When Susan Costa’s dog, Freddie, was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, she chose to forgo giving him pain medication, instead turning toacupuncture. The time-honored treatment is quickly becoming trendy, and—crazy as it looks—the research shows it could be worth a try. (Make 2016 YOUR year! Order Prevention’s calendar and get daily inspiration to live your best life.)
Pin Down the Facts
Your furry friend’s treatment works just like yours: Inserting needles at specific points along the body’s energy channels corrects and improves the flow of energy. The better your pet’s flow, the healthier he is, says Marcie Fallek, a holistic veterinarian. Acupuncture in animals is most commonly sought for musculoskeletal issues like arthritis, says Allen M. Schoen, a holistic integrative veterinarian. It’s also been found to help reduce pain and improve neurologic and gastrointestinal issues, among other problems, according to a review in Scientific Papers: Animal Science and Biotechnologies.
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Pricking Precautions
Most pets take well to acupuncture—some even fall asleep from relaxation, says Schoen. But not all animals are suited for the therapy. Those who are aggressive or anxious may have a harder time relaxing, and in those cases, the added stress can outweigh the benefits, Schoen says. The length of your pet’s acupuncture therapy depends on the problem: 6 to 8 weeks for chronic conditions and 1 to 2 weeks for acute injuries, with each session lasting around 30 minutes, says Fallek.Before you commit to a veterinary acupuncturist, do your homework. While the AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties doesn’t yet recognize the therapy, training in acupuncture is available to vets. Look for a therapist who has received certification in veterinary acupuncture.
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As for Freddie, his two acupuncture sessions yielded big results—he easily hopped up into the car to go home. After his second treatment, the shy pup gave his practitioner a lick. “I was surprised to see it,” says Costa. “But I think this was his way of telling the vet thank you.”
