Is Acupuncture Right for Your Dog?
What is canine acupuncture?
Dog acupuncture is a noninvasive technique based on Chinese veterinary medicine that I studied during vet school. We believe there is a meridian or line throughout the dog's body that can help move different things, whether that be blood, chi, or stagnation, all of which can affect the dog's well-being and present like a disease we would find in Western veterinary medicine.
Health conditions that can be addressed with dog acupuncture include allergies, whether skin allergies or food allergies. I do a lot of arthritis management, especially in older dogs. However, dogs with chronic diseases such as endocrine diseases or, unfortunately, cancers can be well managed with acupuncture as well.
Is acupuncture painful for dogs?
No, it is not. Often, they will feel a tiny pinch. The needles are extremely small, even smaller than an insulin needle that we use for our diabetic patients. They may react by looking back at the point whenever we place it. However, it is generally non-painful for them.
How frequently will your dog need acupuncture?
It depends on the condition. For many chronic diseases, I find that we need to be aggressive at first, requiring us to see the patient twice a week for acupuncture sessions. As they improve, those sessions can be tapered to once a week. I have patients who come in once every two weeks. It really is up to the owner.
We tend to empower them to make decisions appropriate for their patient. Often, they will know when they need a "tune-up," which is basically just a one-off session that we can add to their regular treatment.
If you think your dog or cat is a good candidate for acupuncture, we do accept consultations throughout the week. If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our veterinary services, we’d love to hear from you. Call (337) 893-8522 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your pet.