Understanding Acupuncture For Pups And How It Can Help

Does your pup have a chronic condition such as osteoarthritis? Have you considered acupuncture? Yes, the very suggestion can often raise a few skeptical eyebrows, but it actually may be more effective than you think.

Read on to find out more! Acupuncture has been used for around 4500 years on both humans and pups, and combines aspects of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. It’s a legitimate form of treatment – so much so that veterinarians who want to be able to practice it have to take an additional year of study to be qualified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Basically, it’s valid! But how does it work?

Although western science has never been certain how it works, it’s common knowledge that acupuncture yields results. It involves the release of positive hormones known as endorphins, with each acupuncture point being related to the concentration of nerve endings, mast cells, and a reduced electrical resistance. Stimulating these points causes various physiological effects.

Most commonly, pups who do undergo acupuncture are being treated for osteoarthritis, but it can be used to treat many varying conditions from fertility problems to respiratory disease. Yes, you heard me right! A study on intervertebral disk disease actually found that acupuncture worked exceedingly well and was even equal to surgery in certain cases. Amazing!

Considering acupuncture for your pup, but concerned about his reaction to the needles? Acupuncture needles are only meant to part the tissue without piercing it, and they are really quite small! Some animals even grow to enjoy it. For more severe conditions, a pup usually needs to undergo weekly treatments. Talk to your vet to find out more about what it can do and how it can help your pet.

The world of medicine is a wonderful thing, don’t you think? Don’t forget to like this and share it around to share this insightful knowledge!

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