Natural pet health care treatments are becoming more popular as reactions to canine medicines, particularly those prescribed for pain relief, are reported more and more regularly. Acupuncture is well known for helping canine arthritis sufferers, but owners can learn basic canine acupressure to use at home for many more canine health problems.
Acupuncture vs Acupressure
Acupuncture done by a properly trained Traditional Chinese Medical acupuncturist can be of great benefit to dogs suffering from many health problems. Anything from digestive difficulties to skin ailments to canine senile symptoms can be helped this way. Although there are rarely any problems with an acupuncture treatment, it is critical to ensure the acupuncturist is well trained to avoid the dangers associated with placing needles in the body.
Owners can support their dogs between acupuncture treatments using acupressure. Because no needles are involved, the dog owner can perform acupressure and massages without risk. If working an acupressure point is painful to the dog, (s)he will let the owner know and that area can be avoided.
How Acupressure Can Help
The list below is far from exhaustive but it is important to consult with a veterinarian before embarking on treatment of any kind at home to ensure that the dog’s condition is not life threatening and would not be worsened by delaying western treatment.
- Canine Arthritis
The most obvious area in which acupressure is beneficial is in relieving the pain of arthritis. Because many dogs react to western canine pain medicines, alternative medicine has become popular for treating this condition. Either as an adjunct to treatment by a Traditional Chinese Medical Acupuncturist or by itself to reduce the need for medications, the use of acupressure at home can improve the quality of life of arthritic dogs.
- Behavioral Issues
From geriatric dog senility to fearful or aggressive behaviors acupressure can be used to help calm and focus a dog’s mind, which makes it a great alternative or supplement to canine anxiety medicines
- Skin Problems
Dry skin, hotspots and lick granulomas all may respond to acupressure in addition to Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine or other canine alternative medicine programs
- Immune Stimulation and Support
For geriatric dogs in general, and for all canines before and after surgery or during and after illnesses, acupressure can help boost the body’s ability to heal itself.
- Digestive Problems
In conjunction with dietary changes, Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine or other alternative medical treatments, acupressure can help resolve digestive issues for many canines where western medicine is unable to help.
Books and Video to Help Owners Learn Acupressure
There are two books out which cover basic canine acupressure: Four Paws, Five Directions by Cheryl Schwartz, DVM and The Well-Connected Dog, A Guide to Canine Acupressure by Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis. Both are available from Redwing Press and provide slightly different ways of approaching canine acupressure treatment. Dog owners may benefit from having both to ensure the best possible care for their companions.
A video series on acupressure for dogs with arthritis is also available online.
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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