Did You Say...Acupuncture for Dogs?

Just like how acupuncture is becoming more and more popular in humans, it’s becoming a revolutionary for animals as well. Whether it’s in senior dogs or those recovering from an injury, there are so many benefits to it. According to PetMD, the following are health benefits to acupuncture in pets:

1.Veterinary acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s own pain relieving and anti-inflammatory substances.

2.Relaxation of muscles at the site of needle insertion and more distant locations body is achieved with veterinary acupuncture treatment, creating both a local and generalized pain relieving effect.

3.Veterinary acupuncture improves tissue blood flow, oxygenation and removal of metabolic wastes and toxins.

4.Unlike prescription and over the counter pain medications, veterinary acupuncture lacks potential adverse side effects for your pet’s internal organs.

5.Your pet’s medications or supplements will not adversely interact with veterinary acupuncture treatment; therefore it can safely be used to treat a variety of illnesses.

Photo Credit: Metro Paws®

Our very own Stone goes to physical therapy every Wednesday and receives acupuncture. It has improved his life tremendously and reduces the pain typical 14 year old dogs go through. No, it’s not painful. Pretty sure he wouldn’t sit still through it every week if it were.

Don’t know what exactly it is? Well, acupuncture is essentially inserting extremely fine point needles into specified points, which are call acupuncture points) where the nerve and blood vessels meet.

Photo Credit: Metro Paws®

From an article in mom.me, "Most people think of acupuncture as a pain reliever, but it's more than that," says Dr. Basko [Ihor Basko, DVM/holistic veterinarian], who has trained other vets in acupuncture for nearly 3 decades and is certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in Ft. Collins, CO. "Acupuncture can boost the immune system and improve organ functions, and it has other benefits. It can complement conventional medicines and procedures without dangerous side effects."

Photo Credit: Metro Paws®

Acupuncture is based off ancient Chinese medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and the philosophy that illness is caused by an imbalance. Overall, it’s meant to promote the body to heal itself by correcting energy imbalances along with enhancing blood circulation, the release of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving hormones, and nervous system stimulation. There are also no systemic side effects meaning that it can be particularly helpful in dogs with poor health.

Not sure if it's right for you and your pup? Consult with your vet or find a holistic vet who might understand the concept more and have more experience in it.