Can Acupuncture Be a Possible Treatment for Dogs?

Acupuncture has long been recognized for its ability to heal the mind and body. Its history dates back to ancient times. Recently, more and more practitioners are using it on dogs. This therapy is known as veterinary acupuncture and provides a holistic approach to pet care.

What Is Veterinary Acupuncture?

Pet parents from all around the world are turning to veterinary acupuncture to treat pain, inflammation, and separation anxiety. This therapy is beneficial for dogs and cats alike, and has none of the side effects of conventional pet meds.

Even though the research on veterinary acupuncture is limited, pet owners report outstanding results. This form of treatment works even when everything else has failed. It appears to be particularly beneficial for pets with arthritis, lick granulomas, degenerative joint disease, traumatic nerve injuries, hip dysplasia, endocrine disorders, and allergic skin conditions.

Just like conventional acupuncture, it involves inserting fine needles into specific body areas. This helps stimulate the body’s own anti-inflammatory and pain relieving substances, removes metabolic waste, and improves circulation. Depending on the areas targeted, acupuncture may ease local pain and relax the muscles.

What Are the Benefits?

Veterinary acupuncture is a safe, powerful therapy for dogs and other pets. Even larger animals can reap its benefits. According to science, it works by stimulating the nerve fibers that regulate the body’s pain response. This leads to the release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, which in turn, provides pain relief.

This form of treatment can improve your dog’s health and well-being after just a few sessions. It also works as a preventive method against allergies, reproductive issues, respiratory disorders, and anxiety. Its efficiency depends on the number and length of treatments as well as on the severity of the disease and the practitioner’s experience.

Statistics show that about 50 percent of the pets treated with acupuncture experience significant improvements. Another 25 percent show major improvements or heal completely. The remaining 25 percent don’t respond to treatment.

Whether your furry friend is struggling with pain, nerve injuries, anxiety, or asthma, acupuncture can help. In some cases, it works better than prescription drugs and surgery. Give it a try-it might be exactly what your pet needs. The results are quick and can last for months or even years.