Signs Your Dog is Absorbing Your Stress (And How to Help Them Release It)

By Laura Muzal.

Using Muscle Testing to Choose the Right Supplements for Your Dog

Choosing the right supplements for your dog can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. While ingredient lists and product reviews can be helpful, muscle testing (also known as applied kinesiology) offers a unique, intuitive approach to determining what your dog truly needs. This simple yet powerful technique taps into your dog’s energy field to reveal what supports their body best.

What is Muscle Testing?

Muscle testing is a method used to assess the body’s energetic response to a substance, object, or statement. It’s commonly used in holistic health to identify food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and emotional imbalances. The idea is that the body’s energy field reacts positively to beneficial substances and weakens in response to those that don’t align.

For dogs, muscle testing can help determine which supplements are most beneficial for their individual needs. Since dogs can’t verbally communicate how they feel about a supplement, this technique allows you to “ask” their body directly.

Methods of Muscle Testing for Dogs

There are several ways to muscle test, and you can choose the one that feels most natural to you. Here are three effective methods:

1. Surrogate Testing (Using Your Own Body)

Since dogs can’t perform muscle testing on their own, you can act as a surrogate for their energy field. To do this:

• Hold your dog or place one hand on them while holding the supplement in your other hand.
• Stand tall and relaxed, then ask a simple yes/no question in your mind, such as “Does my dog’s body need this supplement?”
• Tune in to your body’s subtle response:
  • If you feel strong or stable, it’s likely beneficial.
  • If you feel weak, shaky, or pushed forward/backward, it may not be the right choice.

2. The Sway Test

The sway test is a simple way to use your body as a pendulum to read your dog’s energy response:

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart while holding the supplement near your dog.
• Ask, “Is this supplement beneficial for my dog?”
• If your body gently sways forward, it’s a yes. If you sway backward, it’s a no.

3. The Two-Finger Muscle Test (With a Partner)

If you have a partner to assist, they can test your muscle strength while you connect with your dog:

• Place one hand on your dog while holding the supplement in the other.
• Have your partner press down gently on your extended arm while you resist.
• If your arm stays strong, the supplement is likely a good match. If it weakens, it may not be the best choice.

How to Use Muscle Testing to Select Supplements

1. Start with a Clear Intention
   Before testing, take a deep breath and focus on finding the best support for your dog’s health. Avoid overthinking—muscle testing works best when done intuitively.
2. Test One Supplement at a Time
   Hold or place each supplement near your dog while testing. Avoid testing multiple supplements at once, as this can create mixed signals.
3. Re-Test Over Time
   Your dog’s needs may change, so re-test periodically. A supplement that tests strong today may not be necessary in a few months.
4. Trust the Process
   If you get an unexpected result, honor it. Muscle testing may reveal sensitivities or imbalances you weren’t aware of.
5. Combine with Observational Cues
   While muscle testing is a powerful tool, also observe how your dog responds to a supplement over time. Look for changes in energy, digestion, coat quality, and overall well-being.

Final Thoughts

Muscle testing is a simple yet effective way to tailor your dog’s supplement regimen to their unique needs. By tapping into their energy field, you can confidently select the most beneficial options while avoiding unnecessary or harmful ones.

Holistic pet care is all about balance—trusting both science and intuition can help you make the best decisions for your dog’s health.

Laura Muzal is a Holistic Pet Wellness Coach with a background in wildlife biology. She specializes in natural, intuitive approaches to animal care, blending science and personalized care to enhance your pet’s well-being. Passionate about using natural remedies, Laura provides insights and expertise to help pets thrive and stay healthy. https://lauramuzal.com/