When it comes to our dogs, there's probably nothing we wouldn't do to avoid them from feeling agony or discomfort, which is why new therapeutic approaches are being adopted. Pet acupuncture and other complementary treatments provide innovative and noninvasive solutions to improve rehabilitation and manage discomfort. Today, our Pico Rivera vets discuss the five benefits of acupuncture for dogs.
Acupuncture has been utilized for thousands of years in China where it is thought to have originated) to induce a therapeutic response in the body. Each year, an increasing number of domestic animals receive acupuncture, with excellent results. As a result, a growing number of dog owners are experimenting with acupuncture.
Are you curious about how acupuncture can help your dog? In this blog post, we'll go over some of the benefits of acupuncture for your dog.
Is Acupuncture Safe for My Dog?
Acupuncture has been used successfully on a variety of different animal species, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and horses. Your Pico Rivera veterinarian will be able to inform you whether acupuncture is a suitable therapy option for your specific circumstances.
Because the needles used in acupuncture are so small, most pets do not require pain treatment or sedation to endure an acupuncture session.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Most pet owners report that their animals become calm or even fall asleep while the needles are in, and small animals rarely experience pain during acupuncture. However, given that acupuncture patients have described experiencing tingling or numbness, some animals may show a mild level of discomfort due to the novel sensations. In recent years, animal acupuncture has advanced to the point where lasers are used in place of needles for a completely painless procedure.
Contrary to some medical procedures, there is very little chance of any negative side effects from acupuncture when done correctly. Animal acupuncture should only be performed by licensed veterinary acupuncturists who have knowledge of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM). Acupuncture and other complementary therapies are frequently used by veterinarians who practice TCVM in addition to more traditional treatment plans.
How Many Sessions Will My Dog Need?
The number of sessions necessary to treat your pet will vary greatly because each pet is unique and has different reasons for seeking acupuncture therapy. The approximate number of sessions that will be beneficial for your pet can be provided by your veterinarian, but bear in mind that this number may change as the treatment goes on.
How Can Acupuncture Benefit My Dog?
The following is a list of benefits acupuncture can provide for your dog.
1. Pain Management & Relief
Acupuncture has been demonstrated to trigger the body's own 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. Acupuncture can also help with chronic inflammatory disorders like arthritis.
2. Improved Digestive Function
Through the stimulation of digestive secretions and an increase in blood flow to the body, acupuncture may help restore normal digestive function. Increased blood flow from acupuncture can benefit gastrointestinal conditions like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and nausea.
3. Improved Respiratory Function
The use of acupuncture can help animals with respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma. Acupuncture has been shown to have calming, immune-system soothing, and calming effects. It can also be used to treat animals with breathing issues. Dogs can benefit from acupuncture's immune-soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Promotes Healing
The insertion of needles at pre-determined places is thought to boost blood flow, which is essential for healing and can actually 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.
5. Can Aid in Skin Problems
For dogs with skin conditions like hot spots, granulomas, or allergic dermatitis, acupuncture is a common treatment. The improved circulation may aid in the healing process.
Bonus: Can Help With Musculoskeletal Issues
Musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and nerve damage can all be treated with acupuncture. It is frequently applied during injury recovery.