Although traditional veterinary care is still the primary method, integrating alternative therapies can offer extra advantages to your pet's health care. In this article, our veterinarian in Ketchum will discuss the practice of acupuncture for dogs and explore its benefits as an additional therapy to your pup's treatment plan.
What is acupuncture for dogs?
Acupuncture is a special type of treatment that can be used on its own or in conjunction with other treatments to help manage your pet's symptoms and treat their condition. These techniques are performed by a veterinarian trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).
TCVM, which can also include the use of other therapies, is often combined with conventional medical care, resulting in a more inclusive approach to healing. As a treatment, acupuncture is beneficial at all stages of life (from puppies and kittens to adult and senior pets) and for a range of conditions. It is considered a safe and effective therapy that can relieve pain or discomfort.
Is it safe for my dog to have acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been successfully used on various animal species, such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and horses. Due to the small size of acupuncture needles, most dogs do not require pain treatment or sedation to undergo a session.
How long does it take dog acupuncture to show results?
Every dog is different, and there are various reasons why a dog might need acupuncture therapy. Therefore, the number of sessions required to treat your dog will depend on various factors. You can contact a veterinarian who offers acupuncture services, and they can estimate how many sessions will benefit your dog. However, it's important to note that the estimated number of sessions may change as the treatment progresses.
What are the benefits of acupuncture for dogs?
Here are some of the known benefits of using acupuncture as a form of treatment for your dog:
Manage Chronic Pain
Acupuncture has been demonstrated to trigger the body's pain-relieving endorphins and anti-inflammatory chemicals, which can aid in the relief of chronic pain. Strong medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, which can be painful, are frequently combined with acupuncture to help make a pet more comfortable. This therapy can also help with chronic inflammatory disorders like arthritis.
Stimulate Digestive Function
Acupuncture can improve digestive function by stimulating secretions and enhancing blood flow, leading to alleviation of symptoms like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and nausea.
Relieve Symptoms of Respiratory Conditions
Acupuncture is a beneficial treatment for pets who suffer from respiratory issues, including asthma and allergies. This treatment has demonstrated relaxing and immune system calming properties, making it an effective way to treat animal breathing problems. Additionally, acupuncture has anti-inflammatory and immune-calming properties that can also assist dogs.
Improve Healing Abilities
Inserting needles at pre-determined places is thought to boost blood flow, which is essential for healing and can speed up the process. It also stimulates your pet's natural waste disposal mechanism, which assists in the removal of all poisons and waste from their body.
Promote Healthy Skin
Acupuncture can help dogs with skin problems by promoting healing through increased circulation. This includes conditions such as allergic dermatitis, granulomas, and hot spots.
Aid With Rehabilitation & Musculoskeletal Issues
Acupuncture is commonly used in injury rehabilitation and can also provide relief for conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and nerve damage.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.