Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments in humans. In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for pets, including dogs. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the central nervous system and promote healing. In this blog post, we will explore the topic of canine acupuncture, including its benefits, costs, and considerations.
What is Canine Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the central nervous system and promote healing. In dogs, acupuncture is used to decrease pain and inflammation, aid healing, and restore the body’s natural balance. Acupuncture can be used to help many dogs improve their quality of life.
Benefits of Canine Acupuncture
Acupuncture can provide benefits to dogs for many health conditions. Most commonly, acupuncture is used for musculoskeletal and nervous system problems, including:
- Nerve injury/paralysis/weakness
- Shortened gait/decreased range of motion
- Lameness
- Tendon injuries
Acupuncture is also used with some success in other symptoms and disorders in dogs, including:
- Dental and tooth pain
- Delayed wound healing
- Nausea
- Chronic upper respiratory and sinus infections
- Nasal congestion
- Irregular reproductive cycles
- Pain control for cancer patients and amputation patients with phantom limb pain
How Does Canine Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture involves inserting small needles into the body of a dog at certain areas called acupuncture sites, where nerves and blood arteries meet. These points are found in meridians, which are energy channels that carry energy throughout the body of a dog. Acupuncture has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for thousands of years. Acupuncture is claimed to restore the normal flow of qi (energy channels) through the body in traditional Chinese medicine.
Canine Acupuncture Costs
The cost of acupuncture for dogs can vary greatly. Considerations include your pup’s condition, the city in which you live, the veterinarian performing the treatment, and whether you take your pet to the hospital for treatment. The pricing of acupuncture therapy can be as low as $60 per session or as high as $300. Costs are typically influenced by factors such as the personality of the dog and the nature of their condition, as well as the equipment used and the practitioner’s experience.
Considerations for Canine Acupuncture
Before committing to the treatment, it’s important to discuss acupuncture with your regular veterinarian, including reviewing the goals of acupuncture therapy. Not all veterinarians are certified in acupuncture, so you may need to ask to be referred to one. Some veterinary medical associations may provide resources to find a qualified veterinarian certified in acupuncture, such as the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, Curacore Vet, and the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
During the initial appointment with a veterinary acupuncturist, a general medical examination is performed. The acupuncturist will get medical records from the dog’s primary care veterinarian, which will include a history of the dog’s ailment. To ensure that the acupuncturist is completely informed, lab tests, radiographs, and current medical therapy will be noted. The veterinary acupuncturist will do his own physical assessment, discuss treatment alternatives, and explain how an acupuncture session works. The actual session may last 20-30 minutes, depending on the conditions treated. The doctor lays out a treatment plan that might include one to three weekly appointments over several weeks. As the dog improves, the number of sessions is often reduced, and visits are arranged less often.
Mobile Canine Acupuncture
Some veterinarians that perform acupuncture for dogs will offer a package discount that includes multiple sessions at a reduced rate. Alternatively, you can choose a mobile veterinarian certified in acupuncture to visit your home. The initial visit likely will cost more than follow-up sessions, as it will include time for both the initial examination and the formation of a treatment plan.
Canine Acupuncture for Neurological Problems and Arthritis
Acupuncture has been shown to be just as successful in relieving pain in animals as it is in humans over time. Acupuncture’s benefits continue as long as the treatment is sustained in the form of weekly follow-up visits to keep pain at bay. Additionally, the dog should preferably be undergoing a supplemental physiotherapy program in order to correct their condition, rather than depending just on acupuncture.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is a wonderful tool to help dogs decrease pain and inflammation, improve healing, and restore the body’s natural balance. The cost of acupuncture for dogs can vary greatly, but it can be an effective complementary therapy for many health conditions. If you are considering acupuncture for your dog, be sure to discuss this treatment with your regular veterinarian, including reviewing the goals of acupuncture therapy. Not all veterinarians are certified in acupuncture, so you may need to ask to be referred to one.
Citations
https://www.petmd.com/dog/acupuncture-dogs
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