Acupuncture Dog Treatment

Acupuncture dog treatment may sound like a “new-wave” idea, but the practice has been used on animals by the Chinese for over 3,000 years!

Today, dog owners are (and should be!) lining up to be healed by the magic, tiny needles:

What is acupuncture?

How does it work?

What conditions respond well?

Is it right for my dog?

How much time does it take?

Acupuncture and disease prevention

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is only one part of the entire system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The others include diet, Chinese herbs, massage and breathing. This system of medicine is used to diagnose, prevent and treat disease and is based on the idea that the body always attempts to maintain a certain balance and will do what it can to regulate itself.

In TCM, disease is viewed as a health and wellness “blockage.” Acupuncture helps remove the blockage by stimulating energy flow. This is accomplished by inserting tiny needles into specific parts of the body to get the attention of the nervous system.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “acupuncture has been proven effective in relieving postoperative pain, nausea during pregnancy, nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy, and dental pain with extremely low side effects. It can also alleviate anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia.”

Sounds great so far, but what about the “ouch” factor?

acupuncture dog The needles used for acupuncture are very different from the needles used to draw blood or sew up a cut. Acupuncture needles are round at the head and are so fine that many patients don’t even feel them being applied. Most patients describe the feeling as a mild pricking sensation. Others enjoy the application process.

"It does not matter whether medicine be old or new, so long as it brings about a cure. It matters not whether theories be eastern or western, so long as they prove to be true."
Jen Hsou Lin, DVM, PhD

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How Does Acupuncture Dog Treatment Work?

Acupuncture needles applied to the outside of the body can actually affect the internal organs. Here is a specific example of from Barbara Fougere, BVSc: “There is a point called Stomach 36 (ST 36), located just below the stifle (knee) and slightly on the outside of the leg in the dog and cat.

Acupuncture at this point relieves nausea and vomiting and has been shown in research to increase the number of circulating white blood cells in the body, thereby improving immunity.”

Besides its ability to cure specific symptoms, acupuncture is also shown to stimulate the release of neuron-chemicals, including endorphins, which can provide pain relief or act as an anti-inflammatory hormone.

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Conditions that Respond Well to Acupuncture Dog Treatment

Acupuncture is best known for its ability to treat mild to moderate pain in the body of a dog. It is also helpful for:

Behavioral Problems
Cancer
Digestive Tract Disorders
Eyes and Ears
Heart Disorders
Immune Disorders
Muscle and Joint Problems
Nervous System and Spinal Problems
Reproduction
Respiratory Disorders
Skin Disorders
Urinary Tract Problems

The amount of acupuncture dog treatment your dog must receive depends on the symptoms and his individual reaction to the treatments.

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Is Acupuncture Dog Treatment Right for You and Your Dog?

Many dog owners have seen tremendous results from acupuncture and have tied it into their overall strategy to maintaining good health. Acupuncture dog treatment should especially be considered if:

You want to try natural alternatives before trying man-made medication
Medications have not been effective
Your dog is too old or weak to undergo surgery or anesthesia

Like many treatments, however, acupuncture dog treatment is not right for all dogs:

It can be costly (up to $100+ per session) and time consuming (1 to 3 times per week for up to 6 weeks).
Dogs being treated with acupuncture may take a few sessions to notice positive results.
It is not a “quick fix” for your dog’s pain.

Does this sound like it could be a good fit for you and your little buddy?

If so, it is important to:

Learn if your dog’s symptoms can be treated by acupuncture
Ensure that the expert conducting the treatment is a certified professional

The Chi Institute

The Chi Institute is the leading veterinary continuing education provider of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). Their mission is to train licensed veterinarians to become cutting edge animal health care providers capable of practicing veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and other TCVM skills.

Click Here to search their directory of TCVM practitioners in the United States and around the world. Both searches can be found in the left margin of their web site.

The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS)

The IVAS is a non-profit organization “dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice of veterinary acupuncture, as an integral part of the total veterinary health care delivery system.”

Click Here to search the IVAS database for a certified veterinary acupuncturist in your area.

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How Much Time Does Acupuncture Dog Treatment Take?

According to the IVAS, treatments usually last 10 seconds to 30 minutes depending on the problem being treated. It may be necessary to bring your dog in for treatment 1 to 3 times per week for 4 to 6 weeks. It is noted by experts that a positive response is often seen within the first 4-6 treatments and sometimes earlier depending on the condition.

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Acupuncture and Disease Prevention

You may be thinking that acupuncture is only effective in the treatment of current problems. Experts say that acupuncture dog treatment used throughout the life of your dog could also be beneficial. It is believed to create a stronger defense mechanism and to help dogs better handle everyday stresses. In other words:

Healthy Dog + Acupuncture = Even Healthier Dog

Taylor Tips! Sometimes my life can get a bit stressful, like when the dog park is closed or when my family has to be out of town for a couple of days. Maybe acupuncture could help me deal with some of these stresses!

Bottom line?

Acupuncture has enough supporting research to make it a viable option for your dog. If you can devote the time and afford the treatments, we recommend giving it a try, especially if other options are not working.

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Also see...

Illnesss & Remedies for condition-specific education and treatments

Most Common Holistic Treatment Options

Dog Vet Care to find a dog acupuncturist in your area

Back to Health & Wellness Dog Care from Acupuncture Dog Treatment

Acupuncture Dog Treatment References