Are dogs accepting of acupuncture?
Yes, most dogs tolerate acupuncture well. However, we prioritize their well-being during treatment sessions, never pushing them beyond their limits.
Initially, we select placement to ensure needling remains comfortable, based on a thorough examination. Our knowledge of fascial planes, acupuncture meridians, and anatomy guides us in choosing effective points to initiate our treatment goals.
For example, if a dog has a strained muscle – we wouldn’t insert a needle directly into it. Doing so not only risks losing the pet’s trust but contradicts our treatment aims by causing tension, stress, and protective responses that hinder improving use of the area.
Unlike humans, dogs can’t be verbally coached to adjust their posture and hold it. Canine rehabilitation or performance programs use not just science, but principles of training and behaviour to progress. Our needling technique aims to support these efforts and achieve positive outcomes effectively.
Does my dog need to be perfectly still?
For your pet’s safety and relaxation, we do try to keep them largely still. But, this doesn’t mean restricted; they can move and change postures as needed. Needles are more inclined to fall out during movement in delicate spaces, and they can feel a needle cause a pinch if they are too bouncy. However, they also easily replaced or an alternate point substituted. It may take a few appointments for your dog to get familiar with the routine, but eventually most dogs learn to sit and enjoy a fuss while we talk about their progress. For your first few treatments, bring some liver paste or treats to help during the initial examination; although they typically do not feel needles going in, this helps keep them focused forward.
Once the needles are in, we fade the treats when possible, encouraging relaxation with the goal of self-settling. Our background in training and working dogs helps us build this trust; we are able to acommodate a wide range of breeds, energy levels and ages.
Are there any side effects?
Acupuncture is known for its minimal side effects and overall safety. However, ensuring proper technique and awareness of anatomy is crucial for maintaining this safety. Patients with complex medical or neurological issues may need tailored treatment plans, avoiding certain areas and potentially requiring varying treatment durations. It’s important to note that just because acupuncture is generally safe doesn’t mean we should overdo it – using the maximum number of needles and timing treatments without consideration.
Pain is a multifaceted experience influenced by various factors beyond just the disease itself – including biology, psychology, and daily life. During an initial consultation for your dog’s treatment, we work to identify these influences, allowing us to determine if acupuncture is suitable and establishing realistic expectations for its use.
While acupuncture can be highly effective for many animals (and people), some may not respond significantly to it. As rehabilitation is a highly individualized process, there may be other therapies worth considering in such cases.
What we can see…
There are clear physical cues indicating a positive response to acupuncture in dogs. These may include a runny nose, deeper breathing, or yawning. Dogs may also stretch out further when a needle is stimulated, and any trembling needles may cease.
Will my dog get the needles in the same place, every time?
There are two main approaches to acupuncture: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Acupuncture. In TCM, the focus is on influencing the transfer of Qi, or energy, with the goal of balancing it. This means that acupuncture points are tailored to each patient’s progress. On the other hand, Western Acupuncture may adopt a more standardized approach, akin to a recipe. This approach can be particularly beneficial for conditions like hip dysplasia, where specific points are known to be effective for many patients.
While there may be some variation in the selection of acupuncture points, certain standard points may consistently reappear during each appointment – particularly in osteoarthritis.
Who is qualified to perform acupuncture on animals?
In the UK, only veterinary surgeons are legally allowed to perform acupuncture – with exception to a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) if the depth and position of the needling is directed by a veterinarian on premises.