Health Benefits of Magnet Therapy for your Pet
History of Magnet Therapy
Here is a summary of an interesting article I found in Natural Dog talking about benefits of magnet therapy for your pet.
Static or permanent magnets are the type of magnets used in magnet therapy. But for an even stronger healing effect, some veterinarians recommend pulsed electromagnetic field magnets, in which coils transmit a pulsing current to create a magnetic field.
The Food and Drug Administration approves pulsed electromagnetic field magnets for treating certain types of fractures in humans. Pulsed electromagnetic blankets have been popular for decades among horse owner but they are expensive. Some vets have pulsed electromagnetic equipment in the office and you can bring your pet in for treatments. Treatments for your pet can last up to one hour.
Apparently the major difference between static magnets and the pulsed electromagnets is strength.
Magnets also differ in their polarities.Some companies use bipolar designs, which alternate magnets with both north and south polarities on the same surface. Others use unipolar magnets, which are either negatively or positively charged. Holistic vets are not in agreement about which to use but there is some concern that south polarity magnets increase cancer growth.
Studies have proven that PEMF units (electromagnetic field magnets in which coils transmit a pulsing current to create a magnetic field) have helped heal nonhealing fractures and poorly healing wounds in humans and animals.
The article recommends you ask your holistic vet what is best for your pet. Because dogs all respond differently to treatments be prepared for some trial and error. The type of problem your dog has will dictate what type of product you buy. Magnet-embedded cuffs or bands are available for joint injuries, but getting them to stay on an active dog can be difficult. In the case of an active dog you might want to just hold the magnets over the affected area while you pet him and have quiet time together.
The article concludes that the biggest advantage of magnets is that they are convenient, relatively inexpensive, work well with other therapies, and have no known side effects.
