Does acupuncture for dogs really work?


Does acupuncture for dogs really work? Research shows that acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation and improve a pet’s quality of life.

How often should dog get acupuncture? The recommended veterinary acupuncture treatment frequency will depend on your dog’s condition. Typically, dogs start out receiving between one and three weekly sessions. Once the problem is under control, the number and frequency of sessions typically taper off to the minimum necessary to maintain quality of life.

Can acupuncture make my dog worse? After a session, some dogs might be tired or seem worse for a day or two, but this is rare. There are no real contraindications to acupuncture. However, dogs who have heart disease, are pregnant, have a seizure disorder or certain types of cancer shouldn’t receive electroacupuncture.

What can I expect after my dog gets acupuncture? What can I expect after I bring my dog home from acupuncture treatment? They’re usually pretty tired. It’s not so much that the needles themselves wipe the dog out. It’s that wonderful serotonin release that makes them very relaxed.

Does acupuncture for dogs really work? – Additional Questions

Are dogs sedated for acupuncture?

Would my pet need to be sedated for this treatment? It is uncommon for animals to need to be sedated. This would only usually happen if they were so painful that any touch or stimulus causes them to be painful. Perhaps surprisingly, cats and rabbits often accept acupuncture treatment very well.

Does acupuncture actually do anything?

National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat the following: Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy. Dental pain after surgery.

Do dogs get tired after acupuncture?

There are few side effects with acupuncture, but some dogs may be sore or stiff following a treatment session, while other patients appear tired. These symptoms usually resolve within 24-48 hours.

Can acupuncture help nerve damage in dogs?

Intervertebral disc disease and nerve pain: Dogs who have a bulging disc, spinal arthritis or a pinched nerve may experience relief from acupuncture.

Can acupuncture help anxiety in dogs?

A pet who is relaxed makes it easier for a veterinary team to provide high quality medical care, including a more thorough exam and any diagnostic tests needed. “Because acupuncture releases feel-good endorphins, many patients displaying fear, anxiety, and stress actually start to relax.

How does animal acupuncture work?

In veterinary acupuncture, acupressure points help to control your pet’s energy or Chi (pronounced “chee”). If these become blocked, it is believed that this leads to illness. Acupuncture works to restore balance and stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities, as well as promote both physical and mental well-being.

How effective is gabapentin for dogs?

There are conflicting clinical reports about its efficacy when used for this purpose, although some studies report improvement in as many as 50% of dogs studied. In dogs, oral Gabapentin is well absorbed in the duodenum, with peak levels occurring approximately one to two hours after administration.

Do you have to be a vet to do acupuncture on animals?

The ability for a non-veterinarian to practice animal acupuncture varies from state to state. Most states consider acupuncture treatment to be practicing veterinary medicine and you must be a licensed veterinarian to do so. Therefore, veterinarians will be certified by IVAS, Curacore, or Chi.

How expensive is dog acupuncture?

Cost of Acupuncture in Dogs

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 likelihood that they will derive a benefit from the treatment.

What conditions can acupuncture treat in animals?

Acupuncture can have enormous benefits for animals with chronic (long term) conditions, such as arthritis and back pain, behavioural problems (often linked to pain), digestive / bowel problems, respiratory disease, fatigue syndromes, incontinence and more.

Is acupuncture safe for pets?

Acupuncture has no systemic side effects, so it is particularly helpful for dogs in poor health. “Acupuncture has no systemic side effects, so it is particularly helpful for dogs in poor health.” As with most medical protocols, a combination of treatments often provides the best results.