The art of acupuncture has existed for centuries and is often used as an alternative medicine practice to treat various conditions, diseases, and injuries in humans. Recently, acupuncture has been used for dogs because of its similar effectiveness in animals. Acupuncture consists of inserting tiny needles into specific areas of the body. By penetrating these areas, the body’s Chi, or energy, can flow freely, reducing pain and symptoms associated with many common conditions. If you are still unsure about using acupuncture for your pet’s ailment, here are some of the top benefits of this alternative medical practice.
Treats Several Conditions
Acupuncture is a variable treatment option that can help with several conditions. For a dog, acupuncture has been known to help with:
- Cancer Side Effects
- Arthritis
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Skin Conditions
- Epilepsy
- Trauma
- Gastrointestinal Conditions and Diseases
- Hormonal Imbalances
Compared to other traditional treatment options, acupuncture can provide safe, effective, and fast relief to improve your pet’s overall health and help make him or her happy and pain-free. Acupuncture is a great idea to help aging pets who may have limited mobility or underlying health concerns that make medication or surgery risky.
Non-Invasive
Although tiny needles puncture the skin throughout the body, acupuncture is considered a non-invasive treatment option compared to traditional surgery. This fact makes acupuncture a safe treatment method to repeat week after week with minimal side effects. A surgery is lengthy, dangerous, and invasive. It can be complicated and risky, especially for aging pets or pets with underlying health conditions. Acupuncture is safe for pets of any age and rarely interferes with current conditions, medications, or related health concerns.
No Prescription Medicines
Just as with people, prescription medicines for pets can bring about even more problems than the actual disease or injury they are intended to help cure. Certain pet medications can damage the liver, kidney, or heart and lead to changes in your pet’s mood or behavior. With acupuncture, you simply do not have to worry about introducing a slew of unnatural chemicals into your pet’s body that may cause more harm than good.
No Side Effects
Acupuncture does not have any significant side effects and can be used indefinitely to help give your pet much-needed relief. Aside from some minor irritation at the site of the needle penetration, your dog will feel healthy, happy, and ready to go immediately following treatment. The only notable side effect of acupuncture is some mild redness and swelling that usually dissipates in a few hours.
Fast Treatment
Getting acupuncture for your pet is quick and easy. Appointments rarely take longer than 20-30 minutes and often are completed in a comfortable and familiar setting. Simply go to your appointment, show up for treatment, and happily be on your way, continuing your day after a half-hour. The results from acupuncture usually start to take effect in the first few days following treatment so that you can see results fast. Although, it is recommended to allow up to three acupuncture treatments to see the full effectiveness. Plus, there is no limit to the number of appointments you can schedule. Hence, acupuncture is a suitable, long-term care treatment option to help relieve pain associated with many diseases and conditions.
Widely Available
Acupuncture offers a safe and effective treatment option that is becoming more popular with people and their aging pets. Many veterinary offices will offer acupuncture services right in the office itself. This availability makes finding a pet acupuncturist easy and convenient. Appointments are quick and readily available, and treatment is in a familiar setting for your pet. Initially, expect to have an initial meeting with the acupuncturist so that your pet can become familiar and comfortable with the process.
