There's probably nothing you wouldn't do to help your dog avoid feeling pain, agony or even discomfort. This is why new therapeutic techniques are being discovered and adapted all the time. Pet acupuncture and other treatments offer innovative, non-invasive solutions to manage discomfort and improve rehabilitation. Here, our Turlock vets list five benefits of acupuncture for dogs.
The Chinese have used acupuncture for thousands of years to induce a therapeutic response in the body. An increasing number of domestic animals and pets receive acupuncture treatments every year, with great results. This is leading a growing number of dog owners to experiment with acupuncture.
If you're curious about how acupuncture can benefit your dog, read this post to learn about several advantages of this therapy.
Is Acupuncture Safe for My Dog?
A variety of different animal species, including dogs, cats, horses and rabbits, have been successfully treated with acupuncture. Your Turlock veterinarian can help you decide whether acupuncture is a suitable therapy option for your pet's particular circumstances.
Since the needles used in acupuncture are so small, most pets will not require pain treatment to undergo an acupuncture session.
How Many Sessions Will My Dog Need?
Every pet is unique and their owners will have distinct reasons for seeking acupuncture therapy. The number of sessions needed to treat your pet will vary greatly. Your veterinarian will be able to give you an estimate of how many sessions will benefit your pet. Remember that this may change as treatment progresses.
How Can Acupuncture Benefit My Dog?
Here is a list of benefits of acupuncture therapy for dogs.
1. Pain Management & Relief
Acupuncture is known to trigger the body's pain-relieving endorphins and anti-inflammatory chemicals, which can help to relieve chronic pain. While chemotherapy and other strong medical treatments can help treat a disease, they can also be painful. These are frequently combined with acupuncture to help pets feel more comfortable. Acupuncture can also help alleviate symptoms associated to chronic inflammatory disorders such as arthritis.
2. Improved Digestive Function
Acupuncture may aid in the normalization of digestive activity by stimulating digestive secretions and increasing blood flow to the body. Acupuncture's enhanced blood flow can help with gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and nausea.
3. Improved Respiratory Function
Acupuncture can benefit pets suffering from respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to offer relaxing and immune-system calming characteristics, as well as the ability to treat animals with breathing problems. Acupuncture's immune-calming and anti-inflammatory properties assist dogs as well.
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
Acupuncture is a popular treatment for dogs who have skin issues such as allergic dermatitis, granulomas, or hot spots. The increased circulation can promote healing.
Bonus: Can Help With Musculoskeletal Issues
Acupuncture can help with musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and nerve damage. It is frequently used during injury rehabilitation.