You may know of acupuncture’s benefits for humans. But can pets also benefit from, say, dog acupuncture?
Yes! Acupuncture is beneficial for your pet.
Acupuncture increases circulation stimulates nerves and improves the body’s defense system, among other health benefits.
1. Emotional Relief
TCVM practitioners view anxiety as a physical problem reflecting disturbances in the pet’s Shen. In TCVM, Shen is the place from where happiness and well-being arise.
A TCVM vet can create a treatment plan for your pup including calming herbs and/or acupuncture.
2. Pain Relief
Veterinary acupuncture works to alleviate pain in several ways.
Acupuncture stimulates the release of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory hormones.
Monitor pets receiving acupuncture. A dog can re-injure himself from over-activity when he feels better from pain relief.
Acupuncture increases circulation, causing a release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, including endorphins, the pain-killing hormone.
In addition, Acupuncture relieves muscle spasms.
Acupuncture also alleviates pain associated with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and nerve injuries.
3. Digestive Relief
Veterinary acupuncture can help stimulate digestive secretions normalizing digestive activity.
Acupuncture also increases blood flow, aiding gastrointestinal problems like nausea and diarrhea.
4. Skin Relief
Acupuncture can alleviate skin problems caused by a number of issues.
Dog acupuncture increases circulation, alleviating skin problems including allergic dermatitis, granulomas, or hot spots.
Acupuncture’s calming side effects also benefit dogs with over-grooming or itching responses.
5. Respiratory Relief
Acupuncture’s immune-calming and anti-inflammatory capabilities alleviate respiratory problems like dog asthma and dog allergies
Dog Acupuncture Causes No Adverse Reactions
One of the greatest attributes of acupuncture is the lack of adverse side effects.
Veterinary acupuncture will not adversely interact with medications or supplements, allowing acupuncture to treat a variety of illnesses.
One of the most common uses for acupuncture is pain management. As such, acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other alternative and traditional treatment options.
Strong medical treatments causing discomfort, such as chemo, are often paired with acupuncture.
Dog Acupuncture: Where East Meets West
Several Western institutions recently adopted acupuncture as a recommendation.
The American Animal Hospital Organization’s Pain Management guidelines recommend acupuncture as a complementary pain management option most supported by evidence.
Additionally, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society states, “acupuncture will not cure every condition, but it can work very well when it is indicated.”
Dr. Marc Smith, the co-founder of PET | TAO and practicing veterinarian at Natchez Trace Veterinary Services, administers acupuncture in his clinic almost every day!
Still curious about acupuncture for pets?
Check out this video of Dr. Smith giving acupuncture to a pup named Wiley for The Dodo!
