4 Signs Acupuncture May Be Right for Your Dog
1. Your Dog Has Chronic Pain or Suffers from Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic pain or other chronic health conditions are typically some of the most common reasons that pet owners will seek out acupuncture treatment for their dogs. In addition to providing relief for the general discomfort of chronic pain, acupuncture can help dogs by making the effects of chronic diseases more tolerable. For example, acupuncture has been shown to reduce nausea and increase appetite in dogs with Addison's disease.
Traditional treatments like medication may provide relief for affected dogs, but they often come with side effects or limited effectiveness over time. Acupuncture has proven to be a successful clinical option that, over time, can even help eliminate the need for some medications, depending on your dog's condition and other factors.
2. Your Dog Is Experiencing Mobility Issues
As dogs age, mobility issues can hinder their daily activities and can contribute to further declines in health and quality of life. Whether it's difficulty climbing stairs, reluctance to go for walks, or hesitance to jump onto furniture, diminished mobility can significantly impact dogs and lead to adverse mental and physical effects, like depression or obesity, respectively. Veterinary acupuncture has been shown to improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and aid in the effective healing of injuries, like ACL tears, that may hinder a dog's mobility. By targeting specific acupuncture points associated with mobility and joint health, your dog's overall range of motion and flexibility can be increased, leading to better movement outcomes in most cases.
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3. Behavioral Issues Are Becoming Problematic
Anxiety, fear, depression, or discomfort can be the root causes of behavioral issues in some dogs. While professional training and behavior modification techniques are valuable tools for addressing most common behavioral issues, sometimes a more holistic approach like acupuncture can complement these traditional methods and lead to better, and sometimes faster, resolution of undesired behaviors or stimulation responses.
The calming and stress-reducing effects of veterinary acupuncture have been especially valuable in addressing and curbing behavioral issues in dogs. This means that with acupuncture, you may have a better success rate of dealing with behaviors that stem from anxiety, such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or aggression.
4. Your Dog Needs Better Pain Management
A final crucial sign that your dog could benefit from veterinary acupuncture is if they require better or more comprehensive pain management, especially after surgery or other veterinary procedures. Surgery can be a stressful experience for dogs, and post-operative pain management is essential for their recovery and comfort, making acupuncture an ideal option for promoting better healing and surgical recovery outcomes.
Acupuncture is often desirable as a drug-free approach to pain management or as complementary care for dogs who need additional support beyond medication in order to make a full recovery.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (513) 563-0410, or you can email us at info@ebapethospital.com. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.