Does Acupuncture Work for Dogs?

Acupuncture is fast becoming a popular form of therapy for dogs. Many animal hospitals and veterinary experts are recommending this alternative treatment to pet owners for their canine friends. But is it safe? How effective is it for pain, inflammation, and other conditions? Does acupuncture work for dogs? This article answers all these questions.

Below, we take an in-depth look at acupuncture for dogs. We explain the process, how it works, and what conditions it can help with. You will also learn about scientific insight, what to expect in a typical session, what its potential benefits are, and more.

Here is everything you need to know about acupuncture for dogs.

What Is Acupuncture for Dogs?

Acupuncture is an ancient treatment used in veterinary medicine. It helps manage pain and inflammation by inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. The needles stimulate the nervous system. This helps to improve blood flow and promotes the body's natural healing processes.

This practice has been used for thousands of years and comes from traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, where it was used to balance energy, or “Qi.” Today, modern veterinary acupuncture is used to treat conditions like arthritis, back pain, hip dysplasia, and others.

How Does Acupuncture Work for Dogs?

Although rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, acupuncture also works as a modern veterinary medical practice. It stimulates a dog's nervous system to improve blood circulation. When the needles are inserted into acupuncture points in the body, they work to release endorphins in the brain and body. These are neurotransmitters that help to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve mood.

Acupuncture also stimulates the immune response and relaxes muscles and blood vessels. This can help to manage pain in conditions like arthritis, spinal cord issues, and hip dysplasia, among others. In this way, acupuncture promotes healing in dogs.

During a session, an acupuncturist inserts needles into specific points on the dog's body. These points are chosen based on the condition being treated. The needle insertion is usually painless, and most dogs stay calm during the treatment session. This means sedation is rarely needed during acupuncture.

You can read about acupuncture sessions in more detail later on in this article.

Conditions Acupuncture May Help With

Medical acupuncture treatment helps to manage various health conditions in dogs. According to the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, alternative therapies can help with neurological, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and more issues. As such, acupuncture is often used to treat dogs suffering from the following conditions.

Condition	How Acupuncture Helps
Arthritis	Decreases pain and inflammation by increasing blood flow and releasing endorphins.
Hip Dysplasia	Eases pain and improves mobility by stimulating the central nervous system.
Chronic Pain	Decreases pain signals and promotes healing and pain management by releasing natural painkillers.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Provides pain relief and nerve regeneration by stimulating nerves and muscles along the spine.
Post-Surgical Recovery	Speeds healing and reduces pain by boosting the body's immune response.
Nerve Pain	Relieves pain and improves nerve function by increasing circulation and reducing muscle spasms.
Allergies and Skin Conditions	Boosts the immune system and reduces allergic reactions, itching, and inflammation.
Mobility Issues	Enhances joint function and reduces stiffness to improve overall mobility.
Gastrointestinal Disorders	Improves digestive function and provides relief from symptoms such as nausea and bloating.

Scientific Evidence and Veterinary Opinions

The beneficial effects of acupuncture are scientifically proven. Research shows that acupuncture helps to reduce pain in dogs with hip dysplasia. It also improves mobility and reduces pain signals. Moreover, dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) recover faster with medical treatment combined with electroacupuncture compared to those with conventional treatment alone.

Acupuncture also helps dogs with neurological problems. According to research, acupuncture accelerates the recovery of motor functions in dogs with IVDD. As such, it is no surprise to see veterinarians recommend this procedure to dog owners.

What to Expect in a Dog Acupuncture Session

If you are considering acupuncture for dogs, you should know what to expect. It can help you and your pet feel more comfortable. The process is safe, non-invasive, and often relaxing for dogs. Here is what to expect in a typical session:

Preparing Your Dog for Acupuncture

To start with, choose a certified veterinary acupuncturist to ensure proper treatment. Once you schedule your session, you can prepare your dog for it. Try and bring your canine friend in a calm state—a short walk beforehand can help. Avoid feeding your dog a large meal before the session. You should also discuss any existing health conditions or medications with your vet at this stage.

What Happens During the Session?

Once the session starts, the veterinary acupuncturist will evaluate your dog’s condition and determine the best treatment plan. They will then insert thin, sterile acupuncture needles into specific points in the body. The needles stimulate the nervous system, improve blood circulation, and release endorphins. This helps to reduce pain and swelling. Some dogs may feel a slight tingling sensation when the needles are placed. However, most dogs enter a relaxed state once the treatment begins. In some cases, the vet may use electroacupuncture (gentle electrical stimulation of the needles) for enhanced effects.

Session Duration and Frequency

Each session lasts between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on your dog's condition. Many dogs may also need multiple treatments for lasting results. Treatment for dogs with chronic pain or hip dysplasia may span 4-6 weeks and then require maintenance sessions every few months. However, dogs with acute pain or post-surgical recovery may need fewer sessions.

Pros and Cons of Acupuncture for Dogs

So, you know acupuncture is an effective alternative to pain medication and conventional treatment. But what are the risks associated with acupuncture? This section will answer this question. Here are some pros and cons of acupuncture for dogs:

Pros

• Non-invasive procedure.

• Drug-free treatment.

• Minimal to no side effects.

• Can be used alongside traditional veterinary care.

• Improves mobility, pain relief, and other health conditions

• A holistic approach that addresses overall well-being.

Cons

• Effectiveness varies by dog and condition.

• May require multiple sessions for the best results.

• Cost may be a concern for some pet owners.

• Can be stressful for anxious or aggressive dogs.

Is Acupuncture Worth Trying for Your Dog?

Acupuncture can be used to help dogs suffering from several health conditions, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. As such, you should consider some key factors before making a decision.

Factors to Consider

• Condition Being Treated: Acupuncture may be more effective for chronic pain, arthritis, and neurological disorders than for acute injuries.

• Severity of Symptoms: Dogs with severe pain or mobility issues may benefit more from a combination of acupuncture and conventional treatments.

• Overall Health: Dogs with underlying health conditions may require a vet’s approval before starting acupuncture.

Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian

Before making your decision, ask your veterinarian some questions. These can help you get a good idea about the process and its compatibility with your dog's condition.

• Is acupuncture a suitable option for your dog's condition?

• How many sessions will be needed before you see results?

• Can acupuncture be combined with your dog’s current treatment plan?

• What are the potential risks or side effects?

• How do your dog’s breed and age affect the effectiveness of acupuncture?

Checking some common signs can also help you decide if acupuncture is the right treatment choice for your dog or not. These include:

Signs Acupuncture May Be Right for Your Dog

• Your dog has chronic pain or mobility issues.

• Conventional treatments are not providing enough relief.

• You want a non-invasive and medicine-free option.

• Your dog tolerates handling well and remains calm during treatment.

Signs Acupuncture May Not Be the Best Choice

• Your dog has severe anxiety and may react to needle insertion.

• The condition requires immediate surgery or emergency medical attention.

• Cost or availability concerns about a certified veterinary acupuncturist.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, yes, acupuncture does work for dogs. It is an ancient treatment technique that is scientifically proven to have beneficial results. It can reduce chronic pain in dogs and help with several other health conditions, including neurological and musculoskeletal issues. As a result, acupuncture can improve your dog's overall well-being. However, it is not a common cure for all health problems. Consider the pros and cons of acupuncture.

Check to see if your dog's symptoms match with the conditions that this technique can help with. If possible, consult a veterinary expert and get clarity on all your queries. This will help you make the right decision about choosing acupuncture for your dog.

If you want the healing touch of acupuncture for your dog in San Diego, contact Peaceful Veterinary Care. Our qualified vets and veterinary acupuncturists are dedicated to boosting your dog's health and speeding up recovery times. They will ensure a personalized approach after carefully choosing acupuncture points based on your pet's history and physical exam. Whether you prefer in-home or in-clinic dog acupuncture, we are here to help.

Browse our website for more information or call us to schedule an appointment.