What types of dog acupuncture are there, and how are they different?
There are a couple of different types of acupuncture that we can do. The first and most common, and probably most well-known, is called dry needling. That's where we take very fine needles and place them into specific acupuncture points, which we call acupoints, along certain meridians of the body. These are tracks that are specific to organs and body systems, and we can use them to better treat certain conditions.
What health conditions can acupuncture address for dogs?
Acupuncture can actually address several things. Most commonly, we see it used with dogs that have intervertebral disc disease, neurological issues, chronic conditions such as arthritis, seizures, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and even behavioral issues.
Is acupuncture painful for dogs?
I wouldn't say that acupuncture is painful, but there are points that are more sensitive, like those on the paws and distal extremities.
Can acupuncture be used in combination with other treatments for dogs?
Absolutely. Acupuncture is traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, which we also call a form of Eastern medicine. The medicine that we know and use daily is Western medicine, and by integrating these, we can develop a more well-rounded treatment plan for your dog.
Who is qualified to perform veterinary acupuncture?
First, veterinarians must complete four years of veterinary school, and then an acupuncture certification takes about six extra months on top of those four years.
How frequently will my dog need to receive acupuncture treatment?
That depends on the condition that your dog has. Chronic conditions tend to require more sessions and treatments than acute conditions, but it is individual to your own pet.
What dogs are good candidates for acupuncture?
Most dogs tolerate it well. Those with a calmer demeanor usually do better when we have to sit with needles for a long time. However, because acupuncture can help with behavioral issues, there are points we can use to help calm your dog down before their session starts.
Are there any dogs that should not receive acupuncture?
I would recommend that any dogs that are pregnant or have certain forms of cancer should probably not get acupuncture. However, this is individual to your pet, and I'm more than happy to discuss it with you if you are considering acupuncture for your dog.
What are the alternatives to acupuncture if it's not suitable for a dog?
There's something called aquapuncture, which is a form of acupuncture. Instead of using dry needles, we instill either injectable vitamin B12 or sterile saline into certain acupuncture points. Your dog will not have to sit with needles; they'll just have a little bit of something under the skin that will trigger that acupuncture point and can be longer-lasting than the needles would be.
Are there any risks or negative side effects of dog acupuncture that owners should know about?
It's possible that your dog will bleed slightly from acupuncture, and there may be a little bit of bruising. However, there are no significant risks unless your dog has a cancerous mass on the skin, but we would make sure to avoid that.
How can I tell if acupuncture is effective for my dog?
It takes a couple of sessions to see if acupuncture is making a difference for your dog. As I mentioned before, chronic conditions will take longer to show results, but I have seen dogs respond in one to two days.
What should I do if my dog is anxious about acupuncture treatment?
There are certain points that we can use to calm your dog down before starting treatments. We also encourage you to stay in the room with your pet if that provides them with comfort. Additionally, there are certain medications we can give your dog prior to their acupuncture session so that they arrive as calm as possible for their treatment.
Are there any home care or follow-up instructions after an acupuncture session for my dog?
The only thing I would warn against is if we use vitamin B12 for your pet's acupuncture session, there's a slight possibility that it can change the color of their urine to a pink or orange hue. This is something to look out for, but it is nothing to worry about.
If you live in or near Sarasota, FL, and are looking for pet care, contact us at (941) 253-5218 to set an appointment. You can also email us at staff@uacvet.com. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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