets have been used for ages to relieve a wide range of ailments in humans. If magnets can heal humans, it stands to reason that they can also be beneficial to our canine friends. Although no research has been done into whether magnetic therapy can alleviate anxiety in dogs, magnets might indirectly relieve anxiety by providing relief from physical conditions that cause pain and discomfort.
-
Definition
-
Magnetic therapy is the use of magnets to heal a variety of conditions and promote overall health. In Western holistic medicine, it's often used to relieve physical pain. However, in Eastern medicine, magnetic therapy is thought to be able to restore the energy flow of the body. An increasing number of holistically minded veterinarians are offering magnetic therapy for dogs.
Function
-
Magnetic therapy involves pressing magnets to areas of the body. Magnets are thought to help by relaxing the walls of the capillaries, boosting circulation to those areas, according to the Magnetic Therapy Council. They're also thought to prevent muscle spasms and to impede the ability of nerve cells to transmit pain messages to the brain.
In veterinary medicine, magnets are used to treat arthritis, fractures and epilepsy, according to veterinarian Shawn Messonnier. These are conditions that can make a dog anxious.
Types
-
Two basic types of magnets are used for magnetic therapy. Static magnets are those you'll find in magnetic jewelry meant to be worn by both humans and animals. Pulsed electromagnetic field magnets, or PEFMs, emit much stronger magnetic fields. They use coils to transmit pulsing currents that create the magnetic fields.
Usage
-
Various online retailers sell magnetized pet collars made with static collars. Pulsed electromagnetic blankets have been used with horses for a long time, and such bedding for dogs is now available.
Additionally, some veterinarians offer PEFM sessions. Recommendations for using magnets vary widely, notes the Magnetic Therapy Council, so you might want to start by using a small magnet and work up from there, depending how anxious your dog seems.
Safety
-
Magnets do not carry any risks of harmful side effects, unlike prescription medications and even some natural remedies, according to Dr. Allen M. Schoen in a World of Magnets website article. However, magnets can interfere with electronic equipment, so consult your physician before using magnets if your dog has any implanted medical device. It's also unknown how magnetic therapy can impact pregnant dogs and their fetuses.
-