Osteoarthritis affects many pets, especially as they get older. Thankfully, there are a variety of non-toxic and efficient natural ways to relieve pain and suffering. We’ll talk about how acupuncture can manage the arthritic discomfort your dog may be experiencing in today’s blog.
What is Acupuncture for Dogs?
Acupuncture is a type of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves using needles to stimulate certain places on the body in order to improve health and overall well-being.
Acupuncture can be performed in a variety of ways, but one popular method involves inserting small acupuncture needles into acupoints to increase circulation by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Acupuncture for Pain
It can be overwhelming to provide comfort for a dog who is always in pain. Acupuncture may be recommended by your holistic veterinarian as an alternative therapy for your dog’s arthritis, especially if you’re looking to manage and improve the symptoms without traditional medications.
Acupuncture is frequently used to treat arthritis and joint inflammation in dogs. Acupuncture can help dogs with hip dysplasia or degenerative joint disease, for example, by reducing pain and improving joint range of motion. Acupuncture is also beneficial to dogs with chronic back discomfort and even dogs with serious spinal cord disorders.
Acupuncture for Dog Arthritis
Acupuncture has been demonstrated to relieve discomfort in dogs by gently stimulating three essential acupuncture sites, and it can be used to manage your dog’s arthritic symptoms. The acupuncture therapy for arthritis in dogs is usually done by a veterinarian, and an acupuncture needle may be put into specific acupuncture point sites, although it can also be performed by a professional practitioner.
Cupping, a type of acupuncture treatment that improves blood flow and circulation, may be used in conjunction with acupuncture for arthritis in dogs. Cupping includes placing a cup on acupuncture points and heating the air inside to create suction. Acupuncture points get stimulated as well as blood flow and circulation.
This is a non-toxic therapy option for canine arthritis, which means your dog will often experience few or no adverse effects. Acupuncture in dogs can be performed multiple times over the course of your dog’s life to ensure that comfort and pain reduction are maintained. It offers a safe and gentle treatment option that may help your dog live a more comfortable life.
Osteoarthritis in Dogs: The Research
When a dog develops osteoarthritis, his joints suffer because the cartilage that produces a smooth gliding surface is deteriorating, and the synovial fluid that lubricates his joints is being lost. Inflammation and pain occur as a result of this.
Studies demonstrate that 20% of dogs experience arthritis before the age of seven. The incidence goes up to 65% after that age. Dog breeds most prone to arthritis include the following:
Stimulate Blood Flow
Arthritis can be especially detrimental to a dog who spends most of his time lying down, as it puts constant pressure on his joints. Acupuncture sites for arthritis promote blood flow in cartilage cells and activate enzyme activity, which aids in cartilage repair by removing stresses from the joint and increasing joint fluid production.
A Good Alternative
Acupuncture is a safe and natural alternative for your dog to relieve discomfort without the use of prescription medications that have hazardous side effects like liver damage and stomach ulcers. It’s an excellent choice for managing arthritis in dogs; it stimulates acupuncture points without the negative side effects that come with traditional drugs.
Sources:
Acupuncture and Acupressure for Dogs
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