Acupuncture is a natural and holistic approach rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s gaining popularity for treating chronic pain in dogs because it’s effective and non-invasive. Research continues to find that it reduces pain and inflammation. It has few side effects. If you were wondering whether acupuncture was right for your dog, we’d love to share important information about what you can expect.
How Acupuncture for Dogs Works
Just like it does for humans, acupuncture involves stimulating specific points in your dog’s body to promote healing. These points are located at nerve bundles, near major blood vessels, and in muscle tissue. Acupuncture can improve circulation by inserting small, thin, stainless-steel needles into these points. This process also boosts the immune response, activates tissue repair, and reduces inflammation.
Acupuncture has a key benefit. It helps the body release natural opioids, which manage pain. It also raises serotonin levels, which regulate many body systems. This approach works on the nerves and body to bring relief. It promotes well-being without drugs.
What Does Science Say About Acupuncture For Dogs?
One research study looked at dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation (TL-IVDH) and found acupuncture to be helpful. About 79.78% of dogs that had acupuncture instead of surgery showed recovery. This suggests acupuncture can help dogs with spinal problems. It’s a good, non-surgical option. It helps with pain relief and mobility.
Another study tested acupuncture on dogs with osteoarthritis. This trial was carefully controlled and found that owners noticed improvements in their dogs’ pain and movement after acupuncture. While some measures were mixed, the positive feedback from owners suggests acupuncture can help dogs with osteoarthritis feel better.
Pain Management in Companion Animals
A review in the journal Veterinary Sciences suggested the benefits of acupuncture. It also noted the growing use of it for pain relief in pets. It explained how acupuncture works, including releasing natural painkillers and affecting body chemicals that control pain. The review concluded that acupuncture helps with short-term and long-term pain in dogs. It can be used with regular veterinary treatments.
Additionally, a pilot study looked at how acupuncture affects energy metabolism in dogs with intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) and cervical disk herniation (CVDH). The study found that acupuncture changed some blood chemicals. It also changed enzyme activities. This suggests improved energy use in these dogs. These changes were linked to better health, showing that acupuncture can help manage spinal disorders in dogs.
And when it comes to pain, a study in Veterinary Evidence looked at using acupuncture alone for chronic pain in dogs. This study reviewed several trials and found that acupuncture could effectively manage long-term pain without other painkillers. This is encouraging for those dog parents who have dogs with chronic conditions and who need ongoing pain care.
What Can I Use Acupuncture For Dogs For?
Acupuncture can help many dogs’ health conditions. It is especially useful for those related to chronic pain and the nervous system. Some of the common issues treated include:
- Arthritis: Helps alleviate joint pain and improve mobility.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease: Reduces pain and inflammation associated with spinal issues.
- Nerve Injury, Paralysis, and Weakness: Aids in nerve regeneration and muscle function.
- Seizures: Can help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.
- Dental and Tooth Pain: Provides relief from oral discomfort.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Supports kidney function and reduces associated symptoms.
- Hip Dysplasia: Can help reduce pain and inflammatory response.
Acupuncture is also useful for recovery from injuries, promoting pain relief, improving blood circulation, and reducing inflammation, and it does so without pharmaceutical intervention.
One of the key benefits of acupuncture is its ability to improve a dog’s mobility. Here’s how acupuncture can help your dog move better and feel more comfortable.
- Reducing Pain and Inflammation: Pain and inflammation are common reasons why dogs have difficulty moving. Acupuncture can help reduce both. When needles are inserted into specific points on the body, they trigger the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins and anti-inflammatory substances. This helps to decrease pain and swelling in joints and muscles, making it easier for your dog to move around.
- Improving Blood Circulation: Good blood circulation is essential for healing and mobility. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow to specific areas of the body. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues, and waste products are removed more efficiently. This promotes healing and can help reduce stiffness, allowing your dog to move more freely.
- Enhancing Nerve Function: Acupuncture can also help improve nerve function. Inserting needles at specific points can stimulate nerves and enhance their ability to send and receive signals. This is especially beneficial for dogs with nerve damage or conditions like intervertebral disc disease, where nerve function is compromised. Improved nerve function can lead to better muscle control and coordination, helping your dog walk and run more easily.
- Relaxing Muscles: Tight or tense muscles can limit mobility and cause discomfort. Acupuncture helps to relax these muscles by promoting the release of neurotransmitters that cause muscles to relax. This can reduce muscle spasms and tension, making it easier for your dog to move without pain.
- Supporting Joint Health: Acupuncture can help support joint health by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of natural lubricants within the joints. This is particularly beneficial for dogs with arthritis or other joint conditions. By maintaining healthier joints, acupuncture can help your dog maintain or even regain mobility.
- Promoting Overall Well-Being: Acupuncture has a holistic effect on the body, promoting overall well-being. When your dog feels better overall, they are more likely to be active and mobile. Improved energy levels, reduced anxiety, and better overall health can all contribute to better mobility.
How Does Acupuncture Treatment For Dogs Work?
Reduces Chronic Pain and Inflammation
Acupuncture is effective in managing chronic pain and inflammation. Acupuncture triggers the release of natural painkillers like endogenous opioids. It also promotes the production of neurotransmitters, cytokines, and growth factors. This helps manage pain, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate inflammation.
Enhances Overall Well-Being and Quality of Life
Regular acupuncture sessions can significantly improve your dog’s overall health and quality of life. It can help with weight loss. It does this by spurring the change of fat cells to muscle cells. It also encourages healthy diet changes. Additionally, it can reduce anxiety and support a calm demeanor in your dog.
Supports Conventional Veterinary Care
Acupuncture can be a valuable addition to traditional veterinary treatments. It can help manage conditions. These include obesity, behavioral disorders, cognitive decline, and general wellness. This holistic, alternative therapy works well alongside conventional treatments. A whole-body support is the best approach to your dog’s best health.
What to Expect During Acupuncture Sessions
Acupuncture sessions are designed to be calm and relaxing. The vet will begin by asking about your dog’s health and conducting a physical exam. They may suggest additional therapies like massage or electroacupuncture to complement the treatment. The needles are inserted into specific areas of the body and are virtually painless, ensuring a stress-free experience for your dog.
Before starting acupuncture, you may want to talk about the potential benefits and risks with your regular vet. This conversation should include the goals of acupuncture therapy and any concurrent use of medications or supplements. It generally needs a holistic vet. But, it’s never bad to talk to your regular vet too.
That said, it’s important to seek a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) for your dog’s acupuncture treatment. A CVA has formal training in veterinary acupuncture. You can find one through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society’s online database. Look for certifications from reputable organizations. These include the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, Curacore Vet, and the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. These certifications make sure the vet has undergone additional training to provide safe and effective acupuncture treatment.
The frequency of acupuncture sessions will depend on your dog’s condition. At first, sessions might be close together. Then, they will be spaced out as your dog improves. Acupuncture is not a quick fix. It is a slow process that promotes long-term health.
Bernie’s Gold Acupuncture Beads
Our Bernie has benefitted from acupuncture for years. In fact, he has permanent gold acupuncture beads. This method of acupuncture implants tiny gold beads at specific acupuncture points. They help give continuous stimulation to the points, and that helps the therapeutic effects of acupuncture last longer for Bernie. Being a bigger dog and prone to arthritis, this helps give him pain relief and improved mobility without us having to take him for more frequent sessions. They’re always active and promote better blood flow for him–which is what encourages those natural painkiller hormones to be released.
We’ve used acupuncture for our dogs for years, and believe in the power to help our dogs’ mobility in a holistic, non-pharmaceutical way!
Acupuncture offers a powerful, holistic approach to managing your dog’s health. Acupuncture may reduce pain and inflammation. It may improve well-being and support conventional treatments. It may enhance your dog’s quality of life. With the help of a certified veterinary acupuncturist, you may be able to help your furry friend enjoy the numerous benefits of this ancient practice, and this can help them lead a happy and healthy life.