Ever since I mentioned on Instagram that Emmett started acupuncture, so many people have asked me the same question: Really?! Can dogs get acupuncture?
Heck, yes! And with it comes tremendous benefits.
First, a reminder that I’m not a vet. I’m not a vet tech or an acupuncturist or in medicine in any way, shape, or form. I’m a writer. This is my experience and not meant to advise, suggest, or claim anything in any way.
Long backstory short: A misdiagnosis of arthritis in his hind legs led us down the wrong path with Emmett. At the same time as receiving that incorrect information, his oncologist suggested a neuro exam for some trembling in his legs. Ultimately, the correct diagnosis is arthritis along his spine that’s pinching some nerves and causing neuro problems.
He was trembling, tripping, stumbling, and falling because he literally had no feeling in his back feet and little feeling in his back legs.
The good news? He’s not in pain.
The bad news? He’s not in pain… so he doesn’t realize he needs to limit himself and his activity.
The only times he does experience pain is when he flings himself off the deck or slips and sploots on the kitchen floor or otherwise injures himself. Then he’s sore. Otherwise, he’s just a big, clumsy mess.
I started researching options and found a vet rehab specialist here in town. Hallelujah! I filled out her super extensive patient profile information, and she got back to me and said that she felt good that acupuncture was an option and that she makes house calls. Hallelujah, times two!
Since August she’s been coming over almost weekly for an acupuncture session, and here’s the thing: The week before Christmas, the toes of his back right leg–his worst leg–twitched during the session. Last week? His back right twitched as the needles were placed.
In other words, he had feeling in his back leg.
I think this calls for our third hallelujah!
The other question I get asked a lot is if it helps with his cancer. Well, there is some evidence in people that acupuncture helps the immune system, which would ultimately help not by fighting cancer on his behalf but by keeping him healthy enough to fight the fight.
For the cancer question: A lot of vet rehab includes laser treatments, and our vet does perform that treatment. However, there’s a risk in dogs who already have cancer, as Em does, so we’re skipping that treatment.
Another: Does acupuncture hurt my dog? I’ve had acupuncture myself, and I can say it didn’t hurt me. I can’t speak for Em, but I will say that he most often dozes off a bit. (It doesn’t hurt that she gives him a super great massage each week!) When he flinches, I don’t know if it’s pain or if it’s more just a startle reflex. I don’t think he’s in pain, though.
For Emmett’s case specifically, there’s no chance that he’ll “get better.” Instead, our focus is on keeping him stable. Honestly, he’s struggling with mobility big time. He’s graduated past ToeGrips recently and is now in rubber-gripped boots. I can share more about that later, since it’s not really about acupuncture. But, the ultimate goal of the acupuncture, I think, is to keep him pain-free and alleviate as much as we can of the arthritis/neuro issues.
Acupuncture treats a whole slew of health issues, not just arthritis.
I did ask if it could help calm Cooper the crap down.
She said no, probably not.
Ah, well. Worth asking.
If you think it might help your dog, I’d encourage you to pursue treatment. I think it’s helped Emmett tremendously, and others have commented on that to us, too!
So, what questions do you have about acupuncture in dogs? Have you tried this with your pup? Or even yourself? I’d love to hear your experiences!
Though I’ve read otherwise, I’ve seen acupuncture work miracles with my ShihTzu. She fell in the car badly during a sudden brake, and couldn’t walk at all. Period. After her first acupuncture session at the vet, she was running around his yard on the way to the car. Unfortunately, being older, she fell a few more times in the following months (not in the car). Acupuncture got her walking again each time, though at 16, she got more and more fragile, and eventually it didn’t work any more.
There’s a lot of mixed data on the benefits of acupuncture. But, like you described with your dog, it’s worked wonders with Emmett. Thank you for sharing your story, too. You went through so much supporting your sweet pup! That love is inspiring!
Ranger has disc disease and he’s been getting acupuncture for the last couple of years. I was kind of skeptical and didn’t expect much. But I have been AMAZED at how much it’s helped him. He is so much perkier and moves so much better now. I’m a believer and never hesitate to tell someone about it if I think it can help their dog.
In the back of my mind, I remembered that. There were a few people–you were one!–who mentioned acupuncture and planted the seed for me. I’m so relieved we found a practitioner. I love hearing about Ranger’s experience and how well he’s doing. His face is just irresistible. Scritches to your herd, Amber! Thanks for sharing!
Hello,
I’ve always heard that acupuncture is very helpful! However, I couldn’t relate because I am terrified of needles!!! lol
It doesn’t seem like Emmett minded it! I guess he’s much tougher than me! 🙂
I hope everything worked out. Thank you for sharing. Keep up the fun posts!
Take care,
Lucy
A fear of needles WOULD make acupuncture difficult! 🙂
Thank you so much for the kind words, Lucy!
I love this post! Our 5 1/2 year old bulldog (Oliver) was about to start acupuncture but sadly, passed away before he could start. I, like many other people, had no clue that dogs could even have acupuncture. Knowing the benefits it has on humans, it makes total sense it would help our fur kids, too. I love that you wrote about it and I’m sending good vibes Emmett’s way!
I’m happy I found your blog today!
I’m so happy you’re here, Sherri! So glad our paths crossed!
I’m so sorry to hear about Oliver. Losing a pet is so incredibly difficult, and my heart is with you. Thank you for sharing and for sending the good vibes. Right back atcha!
I love how Newt and Cooper are hanging out with Emmett in the photos! I’m glad acupuncture is helping him, but he’d probably be up for it anyway! “Yay, more getting stuck with needles!!”
Totally! They always do that during his treatment! They come and just sort of hang around or try to lean up against him (not good what with all the needles sticking out). It’s so stinking sweet!!
I’m so glad that you finally got Emmett properly diagnosed, and that you found something that is helping him out. Gosh, I’d even love to have the option of acupuncture for dogs in our area, never mind one that makes house calls – that is so awesome! Living in a rural area, even though we love it, does have it’s down sides.
Oh, my goodness, YES. We feel so grateful to have this!! It’s such a blessing to have discovered her right when we needed it!