ACUPUNCTURE FOR DOGS

We think that originally acupuncture was a system of medicine used by the ancient Chinese civilizations.  No one really knows where acupuncture got it beginnings, however.  It was believed that acupuncture maintained and restored the balance between mind, body and spirit.  Today acupuncture is becoming more popular in human medicine.  It is only natural that this procedure is now being applied to help dogs as well, although veterinary acupuncture is still not widely available. 

Veterinary acupuncture has recently been recognized, however, by the American Veterinarian Medical Association.  Veterinarians have formed The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncturists to further this practice.  Veterinary acupuncture has been recognized as a valid veterinary alternative and an effective medical treatment for animals.

Acupuncture for dogs is commonly used for pain management and in the diseases of the liver, kidneys and skin. Other problems that acupuncture is thought to help are in the areas of muscle and skeletal abnormalities, female reproductive problems and gastrointestinal problems. Traditional methods of care, such as physical therapy and medication, are commonly used in conjunction with the acupuncture procedure.

Acupuncture is based on the theory that the life energy that flows through the body organs can be disturbed by injury or disease.  The acupuncture needles are inserted along the meridian or energy paths located throughout the body and are used to balance and stimulate the body to good health.

A dog’s body has over 150 acupuncture points that are commonly used.  The needles inserted are very thin and generally do not cause the dog any discomfort when inserted, or the discomfort is for a very brief period.  It is a medical treatment with very little risk associated with it, although there is always the potential for infection.  The risk of infection is small, however, as the needles are very small and are well sterilized. 

A physical examination by a regular veterinarian is critical before any acupuncture treatment begins.  The dog’s regular vet will then refer the dog to a veterinarian acupuncturist if he feels the dog would benefit from the procedure. 

Acupuncture treatments can be done on a weekly basis or, with some complex problems, may need to be repeated up to three times per week.  For some simple ailments, the acupuncture may only need to be performed once, but often with more complex or ongoing situations (like arthritis pain) it may take longer to resolve.  The average length of time for a single acupuncture treatment is about 12 minutes.

It is common for a dog to appear lethargic and calm after an acupuncture treatment.  This is related to the endorphins released by the insertion of the needles.  Any noticeable rate of improvement in the dog’s condition often occurs only after a few treatments, and not at once. 

Although acupuncture for dogs is in its beginning phase, is appears that this medical treatment alternative is here to stay.  It has proved to be a benefit for human medical concerns, so it is safe to assume that it will help dogs as well. Back