Dogs

Acupuncture is the insertion of small, thin, stainless-steel needles into specific points or areas on the body to bring positive effects on the nervous and physiologic systems. It is a method of sending signals through the tissues and the nerves to the spinal cord and brain. These signals cause chemicals to be released in the brain and bloodstream. In turn, the body responds with improved healing. Acupuncture points are located at nerve bundles, near major blood vessels, and throughout muscle tissue. Local effects in the tissues where acupuncture needles are placed include improved circulation, increased immune response, tissue repair activation, and reduced inflammation. Acupuncture allows the body to release natural opioids (for pain management) and increases serotonin levels (for regulating different body systems). What Is Acupuncture for Dogs? In dogs, acupuncture is used to decrease pain and inflammation, aid healing, and restore the body’s natural balance. Acupuncture can be used to help many dogs improve their quality of life. If you believe your dog may be a candidate for acupuncture, discuss options with your veterinarian. What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat in Dogs? Acupuncture can provide benefits to dogs for many health conditions. Most commonly, acupuncture is used for musculoskeletal and nervous system problems including: Arthritis and hip dysplasia Intervertebral disc disease Nerve injury/paralysis/weakness Back pain Shortened gait/decreased range of motion Lameness Tendon injuries Occasionally, acupuncture is also used with some success in other symptoms and disorders in dogs: Seizures Dental and tooth pain Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain Lick granulomas Allergies Delayed wound healing Cystitis Chronic kidney disease Vomiting/diarrhea Constipation Nausea Inflammatory bowel disease Fecal incontinence Asthma Chronic upper respiratory and sinus infections Nasal congestion Dry eye Corneal ulcers Irregular reproductive cycles Ear infections Pain control for cancer patients and amputation patients with phantom limb pain How Acupuncture for Dogs Works Not all veterinarians are certified in acupuncture. A veterinarian that is certified in acupuncture has taken additional, detailed education in this area to provide a unique, safe, and effective treatment for your dog. Additionally, there are several organizations that veterinarians can train with to receive their certification; some are based on veterinary medical acupuncture, others are based on traditional Chinese veterinary medicine. If your regular veterinarian is not certified in acupuncture, ask to be referred to one. Some veterinary medical associations may provide resources to find a qualified veterinarian certified in acupuncture including: The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, Curacore Vet, and the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. What to Expect Your First Visit for Dog Acupuncture Plan for at least an hour with the veterinary team for the first acupuncture visit. This first visit typically starts with a comprehensive examination, review of the previous medical history, a review of the previous diagnostics and any previous treatments. If the veterinary acupuncturist feels further diagnostics or treatments are needed—in addition to the acupuncture, it  will discussed at this time. Follow-up treatment sessions are approximately 20 minutes. Depending on your dog’s health and treatment plan, the schedule for acupuncture will vary. A follow-up session may be scheduled as soon as 24 hours—or up to one week later. Some dogs receive maintenance acupuncture treatments monthly or quarterly. In an acupuncture treatment session, anywhere from 2 to 40 needles may be used, depending on your pet’s individual needs. You can expect the following when your dog undergoes acupuncture: Needles are commonly placed along the body and limbs; sometimes on the head. Needles may be left in place, “spun”/rotated, or attached to electric current. Needles are small, thin, typically sterile, and virtually painless. Most pets become very relaxed and enjoy their treatment. Some pets may experience a sensation of warmth around the needle. Pets do need to sit relatively still for acupuncture treatment (which is where you come in!) Some dogs will stay busy with treats given by their pet parent during a treatment, or simply enjoy having their parent brush or pet them during the procedure. In rare cases, there may be mild swelling, or a minimal amount of bleeding at the needle insertion site. Click here to download this medical illustration. How Much Does Dog Acupuncture Cost? The cost of acupuncture for dogs can vary greatly. Considerations include your pup’s condition, the city in which you live, the veterinarian performing the treatment, and whether you take your pet to the hospital for treatment, or choose a mobile veterinarian certified in acupuncture to visit your home. The initial visit likely will cost more than follow-up sessions, as it will include time for both the initial examination and the formation of a treatment plan. Some veterinarians that perform acupuncture for dogs will offer a package discount that includes multiple sessions at a reduced rate. Be sure to inquire about pricing when you schedule an appointment; this specialized service may range between $25 and $250 per treatment. Is Acupuncture Treatment Right for My Dog? If you are considering acupuncture for your dog, be sure to discuss this treatment with your regular veterinarian—including reviewing the goals of acupuncture therapy. You may want to review whether you will be using medications and supplements at the same time as acupuncture treatments. Always discuss potential benefits as well as risks associated with acupuncture therapy specific to your dog’s situation. (For example, dogs with certain bleeding disorders or some kinds of cancer may not be good candidates for acupuncture therapy.) Acupuncture is a wonderful tool to help dogs decrease pain and inflammation, improve healing, and restore the body’s natural balance.  

The “kissing” behavior likely started just between dogs. Andrea Arden, an Animal Planet pet expert and dog trainer in New York City, said that infant puppies lick their mothers as a precursor for feeding. As such, the behavior continues into adulthood with whomever or whatever is the dog’s primary caretaker. Humans started taking over the caretaker role about ten millennia ago, according to Khuly, and it’s been equal parts cute and gross ever since.,Is there a purer expression of love than when your dog licks your face? Well … yes, there can be. Over time, dogs have associated licking with getting more of something, often food, said Dr. Patty Khuly, an award-winning, Miami-based veterinarian. “That’s why humans can be forgiven for translating licks as ‘kisses,’” she says. “They do, after all, seem to happen more when our dogs are relaxed at home and in situations where they’re most likely to be displaying affection.” But that doesn’t mean there isn’t an affection component, too. In fact, there’s a lot that goes into why your dog licks your face. Here are seven of the most surprising facts about dog kisses, as well as a few unexpected reasons why you might be covered in slobber right now.

By Monica Weymouth If you’ve ever gone to a yoga class, you know how good a proper stretching session can be for your body. The stiffness melts away, the aches mysteriously dissolve and, over time, your joints become stronger and healthier. While your pup might not be up for a vinyassa flow, he could benefit from a dog stretching routine—especially if he’s approaching his golden years. “Stretching can be a great tool to help pets maintain mobility and comfort as they age,” says veterinarian Christina Fuoco, medical director at Philadelphia’s Whole Animal Gym. “An arthritic joint can stiffen up and some range of motion exercises can help preserve function, as well as decrease pain.” As always, if you suspect your dog has arthritis or is experiencing any discomfort, a visit to your veterinarian is in order. Once you understand your senior dog’s needs and limitations and have discussed a dog stretching regimen with your veterinarian, try these therapeutic stretches with your canine companion. The Bicycle Don’t tell the Instagram yogis, but a stretch doesn’t have to be elaborate to be beneficial—in fact, it barely has to stretch. “One of the best ‘stretches’ is actually just moving the joint through range of motion and not putting significant tension on the muscles,” Fuoco says. For aging dogs, she recommends gently “bicycling” the hind legs, a motion that warms the joint fluid and improves blood flow to help joints and muscles feel more comfortable. This passive stretch also helps improve the gait of senior pets, allowing them to stay active.

4. Choose Shaded Paths Find walking paths that offer shade to minimize your dog’s exposure to direct sunlight. Trees, buildings, or covered trails can provide relief from the scorching sun and help prevent overheating. Plan your route accordingly to ensure there are shaded areas along the way in case your dog wants to rest or cool down.,5. Take Frequent Breaks During hot walks, allow your dog to take breaks and rest in shady spots as often as they need. Avoid overexertion and listen to your dog’s cues. Signs of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, stumbling, or bright red gums. If you notice any of these signs, find a cool place to rest and offer your dog water immediately.,During the summer season, it’s critical to take extra precautions when walking your dog. Dogs can be subject to heatstroke and other related illnesses including dehydration, paw pad burns, and even sunburn. Therefore, it’s important to keep them safe and comfortable during your walks.

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In addition to being a tasty summer treat, there are several health benefits of watermelon for dogs. Watermelon is: High in vitamins A, B1, B5, B6, and C, which are helpful for immune function, reducing inflammation, and regulating energy High in minerals, including potassium and magnesium—all of which are important for electrolyte balance and nutrient absorption and metabolism High in antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lycopene, which help support immune health Low in calories to fill your pup without weight gain High in water content for helpful hydration And, it’s fun to eat!,Jump to section Is Watermelon Good for Dogs? Is Watermelon Bad for Dogs? How Much Watermelon Can I Give My Dog? How To Safely Feed Watermelon to Your Dog My Dog Ate Too Much Watermelon—What Do I Do? What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat? FAQs About Watermelon for Dogs

You’ve seen the T-shirts (or own one yourself) that say “I’d rather be with my dog,” and it’s funny because, well, it’s true. The bond we share with our dogs is special. It’s unlike even our closest human-to-human connections—to the point where you may find yourself asking, “Why do I love my dog so much?” And, “Is it normal to love my dog so much?” The short answer is yes, and for lots of reasons. They don’t call dogs (wo)man’s best friend for nothing. Here, both people and dog behavior experts share more about why we love our dogs.

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How often should I bring my pet to the vet? “Every pet needs to visit their veterinarian at least once a year,” says Dr. Carter. These annual exams allow you to track your pet’s growth and development, and they allow your veterinarian to identify any potential health issues so you can start any necessary treatments early.  “For pets who are chronically ill or have any other conditions, I recommend to come in at least every six months or whatever was recommended by your veterinarian,” he says. Even if your pet seems fine, it is essential that your veterinarian monitors the issue to ensure your pet is as healthy as they can be.,What should I expect during a routine vet visit? “During a pet’s annual examination, we do a nose-to-tail physical exam,” says Dr. Carter. Your veterinarian will look for hair loss, lumps, rashes, discoloration or unusual spots, as well as for fleas, ticks and mites. They’ll check your pet’s ears and eyes for discharge, swelling, redness or itching, as well as their dental health status by examining your pet’s teeth and smelling their breath. In addition to a physical exam, “We make sure they’re up to date on all their vaccines and that they also have enough preventative care items to get them through until their next veterinary visit,” says Dr. Carter. A stool sample may also be required, which checks your pet for intestinal parasites.,We spoke with Dr. Ben Carter from Animal House Veterinary Center to get his professional insight on some important pet health questions. If you are a pet parent, you can use these recommendations and helpful info on dogs and cats to keep your pets in good health for years to come.  What are the recommendations for keeping your pet’s heart healthy? Dr. Carter recommends maintaining your pet’s healthy heart through exercise and proper nutrition. “Some things we can do at home to make sure our pets have a healthy heart include taking them for a walk for 15-20 minutes every single day and making sure that they eat a well-balanced diet,” he says. According to Dr. Carter, a well-balanced diet is one that is approved by AAFCO and has the proper amount of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, as well as amino acids. There are essential amino acids that must be supplied in your pet’s food, which can be found in protein. These amino acids help maintain the health of your pet’s muscles, bones, blood, organs, immune system, and hair and nails. Fats and carbohydrates are important sources of energy for your pet and can help support their development, so it is essential that your pet’s food contains the right balance of both. The proper combination of nutrients for your pet depends on their life stage, so it is recommended to buy dog food and cat food that’s balanced for the age of your pet.