Acupuncture For Dogs: Animal acupuncture is fast becoming an accepted practice in treating a wide range of aliments including arthritis and allergies - could your dog benefit?
Most people have heard of acupuncture for humans and the great benefits it has for us, but don't actually know that much about how it works, or that it can also be extremely beneficial for our pets.
Personally, I think it is a wonderful thing and my dog, Oscar, has it regularly to keep his back muscles in good order, so he can walk ok, and to alleviate any spasms he has in his stomach. His response to it is nothing short of miraculous. Having the acupuncture on a regular basis keeps him topped-up and fighting fit.
1) What conditions can be treated?
Acupuncture for dogs is primarily used to alleviate pain associated with musculoskeletal issues such as arthritic, post orthopaedic surgery and back pain. However, it can also be used as an aid to treatment in certain skin conditions such as allergic skin disease and some functional conditions such as recurrent constipation in cats and irritable bowel type problems in dogs. It can also provide great relief from the side effects of some cancer treatments, eliminating incontinence and even reducing epilepsy episodes.
2) What can I expect?
An acupuncture session will usually last around twenty to thirty minutes. The initial consultation will last longer in order to enable your practitioner to gather your pet's full history and perform an examination. In addition, you will most likely need to contact your regular Veterinary Surgeon to obtain consent for treatment prior to our first consultation.
A course of four to six weekly treatments is usually recommended, followed by a maintenance treatment every four to six weeks depending on the problem and how your pet responds.
3) Is it safe?
Yes. But do make sure you go to a fully qualified practitioner and someone who is trained in treating animals.
4) Is it painful?
If a particular muscle is sore or in spasm, it may be slightly uncomfortable to start with, but the actual introduction of a pin into the stressed area should relax that particular muscle directly, thereby giving relief to your pet. However, most animals tolerate needle placement extremely well and become relaxed. Some dogs can even fall asleep during treatments!
If your pet does become sleepy during or after the treatment this is usually a sign that he or she will respond well to acupuncture. Having said that, if your pet doesn't become sleepy, this does not mean that there will be no response. Approximately 80% of animals will respond well to acupuncture.
5) How many needles will be used in my dog?
The number of needles placed and the length of time they are in place for, during treatment, is individual to each patient.
6) What can I expect after the treatments?
You will probably see one of three things following the acupuncture treatment:
- Your dog may seem to be in a bit more pain the day after treatment. This may mean that too many needles were placed or the needles were stimulated too frequently (sometimes a minute electric pulse is used to help stimulate the muscles more). Don't worry, this shouldn't last and subsequent treatments can be adjusted if needs be.
- You may see no response. This could be due to a small but transient improvement that was too minute for you to see, or because insufficient needles were placed. Again, subsequent treatments can be adjusted if this happens.
- You may see an improvement. People often report an improvement in demeanour before an improvement in mobility. Any improvement will typically last up to three days after the initial session, and subsequent treatments should provide longer lasting results!
7) Isn't animal acupuncture expensive?
This depends entirely on your practitioner. However, acupuncture can almost always be claimed for on pet insurance, providing the condition that your dog is receiving acupuncture for is covered by the policy.
If you feel your pet may benefit from acupuncture and have any questions please feel free to visit our site or contact me.
One more thing! Did you know humans have been using acupuncture successfully for over 5,000 years and that animal acupuncture has a long track record too with dates of acupuncture in horses dating as far back as 136 A.D? So rest assured it's a well-practiced, great alternative, (or treatment alongside of), conventional medicine...
For more tips and help on how to 'Treat Your Dog The Healthy & Natural Way' I invite you to visit our site http://OscarsOrganics.com.
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