Does Your Pet Need a Massage?

Pets in need of medical treatment may benefit from acupuncture and touch therapy.

And you thought you'd heard everything when it comes to pet pampering. Now we're signing up our furry friends for alternative therapies. "Many people don't want their pets on medications for long periods of time," says Carvel Tiekert of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. Popular alternatives:

TTouch. This type of massage uses a combination of specific touches to calm hyper or nervous pets.

Acupuncture. The ancient therapy could ease arthritis pain.

Supplements. Chondroitin may relieve joint pain; calcium keeps bones and teeth strong.

Bach flower essences. The liquid formulas can help calm pets with behavior problems.

Skeptical? Results can vary, but the American Veterinary Medical Association agrees that these treatments are safe for most pets. Visit holisticvetlist.com for a roster of practitioners.