Integrative treatment methods are gaining popularity in the pet industry. One of them is acupuncture. Acupuncture has existed for hundreds of years. Some pet parents even think it is a better way of alleviating their dogs' pain and it may even help with their illnesses.

What Makes Veterinary Acupuncture Effective?

Acupuncture aims to stimulate the body to restore itself. Veterinary acupuncture promotes healing by fixing energy imbalances in your pet's body. It improves blood flow, stimulates the nervous system, and boosts the release of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving hormones.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into body tissue where the nerve bundles and blood vessels meet. These collections of vascular and nervous tissues are known as acupuncture points, which pass entire aspects of the body’s surface on meridians or energy channels. The meridians allow a cycle of energy to travel throughout the whole body within 24 hours.

Other Forms of Acupuncture

Electroacupuncture

Electroacupuncture uses needles attached to a device that generates tiny electrical pulses to stimulate acupuncture points. However, it is believed to emit a stronger kind of stimulation. This type of acupuncture is often used as a treatment for musculoskeletal disorders including back pain, muscle soreness, chronic arthritis, hip dysplasia, slipped disk, degenerative joint disease, and other conditions of the nervous system.




LED

LED stands for light-emitting diode.  It is a silicon microchip with different integrated substances, each producing a different light color when stimulated by electrical currents. Compared to lasers which pinpoint the light beam, LEDs enable the light beam to spread out. A wider beam allows for greater ease of application and faster treatment time, since light emissions cover a wider surface area.




Aquapuncture

Another form of acupuncture that pet owners can try out is aquapuncture. Using a hypodermic needle, a solution is injected directly into your dog's acupuncture points.  The solution, normally composed of saline and vitamin B12, will continue to stimulate the acupuncture points for a few days. Aquapuncture is perfect for dogs suffering from severe hip or back caused by arthritis, vertebral spondylosis, or hip dysplasia.

How Does Acupuncture Help My Dog?

1.  One of the most common applications of acupuncture is for pain management. Oftentimes, this goes with a more conventional treatment plan.  Stressful medical procedures like chemotherapy are usually paired with acupuncture to help make pets feel better.

2.  Musculoskeletal problems including hip dysplasia, nerve injuries, and arthritis can improve with acupuncture. It can also be used for rehabbing a physical injury.
 
3.  Skin problems such as granulomas, allergic reactions, dermatitis, or hot spots can be treated with acupuncture. Increased blood circulation can improve the healing process and reduce itchiness too, and acupuncture can help with that.

4.  Acupuncture can also alleviate gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and nausea. In addition, it might also help stabilize digestive activity by stimulating the digestive process.

5.  Dogs, cats, and other pets suffering from respiratory problems like asthma and allergies will likely benefit from the anti-inflammatory and calming capabilities of acupuncture.

Acupuncture and other alternative healing methods can potentially improve your dog’s life.  

Should your dog have acupuncture?