Alternative therapies help pets live longer pain-free lives

Some owners are turning to human therapies to help their pets live longer.

Jackie and her dog Scout who gets massages from natural animal healer Patty Walcott in Patty's studios in Mona Vale. Adam Yip/ The Manly Daily

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OLDER, sick animals on the peninsula could be living longer thanks to human treatments like acupuncture, naturopathy and massage therapy.

Tim Norris is passionate about helping animals with many of the ageing, degenerative issues they face.

He gives their owners skills to help their pets live longer by crafting a home care program for them.

As a canine rehabilitation practitioner and acupuncturist with Both Ends Of The Lead, he tries to help older dogs to live longer — and their best life possible — with a fusion of acupuncture, infra-red thermal therapy, laser therapy and massage.

Tim Norris helps pet owners to keep their furry friends live for longer — photo border collie Monty who suffers from arthritis in his mid spine and also pulled a leg muscle in his back, but after four treatments with Tim was bounding around like a young dog. Picture: Philip Rogers.

Acupuncturist Patty Walcott said she had seen many animals given a six-week death sentence only to help them live comfortably for a couple of years longer.

Ms Walcott finds that many dogs bark at her good-naturedly to begin their acupuncture or massage treatment.

Both practitioners do not prescribe any drugs or medication to animals.

Mr Norris said he had completed only four treatments with eight-year-old border collie, Monty, who suffered from arthritis and had pulled a leg muscle, and the dog is now bounding around like a young pup.

Monty’s owner, Suzie Cummins of Clontarf, said that her husband was contemplating euthanasing their beloved pet because he would yelp in pain with every step he took.

Tim Norris with doggy patient border collie Monty. Picture: Philip Rogers.

“Monty started showing signs (of arthritic pain) when he was six and he was very vocal about every movement he made, especially down our stairs,” Mrs Cummins said.

“We tried medication for more than a year and then we heard about natural therapy.

“He was so much happier after his very first treatment and he could walk down stairs without a noise, and his arthritis is now maintained.”

Mr Norris said that although Monty was considered a senior dog, he responded well and quickly to treatment and realignment of his mid-spine.

“I’ve been working with dogs for 10 years — and prior to that, 15 years with people — and I’ve found they’re pretty much the same,” Mr Norris said.

“The points that I use in acupuncture and massage are in pretty much the same location, there’s no difference.”

Ms Walcott said her focus on offering a natural option meant she studied for a master of science in biochemistry and a diploma in small animal naturopathy. “I set out to work with animals because I wanted to do something beneficial,” said the Bayview resident.

“I never over-promise because every animal is an individual, but I can help them lead a healthier life for the time they have left.

“I treated one dog who had cancer in its spleen with natural therapies who went on to live for another 12 months.

Jackie and her dog Scout who gets massages from natural animal healer Patty Walcott in Patty's studios in Mona Vale. Adam Yip/ The Manly Daily

“After working with animals for seven years I’ve discovered that they love acupuncture.

‘‘The first session is a gentle introduction and by the second treatment they’re dragging their owners into my room.

“The dogs bark at me to hurry up because they know it gives them relief.”

At her Healthy Pets Naturally practice in Mona Vale she concentrates on chronic illnesses including cancer, arthritis, thyroid, kidney and lung problems.

Her work as a naturopath encompasses homeopathy, nutrition, herbal medicine, massage and behavourial therapy, and photonic therapy (a form of acupuncture).

One of her success stories is rescue dog Scout, a nine-year-old schnauzer cross, who had chronic anxiety and would vomit every car trip.

His owner, Bayview’s Jacqui Newman, had tried expensive nausea tablets from the vet which didn’t work, before turning to Ms Walcott who treated him homeopathically (using techniques to make the car “fun”) and now Scout can travel long distances if need be.

Mr Norris said he spends the majority of his time on the Northern Beaches attending to dogs with muscle pain and joint issues.

He has created a free webinar where he gives pet owners three healing strategies. Details:

bothendsofthelead.com.au/event-registration/