Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine. Only in the last century has it really become available outside of Asia.
So can this type of treatment benefit a dog?
Inserting needles at specific points can do wonders. Acupuncture reduces all types of pain and even nausea.
Yup! Your dog may also see improvement. This alternative medicine works!
Acupuncture should be tried on ailments for which solutions seem impossible.
Some Dogs Can Benefit From Acupuncture
That is, if you can find an experienced veterinary professional that knows what they’re doing!
This ancient method can relax the muscles of dogs, just like humans, depending on where the needles are inserted.
Here’s the gist of how it works:
Anti-inflammatory substances in the body during the procedure. There will be a local and generalized pain relieving effect on the dog’s body.
But, again, finding a specialist qualified to administer canine acupuncture can be difficult.
Pro Tip: Vets listed as FAAVA, Fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, are more well trained than CVAs.
Types of Acupuncture
There are 3 kinds of acupuncture therapies.
The first is known as primary therapy. This means acupuncture is the sole treatment method.
The second type serves as a supportive role alongside modern medicine and/or surgery.
Finally, acupuncture can also be a backup when conventional methods fail.
Regardless of the approach for your dog, seek treatment from a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.
Rejuvenate Your Dog
Acupuncture can be effective for rejuvenating vital organs.
It improves the amount and quality of tissue blood flow, oxygen content and removes toxins that lead to diseases.
Pain relief could also be significantly reduced with this technique. Regular acupuncture treatment may help a dog remain active and healthy over the long term.
No Side Effects At All
Modern allopathic veterinary medicine often leads to complications and side effects.
Prescription drugs and pain relief medications often cause more harm than good, especially for dogs. No adverse effects with acupuncture!
With Other Treatments
Acupuncture also does not interact with other forms of treatment including modern medicine.
You can try it on your dog while using conventional medicine, without complications.
It’s useful as an intermediate between modern medicine and surgery. Acupuncture is also compatible with other nontraditional medical practices.
The Treatable Conditions
Gastrointestinal disorders (gastritis, colitis, megacolon), respiratory problems (rhinitis, sinusitis, chronic coughing), neurological disorders (epilepsy, stroke), musculoskeletal disorders (sprains, muscle spasms), allergies, dermatological disorders and urinary problems can be treated in dogs using acupuncture.
As a pet enters their later years, acupuncture treatment may be just the thing they need (depending on their condition).
Do this:
Check with your vet (or do your own research) regarding qualified specialists in your area.
It’s Not Painful For Pets
Pain or discomfort during acupuncture treatment is virtually nonexistent or very minimal. It’s much more mild than even routine vaccinations.
There may be brief discomfort when a needle is first inserted. After that it can be relaxing and the dog won’t feel much.
But they may be scared. Stick around for the procedure. A familiar face with help relax your dog.
The Bottom Line
Keep an open mind about acupuncture for your dog’s sake. Though many consider it a form of placebo treatment, lots of dogs have actually benefited from acupuncture.
It could work if done correctly by an experienced specialized vet.
My dog has disk problems and my neighbor’s dog has allergies and atopic dermatitis. Where is the best place to put the needles?
My Saint Bernard mix is having issues with her muscles. Her chest was like two large lemons inside, instead of 3 sets of muscles. I tried muscle relaxers which a vet prescribed as well as anti-inflammatories.
Those helped yet her muscles are so very tight. She yelps when she gets up from lying on her side. I know acupuncture helped me so I’m taking her to the vet for acupuncture!
Is it okay to give my Beagle mix acupressure if she is only 1? She is very hyperactive.