Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian and this article is not a substitute for veterinary care. Any information found on this site is meant to serve as a starting point for a conversation with your dog’s veterinarian about what options or treatments are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
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I’ve always advocated taking a holistic view of both animal and human health.
That means combining the most appropriate interventions from conventional medicine and alternative medicine to get a customized plan.
Acupuncture is one of those alternative treatments that isn’t even all that alternative anymore. It’s been widely recognized to be helpful for a variety of conditions. You might even find that many insurance companies cover it for use in people.
But did you know that its also frequently used in animals as well?
Today we’re going to take a look at acupuncture for dogs and how it might help your dog with a variety of health conditions.
What is veterinary acupuncture?
This process is when the veterinary acupuncturist puts very thin needles into specific points in the dog’s body.
The needles help unblock the points that transmit energy throughout the body. This can help with a variety of issues that might occur for older dogs.
The needles are inserted to guide the “chi,” or energy, through the blood vessels. This helps with circulation and mobility.
This is especially beneficial for dogs who have joint pain or arthritis preventing them from having a full range of motion. Once the process is over the dog should be in less pain and should be able to move around more comfortably without discomfort.
It is also said to be anti-inflammatory. This helps to reduce the amount of pain the dog is in.
The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society has acknowledged that “acupuncture will not cure every condition, but it can work very well when it is indicated”.
No matter what, all pet health concerns should be discussed with your pet’s primary veterinarian before making any decisions.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes! Acupuncture for dogs is very safe for your dog to use. The side effects are minimized to nearly none when administered by someone certified in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM). Some side effects are possible but highly unlikely.
If anything, your dog may appear to be experiencing slightly worse symptoms after treatment. But don’t worry. This is because it usually takes about 48 hours for the treatment to have full effect on the dog’s body.
Another possible side effect is sleepiness for up to 24 hours.
If your dog experiences these symptoms, there’s no need to worry. This means your dog is going through a physical change that generally will lead to them feeling better than before.
Make sure to monitor your pet for any other side effects. If you are concerned be sure to call your veterinarian.
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
Canine acupuncture can help with pain management for dogs.
Many times, veterinarians will recommend that owners with dogs who have some form of cancer consider acupuncture to help with the pain. According to many owners, many dogs will seem to feel less discomfort and be more mobile after treatment, despite being sick.
A dog with any type of musculoskeletal pain caused by problems such as arthritis or nerve injuries can be assisted by this ancient holistic veterinary care regimen. Often, this is a go-to for treatment to help with the pain and discomfort associated with injuries.
Many dogs experience pain in their hips due to old age, and this process is often used to assist in helping the dog be more comfortable.
Acupuncture has also been used to help dogs who have neurological damage causing whole or partial facial paralysis. The process may assist the dog to get his or her facial control back.
It can help dogs with stomach issues, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea by increasing blood flow to the area.
Respiratory problems can become an issue for dogs as they get older. These may be caused by allergies or asthma. Acupuncture can help with that. The treatment is intended to open up the dog’s flow of energy and can help them live a healthier life with fewer complications.
canine acupuncture can even assist with skin problems. Many dogs have allergic dermatitis, making their skin itchy and irritable. This process can help your pet have more comfortable, soothed skin by increasing blood flow to the areas treated.
What does a holistic veterinarian’s acupuncture session look like?
Before your dog sees a veterinary acupuncturist, they should have an appointment with their primary vet. This is to figure out if acupuncture is appropriate for your dog.
Ask your dog’s primary care veterinarian to transfer a copy of your dog’s medical records to the acupuncture office. That way, your canine acupuncturist will have all of the necessary medical information to be able to decide what kind of treatment is best.
When you get to the office, you will have to fill out some documentation. This initial appointment includes a full body examination of your dog.
You will have to schedule an acupuncture session for your pet following the conclusion of the introductory appointment.
Side note: If your primary veterinarian also performs acupuncture, then all of the previous steps can be combined. Not everyone has this available in their area, but you can look here to see if you do.
At the first treatment session, your holistic veterinarian will prepare your dog for the treatment and place needles in the points to be addressed.
Ideally, your dog will be completely relaxed and take to the treatment. If not, many vets can also use alternative methods such as acupressure or massage techniques to help the affected areas.
The veterinarian will then remove the needles and allow your dog to practice full mobility afterward.
You can discuss more treatments with your veterinarian if you choose to, or see how your dog does after the first session.
Conclusion
Acupuncture for dogs has been used for centuries as a part of the traditional Chinese veterinary medicine practice. It continues to rise in popularity over the last few decades.
This treatment has been known to work on older dogs who may suffer from a variety of ailments. These range from body mobility to neurological issues and more.
Dog acupuncture has very little side effects while still being incredibly beneficial for your furry best friend.
You will want to evaluate all of your options before making a decision, but this treatment should be considered.
Be sure to choose someone who is trained in this type of medicine. They will most likely have obtained a post-doctoral degree specializing in veterinary Chinese philosophies, meaning they are more than capable of treating your dog.
Talk to your veterinarian and get their medical opinion. If this is the best route for you, call a local holistic veterinary office and schedule an appointment.
Have you tried acupuncture for your dog? What was it like? Did it help? Tell us in the comments!
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I never knew that your furry friend could receive acupuncture treatment for their body pain. My uncle wants to help his aging dog, who’s experiencing random foot pain. I believe that consulting a veterinarian that can offer this treatment for his pet is a good idea.