To know if acupuncture is right for your dog, you must first understand what it is and how it works. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for thousands of years and involves the insertion of needles into the skin along strategic points or areas of the body.
According to Oriental medicine, acupuncture needles are inserted into acupoints along the meridians of the body. Using this method, the meridians are the pathways in which vital energy, also known as qi, flows to balance this energy. From a Western perspective, acupuncture needles are inserted into acupuncture points to stimulate nerves, connective tissue, and muscles. While there are many different approaches to acupuncture depending on the individual approach of the practitioner, the goals are generally the same – to stimulate the body’s natural healing powers, thereby promoting promote both physical and mental growth.
Here are some basics to know about acupuncture for your dog, according to Dr. Angie Krause, holistic veterinarian at Boulder Holistic Veterinarian:
- A typical acupuncture session for your dog can last from 15 to 30 minutes
- Your veterinarian will insert needles into your dog’s body at specific acupuncture points using a variety of thin needle sizes
- These needles can stay in your dog for up to 30 minutes or just for a few seconds
- Your veterinarian will likely recommend more therapy sessions when your dog is first starting out with acupuncture and then tapering off, depending on the response to the treatment.
- Acupuncture sessions can be done in the comfort of your pet’s home or at a veterinary clinic
Types of acupuncture for dogs
Many different styles of acupuncture exist. Dry-needle acupuncture, i.e. inserting small needles into the skin, can be performed using Chinese or Japanese methods. Chinese acupuncture is the more common method, which uses a slightly larger needle that is inserted into the skin for a longer period of time (usually 15 to 30 minutes). Besides, Japanese acupuncture tend towards smaller needles that are inserted more superficially and for a shorter time.
Although less common than dry acupuncture, both water acupuncture and electroacupuncture are also becoming more popular in veterinary medicine. water acupuncture is where sterile solutes, usually B12, are injected into known acupoints. power magnet uses electricity to further amplify the purpose and benefits of dry-needle acupuncture. Both have great benefits and are generally well tolerated by dogs.
Another advanced remedy for acupuncture that eliminates needles is acupressure. Acupressure Use the fingers (or other parts of the hands and body) to stimulate the acupoints. The great benefit of dog reflexology is that pet parents can provide this therapy at home. Many times, they see the same benefits as when giving acupuncture to their dog. This is a great way to empower student parents!
Benefits of acupuncture for dogs
The benefits of acupuncture for dogs are thought to be similar to the benefits that humans can experience.
These benefits include but are not limited to:
- Reduce healing time. Acupuncture can be used to reduce healing time for dogs recovering from acute or chronic injury or after surgery. This may include soft tissue or ligament injuries or orthopedic surgery.
- Enhance pain control. Whether your dog has orthopedic, neurological, or gastrointestinal pain, acupuncture can help alleviate discomfort by providing better pain control. Acupuncture is a great free practice that can be easily incorporated into traditional treatment plans.
- Increase mobility. Acupuncture is a great option for older dogs or dogs with chronic mobility changes (such as those with amputations, dysplasia, or muscle weakness or atrophy). Acupuncture is also a great modality for dogs who can’t handle pharmaceutical pain control options, such as NSAIDs or gabapentin.
- Reduce inflammation. Acupuncture can help control many different types of inflammation, such as inflammation associated with skin allergies. According to a small 2018 study on skin allergies in humans, acupuncture is thought to stimulate blood flow to specific acupoints that help heal skin lesions, as well as further reduce inflammation. symptoms associated with eczema, dermatitis, and pruritus (itchy skin).
How dogs respond to acupuncture, and for how long, depends entirely on the individual’s response, as well as the response of the pet’s parents. While some pet parents may not notice any benefits associated with acupuncture for their dogs, others may notice positive changes within days or even a few days. weeks after therapy sessions. Acupuncture is often combined with other chiropractic measures, such as chiropractic, laser therapy, or massage therapy, to help lengthen gums.
Things pet parents need to watch for after their dog’s acupuncture session that can help provide insight into how their dog’s body is responding to treatment include but are not limited to:
- appetite. If your dog eats more food after acupuncture treatment, can you relate this to anything in particular, such as reduced nausea, increased feeling of well-being, or pain relief?
- Water consumption. Many dogs drink more water and urinate more after the acupuncture session. This is very normal.
- Mobility. If your dog is able to move around more easily after acupuncture, this is a great sign. Things to note about better mobility include less stiffness after waking, easier time getting up and down, better range of motion, or easier getting up and down furniture.
- Activity levels. If your dog requires walks more often or longer after acupuncture, this is a great sign. If she plays with you or other pets in the house more often, she’s probably feeling better.
- Behavior changes. Positive behavior changes may include your dog appearing to be more sociable, more relaxed, or less distressed overall.
Who can practice acupuncture on dogs?
Regardless of whether you are working with a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or Western practitioner, the only legal professional who can perform acupuncture on your dog is a licensed veterinarian. licensed, who have completed certification and additional training in acupuncture.
If your vet doesn’t practice acupuncture on animals, she can refer you to a local veterinarian who does, or you can search for practitioners in your local area. using the Chi . University Alumni Directory This.
Common canine conditions benefit from acupuncture
Knowing the benefits of acupuncture for dogs can help you determine if it’s a good option for your child. However, if you are still hesitant, this list of common conditions in dogs that may benefit from this therapy can help you determine if it is worth exploring for your puppy. Are not.
Common canine conditions that may respond to acupuncture include but are not limited to:
- osteoarthritis
- Skin allergies
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Spinal cord conditions
- Anxiety or other behavioral challenges
- Side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, loss of appetite and depression
This is just a small list of conditions that may benefit from an acupuncture referral. If you believe your dog’s condition can be improved with this therapy, do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian.
Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular as a standalone modality or used in conjunction with more traditional treatments for a variety of canine ailments. Its cost may deter some foster parents from exploring this therapy for their dog, but an increasing number of pet insurance companies are covering this treatment. With few negative side effects, acupuncture should absolutely be explored for a well-resourced pet parent and a puppy in need.
