Pets and Acupuncture
A few years ago we took Bo to a holistic vet to try acupuncture. He had been having some issues with his back legs and there wasn’t much the vet could do. Lisa had watched a special about a dog who had undergone some treatments with great results and we decided to give it a try.
The first time we showed up for the appointment we weren’t sure what to expect. The vet, who also practiced traditional medicine, had been using acupuncture on dogs for years and was a big believer in its power. After the first appointment we did notice some difference. We went on to complete the suggested four sessions and were very pleased with the results.
I can only share Bo’s experience with you because that’s all I have to go on, but based on his results I would definitely suggest it. That isn’t to say holistic treatment replaces traditional, sometimes it requires both, and sometimes there is nothing left that can be done using standard medicine.
Here’s a post from the examiner.com, written by Donita Mason, about acupuncture being used to help treat asthma and lung problems in animals. Today the 2nd point which is used for lung and respiratory distress, including asthma and bronchial coughs, is covered. In a prior article GV27, the first of six points, which treats heart distress was discussed.
Lung 7 (LU7), also known as Broken Sequence, is located on the inside of the front paw on the side closest to the body, just above the wrist. You will find it in the depression above the small protrusion at the end of the radius bone. You will massage this in an up and down and circular motion.
In addition to the Chinese remedy Yin Chiao, you can use this point to help an animal who has chronic upper respiratory infections. It is helpful for stopping a dry cough such as one you would see with kennel cough, as well as helping to expel phlegm from a bronchial cough.
In his book “Love, Miracles and Animal Healing”, Dr. Allen Schoen tells about the owner of an asthmatic cat using this point in the middle of the night to help his cat when he saw an asthma attack coming on. If you have an asthmatic animal this is not intended to be used in place of any medication your companion may be taking nor the services of an emergency vet. But it will buy you some time while you are getting to that vet.
In addition to respiratory ailments, this point can be massaged to help with constipation, dry, red and inflamed ears, and treatment of dry and itchy skin in general. These obviously don’t have the urgency you would find with respiratory distress, but they are good to know about.
As always, the information given here is not meant as a replacement for the advice of your veterinarian. It is intended to give you information so that you can make an informed decision.
If you would like to ask me a question or want to see an article on a specific topic, please contact Doni via email.
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Photo from examiner.com showing the location of LU7.
My older doggies get acupuncture twice a year and whenever they have arthritic or other issues pop up. I believe it really helps.
I have seen this help many furs and humans as well. So glad you have found some relief Bo,,paws crossed you will see even more benfits with the accupuncture.
Aiki was the first in the family to get acupuncture when he hurt his back. With just one treatment, he went from not wanting to even roll over to trying to jump off the bed. I use acupuncture regularly for TMJ (jaw popping). Raven received acupuncture regularly for the arthritis in her back and later for pain management due to cancer. In every case, there was noticeable change. Keep in mind that, as a scientist, I was extremely skeptical about this until I saw the major improvement with Aiki. Then I was sold.
I’m still a firm believer in more traditional Western treatments, but I will always try acupuncture too. There’s no harm, whereas many medicines can have dreadful potential side effects.
This is very helpful. I foster dogs frequently. Most recently I have a heartworm positive 6 year old female spayed cocker spaniel who was strongly positive for heartworm disease and treated with immiticide per protocol. She has been in confinement for almost 8 weeks and is recovering. With it being so hot outside, she does get winded at times going potty. So today I gave her a massage and it slowed her breathing down. I will try this accupressure point and see if this doesn’ t help as well. Thank you!
Thor got accupuncture for severe arthritis in his spine and the benefits were seen after just one visit. He was 13 when we started taking him and needed help getting up or down. The morning after the first visit, he was almost doing that on his own. It made an amazing difference and he actually loved going to the Vet.
Baxter is receiving weekly acupuncture treatments right now for his neurological problems and we definitely see a difference in his mobility and energy! He definitely looks forward to going and it is a wonderful and relaxing experience.