Acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for thousands of years to help people feel better. Today, acupuncture is not only used on humans, but also on animals, such as dogs. Dog acupuncture can help with a variety of problems such as pain, stress and even allergies.
Acupuncture involves gently inserting very thin needles into the dog’s skin. These needles touch specific points on the body that help to improve the dog’s natural healing process and reduce pain.
Many owners choose acupuncture because it is a natural treatment method without strong medication. In this blog, we will delve deeper into how acupuncture works for dogs, what benefits it can have and what you can expect if you decide to give your dog this special care.
What is dog acupuncture?
Canine acupuncture is a special way to help dogs feel better without the use of medication. It works a bit like acupuncture for humans. In this treatment, a professional uses very small needles. These needles are carefully placed in specific spots on the dog’s body.
These spots are called ‘acupuncture points’. They lie on lines that run through the body, and are called ‘meridians’. By placing needles on these points, people believe that it can help the dog’s natural energy, called ‘qi’, flow better. This can help the dog feel healthier and happier.
Canine acupuncture is often used to relieve pain, especially if a dog has joint or muscle problems. It can also help with other ailments, such as digestive problems or anxiety. Many dog owners choose this treatment because it is gentle and natural.
Can my dog be helped with acupuncture?
Can acupuncture help my dog? Yes, many dogs can benefit from acupuncture. This treatment is especially good for dogs that suffer from pain, such as joint or muscle pain. It can also help with other problems such as digestive problems, stress or allergies.
Acupuncture uses small, thin needles that are placed at specific points on the dog’s body. This helps the dog’s natural energy, called ‘qi’, to flow better. Many dog owners notice that their dogs feel better after just a few treatments. They are happier and have less pain.
If you think your dog might benefit from acupuncture, it is a good idea to schedule a veterinary consultation. This way, you can see together whether acupuncture is a good choice for your dog.
What conditions can this help with?
Acupuncture can help with a variety of conditions in dogs. It is often used for joint problems, such as arthritis, where dogs suffer from pain and stiffness. Acupuncture can also be a good solution for muscle pain. This treatment can help reduce pain and improve movement.
In addition to pain relief, acupuncture can also help with other health problems. For example, some dogs that suffer from digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation, can benefit from acupuncture. It can also provide support for dogs with skin problems such as itching or allergies.
Acupuncture can even help with stress and anxiety. For dogs that are easily agitated or scared, for example during thunderstorms or fireworks, acupuncture can help to calm them down. Curious about how to treat a sick dog? Then I read about the blog about treating a sick dog.
How does an acupuncture consultation work?
When you take your dog for an acupuncture consultation, it usually goes like this:
- Introduction: The acupuncturist will meet you and your dog and ask about your dog’s health history. This helps to understand why your dog needs the treatment.
- Examination: The acupuncturist will look at your dog, feel his body and may check specific points to see where the problems are.
- Treatment plan: The acupuncturist explains what he is going to do and how acupuncture can help. He discusses with you how many sessions may be needed.
- The treatment: Your dog is laid down comfortably, sometimes on a cushion or soft mat. The acupuncturist then carefully places the needles at specific points on your dog’s body.
- Rest Period: The needles will remain in place for a period of time while your dog rests. This is usually about 15 to 30 minutes.
- End of the session: The needles are removed and you can often go straight home with your dog.
The treatment is usually painless and many dogs relax during the session.
How do dogs respond to acupuncture?
Dogs generally respond very well to acupuncture. During the treatment, small, thin needles are gently pricked into their skin, but many dogs feel very little of this. In fact, many dogs become very calm during acupuncture sessions and some even fall asleep!
Before the acupuncture begins, a dog may be a little nervous, especially if they don’t know what’s going to happen. However, once they realize that it doesn’t hurt, most dogs relax quickly. The treatment itself usually doesn’t take long, about 15 to 30 minutes, and during this time, dogs can lie down and even enjoy the peace and quiet.
After the treatment, many dogs feel better. They may seem more active and happy, and owners often notice that their dog is in less pain. All of this means that dogs often respond positively to acupuncture.
Aftercare and possible side effects
After an acupuncture session, it is important to take good care of your dog. Here are some aftercare tips:
1. Rest: Give your dog time to rest after the treatment. Acupuncture can be relaxing, so it’s good if your dog can take a nap or just take it easy.
2. Water: Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water. This helps his body recover from the treatment.
3. Watch for changes: Watch how your dog behaves after the treatment. You may see positive changes such as more energy or less pain. Sometimes there are minor side effects such as drowsiness or temporary tenderness where the needles were.
Side effects of acupuncture are usually very mild and go away quickly.
What is the cost of dog acupuncture?
The cost of acupuncture for dogs can vary depending on where you live and who performs the treatment. On average, you can expect an acupuncture session for your dog to cost between $50 and $100. The first session can sometimes be more expensive because it takes extra time to thoroughly examine your dog and create a treatment plan.
Some veterinarians offer packages where you pay for multiple sessions up front, which can sometimes be cheaper. The number of sessions your dog needs depends on his health issues and how he responds to the treatment.
Take out pet insurance
If you are considering acupuncture for your dog, it is a good idea to get dog insurance that covers this treatment. Acupuncture can help with many health issues your dog may have, but the cost can be high. With good pet insurance, you can worry less about money and focus entirely on your dog’s care and well-being.
At Pet Insurance Compare, we offer a wide range of pet insurance policies. We are happy to help you find insurance that suits your needs and those of your dog. This way, you can be sure that your dog can get the best treatment, including acupuncture, without having to worry about high bills. It is always better to be prepared, and pet insurance helps.
