Acupuncture for Pets: How It Works and Success Stories from Pet Health

At Pet Health, we continuously explore the best ways to keep your pets happy and healthy. Integrative medicine, especially acupuncture, has become an essential tool for improving the quality of life for many pets. Acupuncture is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used for centuries to treat various conditions. It stimulates specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to promote healing and more normal body function. Let’s dive into how acupuncture works, the conditions it treats, and some success stories from our Pet Health family!

How Acupuncture Works for Pets

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific acupoints on the body. These points are often near nerve bundles, blood vessels, muscles, and connective tissue. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, acupuncture is believed to stimulate nerve fibers and promote communication with the central and peripheral nervous systems. This process helps regulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, reducing pain, improving circulation, and promoting muscle relaxation.

Acupuncture has also been shown to trigger the release of endorphins, enkephalins, and serotonin—naturally occurring substances that help reduce pain. Additionally, it can calm the “fight or flight” response by downregulating the sympathetic nervous system, helping pets relax and recover more effectively.

Types of Acupuncture Used in Pets

There are two main types of acupuncture commonly used in pets:

1. Dry Needle Acupuncture: This involves inserting fine needles into specific acupoints. The needles are typically placed for 10-30 minutes, allowing the therapeutic effects to take hold.
2. Electroacupuncture: This method applies electrical impulses to the acupuncture needles to stimulate the acupoints. It can be especially beneficial for pets with severe pain or chronic conditions.

Conditions Acupuncture Can Treat

Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of conditions in pets, including:

• Chronic Pain and Osteoarthritis: Acupuncture can relieve joint pain, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for pets with arthritis.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Pets with IVDD can benefit from acupuncture to help maintain mobility and manage pain.
• Hip Dysplasia: Acupuncture helps reduce inflammation and discomfort in pets with hip dysplasia, improving their ability to move and exercise.
• Digestive Disorders and Skin Conditions: Acupuncture can help manage gastrointestinal issues and certain skin conditions by promoting circulation and boosting the immune system.

Success Stories from Pet Health

Now that you understand how acupuncture works and the conditions it treats, let’s look at two success stories from our Pet Health family: Lucy and Raven.

Lucy’s Journey: Overcoming Mobility Challenges

Initial Concerns:
Lucy, a 15½-year-old dog, began experiencing severe weakness in her hind legs. She struggled to maintain her balance, often leaned to one side, and couldn’t enjoy her favorite hikes without her legs giving out. X-rays revealed spinal degeneration and arthritis, and she was initially prescribed painkillers.

Decision to Try Acupuncture:
After discussing options with friends and reading up on acupuncture, Lucy’s pet parent, Tim, decided to try it. Lucy had been an active, agile dog her entire life, and her spirit was still strong despite her physical challenges. Acupuncture offered hope for improving her mobility and reducing pain.

First Acupuncture Session:
Lucy’s first session involved placing about 40 acupuncture needles in her back, hind legs, knees, and toes. To Tim’s surprise, Lucy didn’t seem to mind the needles, happily accepting treats during the treatment.

Improvements Over Time:
Lucy’s condition has significantly improved after more than a year of weekly acupuncture and cold laser treatments. She can now go on 2½-mile hikes 4-5 days a week, with only mild leg fatigue. Her mobility and overall enthusiasm for life have returned, and she can enjoy her favorite outdoor activities with Tim.

Tim’s Recommendation:
“I truly feel that acupuncture has given me much more time with Lucy than I would have had otherwise. Her rear leg function improved significantly, allowing her to stand and walk confidently. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone with pets facing similar mobility issues.”

Raven’s Journey: Managing Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Initial Concerns:
Raven, diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), faced significant mobility challenges. Initially, she was treated with crate rest, steroids, and pain medications, which helped temporarily but weren’t a long-term solution.

Decision to Try Acupuncture:
Inspired by a family member’s dog who had regained mobility through acupuncture, Raven’s pet parent, Sabrina, decided to try it. Sabrina wanted to avoid surgery for Raven and was hopeful acupuncture could provide the relief and mobility her dog needed.

First Acupuncture Session:
Raven’s first session involved both acupuncture and cold laser therapy. Sabrina was impressed by the thoroughness of the exam and appreciated Dr. DeVilbiss’s realistic expectations. Motivated by food, Raven was content and relaxed throughout the session, thanks to her favorite frozen sweet potato treats.

Improvements Over Time:
While Raven’s condition is degenerative, acupuncture has helped maintain her mobility. She still has wobbly moments but is happy and stable overall. Sabrina is pleased that Raven has avoided surgery and continues to enjoy life.

Sabrina’s Recommendation:
“Acupuncture has kept Raven mobile without the need for invasive surgery. If more pet parents knew about this option, they would be flocking to try it. I’m a fan and would recommend it to anyone facing similar challenges with their pets.”

Why Acupuncture is Worth Considering for Your Pet

Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive treatment option that significantly benefits many conditions. It can reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for pets. As demonstrated by Lucy and Raven’s journeys, acupuncture can be a game-changer for pets facing chronic pain, mobility issues, and degenerative conditions.

If you’re considering acupuncture for your pet, consult your Pet Health veterinarian to determine if it would fit well in your pet’s Lifetime or Focused Care Plan. With consistent treatments and the proper care plan, acupuncture can give your pet the relief they need to stay happy and active.