Can prayer help your pet? Science shows positive human interactions can't hurt

Prayer has long been a source of comfort and solace for individuals seeking healing and guidance.

While its effectiveness in human healing has been a topic of debate, the power of prayer for animals is a subject that has gained attention in recent years.

Prayer, in its essence, is a form of communication with a higher power, seeking intervention and healing. Many people believe that prayer can extend beyond human beings and encompass animals as well. Advocates of prayer for animal healing argue that it can provide emotional support, promote positive energy, and even facilitate physical recovery. Prayers start with thoughts, and thoughts are made of energy that is measurable as electrical impulses, thus we are using an energetic approach.

From a scientific standpoint, studying the effectiveness of prayer for animal healing presents challenges because of the subjective nature of prayer and the difficulty in measuring its impact. However, some studies have explored the potential benefits of prayer on animals indirectly.

For instance, research has shown that positive human interactions, such as petting and talking to animals, can have a calming effect on them, potentially aiding in their healing process. While not directly related to prayer, these findings suggest that positive energy and intention can positively influence animals' well-being.

Anecdotal evidence plays a significant role in understanding the potential effectiveness of prayer for healing animals.

Countless stories and personal accounts exist of individuals who claim that prayer has played a crucial role in their pets' recovery from illnesses or injuries. At our practice, I do pray for my critical patients and I feel it makes a difference. These stories often highlight the power of faith, hope and positive energy in promoting healing and well-being in animals.

Prayer for animal healing is not solely about asking for a miraculous cure. It also encompasses providing emotional support to both the animal and its caretaker. Animals are highly sensitive to their surroundings and can pick up on the emotions and intentions of those around them. Prayer, in this context, can create a positive and supportive environment, which may contribute to an animal's overall well-being and recovery.

While prayer can be a source of comfort and support, it is essential to emphasize that it should not replace professional veterinary care. Prayer should be seen as a complementary practice that works in conjunction with medical treatment, not as a substitute. Seeking veterinary advice and treatment is crucial for ensuring the best possible care for animals.

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Ultimately, the decision to incorporate prayer into an animal's healing journey is a personal one, guided by faith in a powerful and compassionate God, hope, and the desire to provide the best possible care for our beloved animal companions.

Mitsie Vargas of Orchid Springs Animal Hospital in Winter Haven is a fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture and author of "Alt-Vet: The Revolutionary Pet Care and Longevity Solution." www.osahvets.com.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Can prayer help pets? As a positive human interaction, it can't hurt