The Healing Power of Reiki for Dogs - Benefits and My Personal Experience

As pet parents, it is just normal for us to consider ways to enhance our furry members' well-being. We would not want anything to be left out - from healthy diet to regular exercise, vaccination and regular vet checkups and of course, bonding with our pet, we exclude nothing. But, how many of us have thought about energy healing for pets? If Reiki comes to your mind, you are right. Reiki, a Japanese healing technique, is not just for humans—it can also benefit animals, including dogs.

In this post, I want to share my personal experience with performing Reiki on my pet dog, Chezhi, and how this gentle healing practice can bring peace, relaxation, and even relief to your four-legged friends.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is an ancient Japanese energy healing practice that involves channeling universal energy to promote balance and healing. The word "Reiki" comes from Rei, meaning "universal" and Ki meaning "life energy". An absolutely non-invasive technique, Reiki helps to reduce stress, enhance relaxation, and support overall well-being.

As pet parents, particularly as dog parents, you would have witnessed the level of reception in your dog. 

Dogs are incredibly intuitive and are highly receptive to energy flow. Since they naturally respond to the energy around them, Reiki can be an effective way to comfort them in times of stress, illness, or discomfort.

My Experience Practicing Reiki on Chezhi, My Pet Dog

One morning, after a walk, which was short considering our regular long walks, we headed for the terrace as is our routine. Chezhi seemed a bit unwell. Sensing her discomfort, I decided to ask her if she wanted Reiki. As a Reiki practitioner, I have performed Reiki on Chezhi multiple times and she always understands when I do Reiki. 

Since she was unwell, I wanted to perform Reiki on her but I decided to ask for her permission. So, I gently placed my hand in front of her and said, "Chezhi, if you want Reiki, kiss my hand."

She turned away. I made the request at least two more times and she made a very clear statement by turning her head and looking everywhere other than my extended hand. Respecting her decision, I proceeded with my Tai Chi practice and then we went back inside. On returning home and after her paws were cleansed, Chezhi lay on her bed. I tried again. This time, she kissed my hand—a clear sign that she was ready to receive Reiki.

As I placed my hands over Chezhi, channeling Reiki energy, she slowly relaxed. Within minutes, she drifted into a peaceful sleep. It was a beautiful moment that reaffirmed my belief that animals understand and respond to energy healing.

You can check the link for the video of Chezhi refusing and later receiving Reiki.

Benefits of Reiki for Dogs

Reiki is not only for dogs experiencing some sort of discomfort or illness. Healthy dogs too benefit a lot from Reiki energy. Some of the most important benefits of Reiki for dogs include:

• Reiki Reduces Stress & Anxiety in Dogs – Reiki promotes relaxation, making it beneficial for dogs with separation anxiety or those experiencing stress due to illness or abandonment.

• Reiki Helps to Relieve Pain in Dogs – Reiki helps to alleviate discomfort in dogs suffering from various health conditions including arthritis, injuries, or dogs undergoing post-surgery recovery.

• Reiki Supports Emotional Healing – Dogs can face emotional trauma due to various reasons including loss of a family member, another pet member, separation and abandonment. It can be a great challenge to heal them emotionally. 

• These are the times, one needs to spend lots of time with the pet that is emotionally down and reassure that everything is fine. Performing Reiki during such times greatly helps to heal the dogs emotionally. Rescue dogs with traumatic pasts may find comfort in Reiki sessions.

• Reiki Strengthens Human-Animal Bond – Performing Reiki on your pet helps to foster deeper trust and connection between you and your pet. Reiki not only helps with healing the pet but also makes you both closer than ever before. 

• Reiki Enhances Overall Well-being of Dogs – As Reiki promotes flow of energy and helps with maintaining health and wellness, even healthy dogs benefit from receiving Reiki energy. 

Reiki promotes a sense of peace and hence it helps to calm anxious and over-reactive dogs.

How to Perform Reiki on Your Dog (Even If You Haven’t Learned Reiki)

Reiki practitioners receive attunements from their masters and hence their ability to channelize energy are enhanced. However, those who have not received attunements can also send positive energy to their pets using their intention.

Here’s a simple way to practice energy healing with your dog:

Find a quiet space – Choose a quiet place at home where both you and your pet can relax.

Observe your dog’s willingness – During your first Reiki session with your pet, she may not understand what you are attempting to do. Still, you can talk to her and inform her that you are about to perform Reiki, which is good for her health. After a couple of sessions, she will know what to expect during Reiki session. Once she gets to know, you need to observe if your pet is willing to receive Reiki energy at that particular time and place. 

If your dog stays close or moves toward you, they are likely open to receiving Reiki. If your dog settles down on her bed, she is ready for the Reiki session. Or, you may try like how I did...asking her to kiss your hand if she is willing to receive Reiki. Never perform Reiki if your pet is not ready.

Place your hands over their body without touching them – You don’t have to touch your pet; just hold your hands slightly above your pet. If your pet is comfortable, you can place your hand over the part of the body that may require healing.

Set a positive intention – Setting an intention helps free flow of Reiki energy. The intention you set for the session is based on the need. If you are performing Reiki on your pet to relieve her anxiety and calm her, the intention you set should go with the outcome you expect of the session. Focus your thoughts on the outcome you desire for your pet and set your intention accordingly.

Observe your pet's response – If your pet is relaxed, you can be assured that she is receptive to the energy, which relaxes her. If your pet moves away, respect her choice not to receive Reiki energy at that particular time or space.

If you are interested in exploring Reiki further, I highly recommend learning from a certified Reiki teacher, whose guidance will help you on this wonderful journey towards overall wellness for you and your pet.

Reiki has been a beautiful way for me to connect with Chezhi and support her well-being in a gentle, non-invasive manner. During the first Reiki session, she did not know what I was doing (naturally) but she just trusted me to allow my hands over her little body. The initial sessions were just for about 3 to 5 minutes. She received the energy wonderfully well and was always ready when I asked her if I can do Reiki for her. The only time she refused was in the terrace, the incident I had mentioned above. However, on returning home, she was completely ready for a wonderful Reiki session. 

If you’re a pet parent looking for holistic approaches to care for your pet member, I would request you to consider Reiki, a practice worth exploring.

Have you ever tried energy healing with your pet? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!

If you found this post helpful, check out my YouTube channel PetsDiary for more pet care tips and holistic healing insights.

Share this with fellow pet parents and help more dogs benefit from Reiki!