How Does Acupuncture For Dogs Works? What Condition Can Be Treated With It?
Dogs with arthritis and inflammatory joint disease are frequently treated with acupuncture. For instance, acupuncture is an attractive option for dogs with degenerative joint disease or hip dysplasia since it can reduce pain and enhance joint range of motion.
Your veterinarian could suggest acupuncture for your pet if they have hip dysplasia, certain neurological conditions, arthritis, allergies, or digestive problems.
Acupuncturists for animals are veterinarians with additional training in the practice. Your veterinarian might conduct the sessions there or send you to someone else. A list of licensed veterinary acupuncturists is kept up to date by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
Although acupuncture for animals is becoming more popular, only some pet owners are familiar with it. Be open-minded. In addition to the treatments we provide our pets with Western medicine, acupuncture can aid them and improve their ailments.
How it works
Sessions for canine acupuncture often last an hour, depending on the demands of the individual dog. Tiny, flexible needles are placed at specific locations on the dog's body and generally left in place for 30 minutes before being taken out.
The dog is awake throughout the procedure, and no anesthetic is required. However, owners are encouraged to attend the meetings.
Acupuncture stimulates specific body parts of dogs that are heavily populated with nerves. This can improve blood flow, lessen muscle cramps, and trigger the release of endorphins, which act as painkillers in the brain.
What is a typical session like?
A general medical examination is performed on the initial appointment with a veterinary acupuncturist. The primary care veterinarian will send the acupuncturist medical records detailing the dog's condition history.
Lab tests, radiographs, and current medical therapy will be noted to ensure that the acupuncturist is wholly informed. In addition, the veterinary acupuncturist will conduct a physical assessment, discuss treatment alternatives, and explain what happens during an acupuncture session.
Even though the patient dog is anxious in a new clinical setting, most become very relaxed after the needle is inserted.
The session may last 20-30 minutes, depending on the conditions. Next, the doctor lays up a treatment plan that could include one to three weekly visits for several weeks. As the dog improves, sessions are often reduced, and holidays are arranged less frequently.
Since the effects of acupuncture treatment are cumulative, repeat sessions are beneficial. Still, the goal is to attain the highest degree of improvement and maintain that level with the fewest treatments possible.
Acupuncture has few adverse effects. However, some dogs may be painful or stiff after a treatment session, while others appear sleepy. These symptoms usually go away within a day or two.
What Condition Can Be Treated with it?
Combining Western medicine and acupuncture for dogs can help with various conditions. These are some examples:
Nerve pain and Intervertebral disc disease: Acupuncture may provide comfort for dogs suffering from a bulging disc, a pinched nerve, or spinal arthritis.
Degenerative joint disease and arthritis: The most common reasons pet parents seek dog acupuncture are chronic discomfort and decreased or complete loss of mobility due to joint disorders.
Cancer Symptoms: Yes, you read that correctly. Acupuncture is frequently used to boost energy and relieve pain, nausea, and loss of appetite caused by cancer or cancer treatments.
Allergies: Because acupuncture helps the body manage its immune system, it may help reduce your pet's allergic reactions to foods or substances, such as environmental allergens, pollen, grasses, molds, food additives, and so on.
Acupuncture can also treat dogs with skin allergies such as allergic dermatitis, granulomas, rashes, or hot spots.
Surgery: Acupuncture may help alleviate pain and anxiety associated with surgery and subsequent veterinarian appointments.
Anxiety: Acupuncture is great for dogs with anxiety. Acupuncture for dogs with anxiety is an effective option and it is relatively affordable.
Metabolic or Hormonal Conditions: Acupuncture may assist dogs suffering from metabolic or hormonal problems such as Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or Addison's disease. Dogs suffering from liver or kidney disorders may also benefit.
Trauma: Acupuncture may help dogs that have been bitten, hit by a car, broken a bone, or undergone any trauma that has produced pain and inflammation.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Acupuncture can help with gastrointestinal issues in your dogs, such as motion sickness, diarrhea, or chemotherapy nausea.
Many illnesses in dogs and cats begin with severe nausea, and acupuncture therapy can be very effective in relieving tension by improving blood flow and releasing endorphins that have morphine-like effects. It also aids in the normalization of digestive action.
How Frequently Should My Dog Have Acupuncture?
Acupuncture sessions are generally scheduled closer together at first. Afterward, sessions will likely spread further apart as your dog feels better.
If your dog receives acupuncture for a short period, such as after surgery, illness, or injury, it may only require a few sessions.
If they are being treated for a chronic ailment, such as arthritis, they may require continued pain relief treatment.