Acupuncture for Dogs
Veterinary acupuncture therapy is yet another holistic option to investigate for your pet when a dog doesn’t respond to other options such as glucosamine or even steroids and other anti-inflammatory medications. This type of holistic therapy for dogs with arthritis or dysplasia is exactly the same therapy that works for humans.
When a dog or any being experiences disturbances or obstructions to the energy flows in the acupuncture meridians that traverse its body, it’s quite common for the animal to feel pain. Acupuncturists are trained to insert needles at certain special points along these meridians in order to clear these energy blocks and obstructions.
In cases of dog arthritis and dysplasia, those energy blocks are commonly cited as the cause of pain, and acupuncture therapy is well proven to eliminate the pain and restore joint function.
Western science doesn’t understand the exact process as to why acupuncture works, yet its effectiveness is not disputed and it has been used in Asia for centuries. Traditional Chinese medical theory basically claims that it works by helping to balance the body's energy system, which has been misaligned by disease or trauma.
Whatever the reason, veterinarians and pet owners appreciate the results of acupuncture therapy, which can tremendously improve the symptoms of arthritis and dysplasia. Basically, if a dog has a problem with a certain area of their body, the acupuncture point connected to that problem area is treated to help relieve the problem. Therefore, acupuncture is commonly used in cases of:
- spinal disorders
- arthritis
- hip dysplasia
We’re not dogs, but acupuncturists and veterinarians report that dogs love acupuncture treatments and their sensations, and are often excited to be receiving their next treatments. The big benefit is that acupuncture not only rebalances the energy system in a dog’s body to not only help correct the dog's problem, but the dog seems more energetic and happy after a treatment.
Like most holistic remedies (such as canine chiropractic procedures), acupuncture treatment is a gradual process that is not a quick fix, and yet veterinarians have seen cases where in just a few treatments animals can leap off tables without pain or yelping. Generally, acupuncture therapy takes several treatments to be effective but if your dog doesn’t experience any improvements within 3-5 treatments, you should be looking for other options. When acupuncture does seem to reduce the pain of arthritis, you can usually reduce the visits to “tune up” treatments over the future.
The only way to know if it can help your pet is to take them in for a treatment with a qualified practitioner, who can be found by contacting any of the organizations provided below.
Referrals from the following organizations can assist you in finding a qualified veterinary acupuncturist:
Veterinary Acupuncture Homepage contains links to the International veterinary acupuncture society directory
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA)
If you are looking for a veterinary doctor that can treat your pet using acupuncture, click on the link in the frame to the left labeled "Directory."
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS)
Use the LOCATE A CERTIFIED VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURIST button to find a practitioner near you.
IVAD: The International Veterinary Acupuncture Directory
Don't live in the U.S. ? This map will help you find a Veterinary Acupuncturist in most parts of the world.
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