Learning More About Dog Acupuncture and What It Can Do For Your Pet
What is canine acupuncture?
Dog acupuncture, or really just acupuncture, is the use of needles, and sometimes B12 and laser, to stimulate acupuncture points on the body of a dog to help treat medical conditions.
What health conditions can acupuncture address for dogs?
The health conditions you could treat mostly involve musculoskeletal issues, where dogs come in lame or older dogs have arthritis. It can really help with pain relief, but you can also use acupuncture for everything from internal medicine conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, and endocrine diseases to anxiety.
Is acupuncture painful for dogs?
It's not painful per se. Some people perceive it as painful because they see the needle initially put into the dog's skin. This sensation is called "de qi," where the acupuncturist has hit the exact acupuncture point. Once the de qi sensation goes away, dogs usually don't feel the needles and often go to sleep and take a nap.
Can acupuncture be used in combination with other treatments for my dog?
Yes, you can use acupuncture in combination with laser therapy, massage, and chiropractic care. You just have to ensure that the dog can handle all these modalities at once. We typically start with just a session of acupuncture and then add other therapies as needed, one at a time.
How can my dog benefit from acupuncture?
A doctor trained in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can evaluate your dog and use points to relax the dog, treat musculoskeletal conditions, and balance internal organs. If there's anxiety, we could balance the heart organ. We can also treat kidney diseases and digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea. It can be used for just about anything.
Who is qualified to perform veterinary acupuncture?
You should see a veterinarian trained in acupuncture who is certified by one of the major schools of acupuncture and has experience treating dogs, cats, or even horses or cattle with acupuncture.
How frequently will my dog need to receive acupuncture treatments?
Initially, we start with acupuncture treatments once a week or even twice a week if you can visit the veterinarian's office. After treating your dog once a week for about four to six weeks, we would decrease the treatments to every other week and eventually monthly to maintain the body's balance.
What dogs are good candidates for acupuncture?
Just about any dog is a good candidate. You can have tiny dogs with really tiny needles, and even big shepherd dogs or Great Danes can use acupuncture. They need to tolerate having needles placed in them, but if they can't, there are other ways we can perform acupuncture.
Are there any dogs who should not receive acupuncture treatments?
Dogs that are pregnant should be cautious, as hitting certain acupuncture points could cause problems with their pregnancy. For very old or debilitated dogs, we should use only a few needles. Dogs with skin conditions require care not to put needles through infected areas.
What are the alternatives to acupuncture if it's not suitable for my dog?
We might try laser therapy, chiropractic care, or just massage.
Are there any risks or negative side effects of canine acupuncture that owners should know about?
The risk could be overstimulation from too many needles, causing the dog to be lethargic for a few days. For very young or excitable dogs, care must be taken that they don't try to eat the needles, although they often pass through the body easily.
How much does a veterinary acupuncture treatment cost?
The cost varies depending on the condition, but the initial consult, which could be about two hours, might cost $200 to $300. Each additional visit could be prorated to about $100 to $150.
And what can I expect for my dog during an acupuncture session?
Your dog will be evaluated. The doctor will look at the tongue and pulse, following Chinese medicine practices. A few needles will be placed to see how your dog reacts. If all goes well, more needles can be added, sometimes up to 20. After placement, your dog will relax with a snack or calming music in a darkened room for about 10 minutes.
How can I tell if acupuncture is effective for my dog?
You will see your dog being more interactive and relaxed. After a few visits, dogs often appear happier and interact more with the family. They may also move better, hold their tails up, and generally show a sense of well-being.
How does acupuncture benefit senior dogs?
Acupuncture is excellent for senior dogs as it helps with many health conditions. It can balance organs that aren't working well, like the liver, kidneys, spleen, and stomach. It aids digestion and can alleviate diarrhea and vomiting. Overall, it helps them relax and restores body balance.
What should I do if my dog is anxious about acupuncture treatment?
Bring a favorite toy or snacks to help set your dog up for success. Relax with your dog, using calming music and dim lights. Lower your breathing and reassure your dog. We don't force pets to have acupuncture, so we start slowly with a few needles and proceed based on the dog's comfort.
Are there any home care follow-up instructions after an acupuncture session?
Let your dog set the pace and rest after the session. They may be sluggish for a day or two. Follow their regular diet and routine. By the second day, dogs generally have more energy and increased well-being, which can last for a week to three to four weeks.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our veterinary services, we’d love to hear from you. Call (276) 600-2631 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your pet.