Advocates claim that EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) may be used to treat a wide variety of physical and psychological disorders in pets, and as a simple form of self-administered therapy. So although, Wagbrag wants to introduce you to holistic healing practices, this technique is still consider a psuedoscience. EFT for pets should not be used as a replacement for veterinarian care but may be an additional part to incorporate into your pet’s therapy.
What Is EFT For Pets
EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and is a healing technique that was originally developed for people. It works with the body’s energy system through a light tapping or touching technique that sends healing energy pulses from fingers and hands to your pet but without touching their body. It does require focus and intent on the problem at hand that leads to healing.
The biggest difference between EFT for people and animals is that you tap yourself to make changes in your pet. It works on their meridian system where many of the points are located in areas that pets do not like to be touched. EFT for animals is known as ‘proxy’ tapping that can be done anywhere. In other words, you do not need to be in the same room with your pet.
How EFT Works
The EFT technique is simple to learn and can be applied to any animal that has a health problem or concern. EFT is like an energy system that creates healing by tapping on you – coined by some as “emotional acupuncture“. But the tapping itself is not what heals. It simply allows healing to take place. In order to help your pet with this technique, you direct your attention towards them as your energy system connects with their energy system. This connection allows you to make changes in your pet without touching them.
You must focus your attention on the specific problem or concern with your pet, whatever it is, allergies, skin irritations, depressed emotional state or a physical illness. When you tap yourself, you change your system and that changes the animals system through that connection. EFT involves 3 steps:
- Tune in to your pet – think about your pet’s specific condition whether it is physical, behavioral or emotional that you want to affect
- Set up – come up with a simple phrase that describes their problem very clearly in your mind, like “Barkley is constantly scratching his skin.”
- Tap – in a sequence that starts at your heart center – place both hands flat at the center of your chest
Take a deep breath, say your statement and tap in the following sequence:
| Tapping Point | Location |
| 1 | Top of the Head (highest point on the top of your head |
| 2 | Third Eye (the center of your forehead) |
| 3 | Start of the Eyebrow (above the bridge of the nose) |
| 4 | Corner of the Eye (bone at the corner of eye) |
| 5 | Under the Eye (bone below the eye, in line with the pupil) |
| 6 | Under the Nose (below nose, above upper lip) |
| 7 | Under the Mouth (below lower lip, above chin) |
| 8 | Under the Collarbone (meeting point of collar and breastbones) |
| 9 | Thumb (side of thumb in line with nail bed) |
| 10 | Index Finger (side of finger, in line with nail bed) |
| 11 | Middle Finger (side of finger, in line with nail bed) |
| 12 | Ring Finger (side of finger, in line with nail bed) |
| 13 | Little Finger (side of finger, in line with nail bed) |
| 14 | Karate Chop Point (side of hand, in line with life line) |
Return to your heart and take three deep breaths once you have finished the tapping sequence. Do NOT focus on the tapping itself. EFT works using energy and tapping is simply the way it is exchanged or transferred to your pet. Think of watering your plants outside with a hose. The water hose is not the focus, but it is part of the process. Once the plants are fully watered, the hose is no longer needed. The finger tapping in EFT is like the watering hose.
Tap with awareness and focus on the contact between your fingertips and each point as you tap, directing your energy from your fingers to your body. Let your feelings be your guide when it comes to your pet. You will be able to feel when the energy flow starts to improve. It is very important to not just tap the bad feelings away but tap until you feel happy or joyful.
Positive Thoughts
Think about love, strength, courage, joy, happiness, health and good energy and send those feelings to your animal as you tap. Shift your thoughts to “Barkley’s skin will be healed.” Keep going until you feel energy surging through your own body. EFT is a natural, non-invasive therapy that helps animals with all sorts of issues and can be used with other treatments prescribed by your veterinarian. A regular exam and check-up for your pet is important, especially if they show any signs of pain or discomfort. EFT can enhance their healing.
Reviewed and approved by Dr. David L. Roberts, DVM
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