• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
dogwheelchairlife_logo

Dog Wheelchair Life

Teaching people to care for a paralyzed dog

  • Home
  • Free Guides
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • search
  • Home
  • Free Guides
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • IVDD
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Other Spine Problems
  • Daily Care
  • Resources
  • Amazon Favorites
  • IVDD
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Other Spine Problems
  • Daily Care
  • Resources
  • Amazon Favorites
Dog receiving acupuncture treatment

The Healing Powers of Acupuncture for Dogs

Home » Blog » The Healing Powers of Acupuncture for Dogs
January 22, 2021 by Sharon Seltzer
Facebook0Tweet0Pin0LinkedIn0
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • What is acupuncture for dogs?
  • Here's what happened at Sophie's first appointment
  • Conditions that benefit from acupuncture
  • Acupressure and Electro-Acupuncture
  • Make sure your vet is certified+−
    • Want to read more about treatments for paralyzed dogs?
Acupuncture for dogs

Are you familiar with acupuncture for dogs? It’s a painless, alternative therapy used by holistic and conventional veterinarians to treat a variety of health problems.

Acupuncture was a therapy I explored during the first six months of my dog, Sophie’s, spine disease. In our case, it was beneficial in slowing down the progression of her hind end weakness.

If you’re wondering if this treatment is right for your pet, this article will help you evaluate the benefits.  

What is acupuncture for dogs?

Canine acupuncture is one of three therapies in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). The other two are: acupressure and the use of Chinese herbs, but acupuncture is the most common.

The philosophy behind it says that illnesses are caused by an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture restores that balance by releasing chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. Blood flow increases, muscles relax and pain is reduced.

In plain English, acupuncture gives your dog’s body a boost to heal itself.

The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) says, “Needling certain spots of the body regulate the flow of “Chi” (energy), which flows through and nourishes the tissues and organs.”

Treatment involves placing small gauge needles under the skin, in specific target areas where the nerves and blood vessels come together.

Acupuncture is safe, pain free and has little to no side effects.

Here’s what happened at Sophie’s first appointment

Dog receiving acupuncture treatment.
Sophie at her first acupuncture treatment.

Our experience began with a thorough physical exam and an interview about Sophie’s condition. My dog had begun slipping and falling down when she walked on slick surfaces. The vet listened intently and then determined she was a good candidate for acupuncture. We started treatment that day.

The veterinarian inserted needles from the tip of Sophie’s nose to end of her spine. She didn’t seem to mind the process and didn’t show any signs of pain. I don’t think Sophie realized the needles were there.

Next, the vet twisted each needle and then left Sophie and me in the room to relax. We hung out about 30 minutes, until it was time to remove the needles. Sophie was comfortable and took turns exploring the exam room and napping.

The vet gently pulled out each needle and we drove home. Sophie didn’t experience any side effects during the week and we even thought she seemed a bit more sure-footed.

Conditions that benefit from acupuncture

Veterinarians use acupuncture to treat more than hind end weakness. There are many conditions that benefit from the therapy. Here are the most common:

Neurological problems – Paralysis, Epilepsy and stroke

Nerve pain – Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), bugling or herniated discs, spinal cord tumors and neck pain.

Syringomyelia – A progressive condition in the brain of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Joint pain – Arthritis and degenerative joint disease, pain from hip dysplasia

Urinary disorders – Incontinence, cystitis and urine retention

Gastrointestinal conditions – Colitis, chronic diarrhea and vomiting

Systemic conditions – Chronic skin inflammation, allergies and lick granulomas

Trauma – After surgery or being hit by a car

Metabolic disease – Cushing’s disease, thyroid problems and kidney failure

Acupressure and Electro-Acupuncture

Dog with acupuncture needles.
Sophie with acupuncture needles from her nose to her tail.

Acupressure is another therapy of TCVM. It’s performed by applying pressure to trigger points in the body rather than using needles. The aim is to clear the body of blockages. Some vets use acupressure along with acupuncture.

Electro-acupuncture is a relatively new treatment. It uses low levels of electricity to enhance acupuncture therapy. One end of very thin wires is connected to each acupuncture needle and the other end is hooked to a control device. A small electrical current is passed from the device, through the wire, to the needle.

The goal of the procedure is to restore nerve function. Anecdotal reports have pointed to cases of paralyzed dogs regaining some or all of the mobility after receiving treatments. It’s a therapy to discuss with your vet.

Make sure your vet is certified

If you decide that acupuncture for your dog is the way to go, be sure the veterinarian you choose is licensed with the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. This professional organization provides credentials for veterinarians who want to add Traditional Chinese medicine into their practice.

The AAVA website will also help you find a qualified veterinarian in your area. Just click on the Find A Veterinary Acupuncturist link.

Want to read more about treatments for paralyzed dogs?

How a Chiropractor Can Improve Your Dog’s Mobility

Laser Therapy for Dogs: A Painless Treatment for Canine Spine Problems

Facebook0Tweet0Pin0LinkedIn0

About Sharon Seltzer

I’m a blogger, professional writer and co-founder of the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. I’m also a pet mom who’s raised 9 dogs, 6 cats and lots of other critters. When my dog Sophie became paralyzed in 2008, it was a lonely experience. It took months to find all of the resources to help her live a quality life. My mission is to share those services with other pet owners and to teach people how to care for a disabled dog.

You May Also Like

Dog sleeping in orthopedic dog bed

Best Choice in Orthopedic Dog Beds: For Senior Pets

Dog giving high-five for paw care

Why Dog Nail Trims and Paw Care Are Important

Dog receiving acupuncture treatment

The Healing Powers of Acupuncture for Dogs

Dog taking bubble bath

What You Should Know About Bathing A Paralyzed Dog

Previous Post: « Dog taking bubble bath What You Should Know About Bathing A Paralyzed Dog
Next Post: Dog Indoor Bathroom Solutions for the Cold Winter Months Dog lying in the snow »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kate Hansen

    February 1, 2021 at 8:19 pm

    I loved how you mentioned that it can help with arthritis. My husband and I recently found out that our dog has arthritis a couple of weeks ago, and we were wondering what treatment would be best to get done for her. We’ll have to look into finding a professional that can offer pet acupuncture for our dog!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sidebar

Join Our Newsletter and Receive the Essential Guide of Products For Handicapped Dogs

Essential Guide of Products
Click Here for the E-Book

Walkabout Harnesses – Mobility Products For Dogs
My favorite harnesses for disabled dogs.
My favorite harnesses for disabled dogs.

HandicappedPets.com
walkin-all-pet-products[1]

Must-Read Articles
German shepherds are prone to Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs: What Pet Owners Should Know

Josie the dog doing physical therapy

9 Dog Physical Therapy Exercises You Can Do At Home

Longhair dachshund with IVDD

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs: Understanding the Condition


Barkertime Products for Incontinent Dogs
Barkertime-collage

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

DogWheelchairLife.com is a blog that teaches pet families how to care for their paralyzed dog. As the owner, I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Amazon Influencer Program. These are affiliate programs designed for sites to earn advertising fees (commissions) by linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate and Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, visit the Affiliate Disclosure page

We Are A Resource for Pet Owners

Dog Wheelchair LIFE teaches pet families how to care for their paralyzed dog. This is not a medical site and I am not a veterinarian. I am a blogger and pet mom who was the caretaker for Sophie, a paraplegic dog. I’m also a co-founder of the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society in Las Vegas, NV and an animal writer who has contributed to websites and magazines.

The information shared on this site is based on my personal experience and the research I do for each story. Please do not use the content from this blog in place of professional veterinary care.

Articles from this site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from me, Sharon Seltzer.

Join Our List

  • Legal/Privacy
  • About
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2021 · Dog Wheelchair Life · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Solution

Close Popup

Join our newsletter and get my free e-book

Essential Guide of Products For Handicapped Dogs!