How Acupuncture Can Support Your Dog’s Rehab Journey
As a dog owner, you always want what’s best for your pet – and that’s especially true when it comes to keeping them out of pain and healthy for the long run. Exploring many different types of treatments to optimize your pet’s health may have led you to consider canine acupuncture as a possible solution to ongoing discomfort.
On this page, we’ll take a closer look at acupuncture for dogs to see what it has to offer. While it’s not going to be the only type of care that you want to provide to your dog, it could be a nice addition to some other effective techniques, such as rehab therapy.
To partner with a rehab therapy team that will always prioritize the health and wellbeing of your dog, take a moment today to connect with Austin Canine Rehab and we’ll be happy to chat about our services and answer any questions you may have. It would be a pleasure to serve you and your pup!
What is Acupuncture for Dogs?
As you might imagine, acupuncture for dogs looks much the same as it does for humans. This is an ancient treatment that utilizes thin, sterile needles that are inserted at very specific points on the body. Modern veterinary research has increasingly supported the use and benefits of this traditional form of Chinese medicine.
The goal of acupuncture is to successfully promote the function of many different natural processes. Benefits from acupuncture can include increased circulation, reduced inflammation, pain relief, and muscle relaxation.
It might go without saying, but it’s very important to only allow your dog to be treated with acupuncture by a licensed veterinarian who has specialized training in this area. Make sure the provider you select can legally offer this treatment, or work with us to find a provider in the area that will be able to serve you.
Can Acupuncture Help My Dog?
The key to using acupuncture successfully is to manage expectations appropriately. This is not a miracle cure, nor is it likely to be the only treatment that your dog needs. However, if you understand that it can serve as an addition to other treatment options, it does have the potential to help your pet in a meaningful way.
Many dogs will benefit from acupuncture when they are dealing with arthritis and joint pain, for example. Or your dog may be recovering from surgery and could be dealing with discomfort as they go through the rehab process. Results are never guaranteed with acupuncture – or any other treatment, for that matter – but some dogs seem to benefit quite quickly from its use.
Why We Recommend Acupuncture as a Complement to Rehab
At Austin Canine Rehab, we are in favor of anything that is going to help your dog recover (as long as it is safe). Our specialty, of course, is in the application of land-based therapeutic exercise to help your dog build strength, coordination, and mobility for the long term. Acupuncture isn’t going to achieve all of that on its own, but if it can help your dog along the recovery road, we are all for it.
Acupuncture can be a nice supportive option because it has the ability to reduce discomfort during rehab. That means dogs may be able to better take part in their therapeutic activities. It can also help to relax tight muscles, leading to better outcomes during manual therapy sessions.
Blending the work we do at Austin Canine Rehab with the services of a vet who is qualified to provide canine acupuncture is a great approach. When treatment providers work together on a collaborative approach to canine rehabilitation, everyone benefits in the end.
What to Expect from a Veterinary Acupuncture Session
You might be a little nervous – even as the human in this equation – when you take your dog for her or his first acupuncture session. Fortunately, you’ll find the experience to be rather calming for both person and pet, despite the number of needles required.
A canine acupuncture session will typically last somewhere between 20 and 30 minutes. The environment is very calm and controlled, and most dogs tend to tolerate it quite well. Some may even fall asleep. You may start to notice the benefits of these acupuncture treatments after just a few sessions, and the frequency of your appointments can be adjusted as needed to get ideal results.
Building a Holistic Recovery Plan for Your Dog
To sum it all up, canine acupuncture can certainly be a useful treatment choice, but it is unlikely to address all of your dog’s needs on its own. Rather, it can work best as a complement to rehab as you seek long-term improvements in mobility and overall health.
Now is the time to get started on the rehab process by connecting with the team here at Austin Canine Rehab. We’ve served many of your neighbors throughout the Austin area and would be honored to have the chance to work with your beloved pet. Let’s talk today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most likely, no. Acupuncture should not be looked at as a cure, but rather as a treatment that can provide some symptom relief. Issues like pain, stiffness, and inflammation may be improved through the proper use of acupuncture treatment.
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There is no one set interval that will apply properly to all dogs. For some, going through one or two sessions per week will be a great way to get started, but not all dogs will need to be treated so frequently. It’s best to work with your vet directly to figure out a schedule that makes sense.
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We do not offer acupuncture services. We do, however, work closely with several area veterinarians who are certified to provide canine acupuncture. So, if you are interested in this service, we can coordinate it and offer guidance on how it fits into your dog’s overall treatment plan.
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It is often the case that dogs will need both acupuncture and rehab. The rehab is an excellent way to build strength, balance, and coordination that may have been lost. Then, acupuncture can come in and play a supporting role, helping to manage pain or reduce muscle tension.
