Therapeutic Engagement (and Play) for Dogs and Cats to Improve Quality of Life

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi @everyone-

I am posting this in the cancer folder because this dreaded dis-ease is often the place where our pets' quality of life is so important.

In the week since Vanya's death, I have scoured the research into how the immune system and natural healing mechanisms can be activated using environmental engagement.

One article is even all about how MDs can write prescriptions for laughter in order to help their patients heal.

This can apply to our pets even though dogs and cats don't overtly laugh.

However, they definitely smile and their happiness can be promoted using easy to implement actions.

Specifically, these are holistic actions like

• feeding foods that your pets love
• promoting purring
• playing the hunt for treats game for kitties
• playing other games like hide and go seek and fetch
• using the snuffle mat for food motivated dogs and cats,
• making time for them to check their "pee mail" every day
• etc.

A slight adaptation of the laughter prescription (for people) article I mentioned uses these criteria

1. What are your pets favorite activities, e.g. for Archie it is eating and playing)?
2. How frequently can you implement the action, e.g. 1 raw bone or high value treat/day, 2 sniff walks, sitting out in the yard to sniff and listen?
3. With what intensity can you sustainably implement the action, e.g. a vigorous outdoor play every day, a gentle jog, sitting and meditating, or sending Reiki?

Regardless of what you choose or how often or with what intensity you do it, Nike has given us great guidelines for you to stimulate healing

Just Do It

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Here's Archie stopping to smell the flowers on one of his extra therapeutic sniff walks.

He is getting them along with extra play and snuffle mat sessions to help boost his immune system and heal his Lyme: