Finding relief for arthritis in dogs involves a combination of veterinary care, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive therapies. Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and inflammation in the joints, and it is common in senior dogs and large breeds. Here are some ways to help relieve arthritis in dogs:
Remember that arthritis is a chronic condition, and while these measures can provide relief and improve your dog’s comfort, there is no cure for arthritis. Regular veterinary check-ups and ongoing management are essential to support your dog’s well-being and manage the progression of the disease. If you would like more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace contact us via are contact page or visit our Facebook page.
Hey guys, this is Nikki the lead veterinary technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today, let’s talk about how being overweight can affect our joints. As you know, the more weight we have, the more pressure we put on our joints and internal organs. This can put the body in a state of inflammation, as well as predispose us to many ailments and orthopedic issues. We are making our joints work much harder, which starts a vicious cycle on inactivity. The more the joints are sore, the less your dog will want to walk, which can cause the muscles to atrophy. Pretty soon we have a pup with less muscle, and much more prone to physical injuries like CCL tearing.
Not only does weight gain affect the organs and joints, but it also can shorten life expectancy by quite a bit. Unfortunately, this is not going to be a quick fix situation. It is much easier to get the weight off a younger dog than one that is aging. Prevention is much easier than treatment, especially if your dog is spayed or neutered, which can increase the chances of becoming overweight.
If your dog is in the top weight percentile, and does not yet have any limping issues, it’s time to get serious about weight loss. Things you can do first is check everything that you are feeding your dog every day. I want a list of each and every treat, kibble, and snack. Small things like swapping daily treats for a carrot or sweet potato stick, ect can help, as well as increasing exercise. If you have a dog that does not like to exercise, starting slow is key. Maybe 15 minutes a few times daily will really help. It is important not to skip exercise. Walking and swimming is great.
Second, changing diet is next. If you are feeding a diet that has a lot of carbohydrates, and less protein, it may be time to switch. I like diets with a good quality protein source, not by products. Make sure you are not feeding grocery store foods, unless you absolutely have to. There are many good quality foods out there. If you are already feeding a good quality food, make sure you are not feeding too much.
If you are not sure what to be feeding your dog to help, please consult with your veterinarian, maybe schedule a time to go over the nutritional needs of your dog with your Dr. or a veterinary technician. They may have a specific diet they recommend.
If you have an overweight dog that already has a limp or headed for a CCL tear, but not there yet, then I would strongly suggest finding a physical therapy clinic, one with hydrotherapy. This will help strengthen the leg, and loose weight.
Please call or email with any questions! www.poshdogkneebrace.com or visit our Facebook Page.
Your dog may induce a yeast infection by repeatedly licking his painful paws, which can spread on its own and result in even more itch and suffering.
On canine skin, spore-producing yeasts or fungi typically coexist without posing a threat, but they occasionally have the potential to become out of hand. When this occurs, a dog’s paws get extremely itchy and the dog starts to lick them. They can quickly turn red and inflamed, have a cheesy, musty, or pungent smell, and develop a brown discharge in the nail beds.
Malassezia pachydermatis, a type of yeast that thrives in warm, humid settings, is typically to blame. The most common reason of this overgrowth is allergies, which also cause itching and cause the dog to lick his feet, which leads to moisture buildup and skin damage, which is what causes the yeast overgrowth. Additionally, a cut, abrasion, or other paw injury might cause licking and a Malassezia infection.
The looks and smell of the dog’s paws make it simple to diagnose a yeast infection, but a veterinarian can also make sure of this by looking at some of the dog’s skin cells under a microscope.
Dogs with creases in their skin, too much hair between their toes, underlying medical issues, or immunological illnesses may be vulnerable. Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Retrievers, Shih Tzus, Poodles, English Setters, West Highland White Terriers, English Springer Spaniels, and Dachshunds are the breeds most frequently affected by paw pad yeast infections.
Yeast infections are typically secondary, not primary, meaning that they appear after another condition has compromised the dog’s overall health and allowed yeast cells to grow. When a dog develops recurring infections, the veterinarian will seek for indications of an underlying medical issue that may be aggravating the disease. Recurrent Malassezia infections have been linked to a variety of illnesses, including hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, food allergies, an autoimmune disorder, and skin cancer.
Chlorhexidine, miconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole are medications that treat canine yeast infections; these should be administered as directed by your veterinarian and may involve soaking the affected paws. After treatment, be sure to completely dry your dog’s feet. You may prevent yeast infections from spreading by keeping your dog’s feet dry and clean and visiting your veterinarian as soon as symptoms develop.
Oral antifungal drugs like fluconazole or itraconazole, which inhibit yeast cells from reproducing systemically in severe or recurrent instances.
Ineffective and unsupported by clinical research are common home therapies including vinegar foot soaks, Epsom salt baths, hydrogen peroxide, and witch hazel sprays. Other untested methods include switching to a “yeast-free” or “anti-yeast” dog food or limiting the amount of carbs in your dog’s diet. You can also add yogurt, probiotics, or coconut oil to your dog’s meal.
Making dietary improvements for your dog is a better nutritional strategy. His skin’s health can be enhanced by feeding it higher-quality protein sources and other substances, which will build its defenses against fungus and yeast. A food elimination trial is also necessary if food allergies are suspected; ask your veterinarian for advice on how to carry out a successful food elimination trial.
If you have any questions or would like more information please fill our or contact form for visit our Facebook Page.
Improved cognitive performance, joint flexibility, and immune function, including the prevention of mild skin allergies, are just a few advantages of salmon oil for dogs.
In addition, fish oil can help dogs with heart and kidney problems, and DHA is believed to help with eye and brain development in puppies.
The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) should both be present in the salmon oil supplement you choose for your dog.
Wild, cold-water fish that have just been captured is the best source of fish oil supplements. You want a product that has been screened for impurities like heavy metals and is produced by a company that employs sustainable fishing methods.
Choose brands bearing the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) mark to verify that high-quality ingredients are utilized and that the contents correspond to the claims on the label because pet supplements are not FDA-regulated.
Work your way up to a dose of salmon oil that is approximately 25% of the recommended amount listed on the product label. Maximum doses are not always tolerated by all canines.
Some adverse effects of are:
Salmon oil should probably be avoided by dogs who have clotting issues. Always consult your veterinarian to determine whether salmon oil is appropriate for your dog, given his health history, current diet (which may already include omega-3 fatty acids), and medications. Medication interactions with other medications, such as NSAIDs, are possible.
All fish oil products should be safely stored away from direct sunlight in a cool environment.
If you are interested in any of our products or have questions you can visit our contact form for more information or you can check out our Facebook Page.
Can dogs drink apple cider vinegar? Folk remedies for a wide range of human maladies have long used this affordable liquid. It provides exactly as many advantages for dogs when used topically or taken as a supplement.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is touted by proponents as one of the least priced, most adaptable, and most powerful canine health remedies.
It’s a well-liked treatment when applied topically for:
When ingested, apple cider vinegar is alleged to:
In the beginning, cider vinegar is a mixture of water and apples or apple pectin, a soluble fiber. All vinegars are made from liquids containing sugar. The natural sugars in apples undergo fermentation and turn into alcohol when they are exposed to air, which enables yeasts to flourish. Acetic acid bacteria convert the alcohol over the course of fermentation into acetic acid, the primary constituent of vinegar. Vinegar’s characteristic flavor, aroma, and qualities are all due to acetic acid.
Given its culinary use, most supermarkets have a range of vinegars, including balsamic (a thick, extremely flavorful grape vinegar), white or red wine vinegar, and vinegars derived from malt, rice, champagne, sherry, beer, and various fruits.
In the US, distilled white vinegar is commonly available. It is a common ingredient in salad dressings, pickles, catsup, and barbecue sauces and is made from grains. It is also used as a home cleaning agent.
Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, is sometimes offered as a raw (unpasteurized) product that also includes the vinegar’s “mother,” a hazy liquid that contains acetic acid bacteria that have not been filtered. Some who view vinegar as a health supplement favor unpasteurized, unfiltered vinegar.
While no clinical research examining cider vinegar’s impact on dogs have been published in the medical literature, reports regarding its health advantages are anecdotal. This doesn’t mean that the claims regarding its applications have been refuted; rather, they haven’t been put to the test, mostly because apple cider vinegar is cheap, generally accessible, and unpatentable.
A few of the assertions are overstated. For instance, cider vinegar is sometimes referred to as a nutritious powerhouse that is packed with vitamins and minerals, but this is untrue. The sole important nutrient in raw cider vinegar, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is 11 milligrams (mg) of potassium per tablespoon.
While it might help avoid urinary tract infections, apple cider vinegar is not a treatment for that ailment. It also won’t cure the cancer that your dog has.
The usual dosage of apple cider vinegar for dogs is as follows:
The following techniques can be utilized to use apple cider vinegar as a gentle cleanser and disinfectant:
To enhance the coat, digestion, or general health of your dog:
The majority of herbal tinctures contain alcohol, however cider vinegar is the recommended solvent for canine tinctures. Rosemary Gladstar, a herbalist and dog lover, suggests putting chopped fresh or dried herbs in a glass jar (if using dried herbs, fill the jar only halfway to allow for expansion), gently heating raw organic cider vinegar, covering the herbs with warm (not hot) vinegar, leaving a 2- to 3-inch margin, covering the herbs with vinegar, closing the lid, and letting the herbs soak for four to six weeks. Each day, shake the jar. Put the tincture through a strainer, bottle it in amber or cobalt glass with a label, and keep it away from heat and light.
A garlic/dandelion vinegar tincture is suggested as a general tonic and to aid dogs in parasite prevention in addition to the plants described in her books and in canine herbal literature. Use equal amounts of fresh or dried dandelion leaves, roots, and blossoms together with equal amounts of garlic and proceed as directed above.
Tinctures should be progressively increased to 1/4 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight per day and added to your dog’s diet.
For the majority of canine uses, cider vinegar needs to be diluted due to its acidity. Although vinegar will sting if applied to broken skin, keep it away from the eyes, mucous membranes, and open cuts or abrasions.
Anywhere wood floors, cabinets, or granite countertops could be stained or damaged, vinegar should not be used. Because cider vinegar is orange-brown in color, it should not be used topically to dogs with white or light-colored coats or in areas where it might discolor white or light-colored carpets or fabrics.
Test a small patch of exposed skin with diluted cider vinegar before to applying it to a dog with sensitive skin, and after 24 hours, look for any signs of irritation, itching, or scratching. Use mild doses like those mentioned above if your dog doesn’t respond negatively. Too much cider vinegar consumption can cause mouth discomfort, vomiting, and tooth enamel erosion.
If you need more information about any of supplements or questions about our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us through our contact form or Facebook Page.
Although vitamin E is beneficial and secure for dogs, not all canines require it. But, dogs taking fish oil may benefit from taking a vitamin E supplement.
Although knowledge about vitamin E dosages may leave you dizzy, vitamin E is healthy for dogs. The recommended vitamin E dosages for dogs seem to vary widely. Even worse, dosages may be indicated in milligrams or international units (IUs) (mgs).
The fact that there are two main types of vitamin E—natural and synthetic—with varying potencies and, consequently, various vitamin E dosages, just adds to the confusion. Although there is a lot to take in, we have the information you require regarding vitamin E supplements for dogs.
Since vitamin E is an antioxidant, it aids in defending the body’s cell membranes. It contributes to fat metabolism, strengthens immunity, and increases fertility. Your dog’s skin, hair, muscles, and vision will all benefit from it.
Although canines can safely consume vitamin E, not all dogs require a supplement. Canine vitamin E insufficiency is uncommon because most dogs consume plenty of it in a balanced diet. If you’re worried, your veterinarian can order blood tests to determine whether your dog actually has a deficiency.
It’s okay to apply topical vitamin E oil to dogs. Alpha tocopherol and an oil, like virgin olive oil, should be listed under ingredients. It can be used to paw pads, dry cracked nostrils, and irritated or crusty skin regions.
Vitamin E may be advantageous for dogs using fish oil. The beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil for your dog can eventually deplete the body’s vitamin E reserves. The tiny quantity of vitamin E found in fish oil supplements mostly serves as a preservative and is typically present in proportions that are too low to raise your dog’s levels. For dogs getting fish oil, the most typical guideline for vitamin E supplementation is 400 IU of vitamin E for every 1,000 mg of fish oil.
You must first identify the type of vitamin E present in the bottle you bought in order to estimate the recommended dosage for your dog:
Vitamin E occurs naturally as d-alpha tocopherol (d-).
You’ll then need to perform some math. Keep in mind: 2 mg of synthetic vitamin E (dL-) are equivalent to 1 mg of natural vitamin E (d-).
You may also need to convert IU to mg or mg to IU, which isn’t difficult:
So, using these formulas, here are examples:
Of course, aside from the fish oil indicated above, that still leaves open the question of how much vitamin E to give your dog. As a result, we list a few issues in our chart below, along with suggested dosages, that your dog may benefit from vitamin E supplementation for.
Please note that while all of these dosage suggestions are off-label, they were all drawn from renowned veterinary medicine formularies. Never administer a supplement of any kind to your dog without first consulting your veterinarian.
In dogs, vitamin E is mostly harmless; overdose problems are uncommon. Accidental acute overdose typically causes gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea. Persistent overload may result in problems with the other fat-soluble vitamins’ absorption (A, D, and K). When fed too much vitamin E, dogs with low vitamin K levels may experience excessive bleeding due to coagulation issues.
For more information about Vitamins contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook page.
Lasserriffic has what you need! Use coupon code “POSHDOG” to receive $500 off the price of laser therapy.
Dr Yukiko Kuwahara, (also known as Dr. Youkey) received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. She has a vast 45 years of experience in the pet industry including a Hospital Administrator of a busy 24 Hour Emergency & Referral hospital, President of a pet toy manufacturing firm, operating a humane animal breeding facility providing pets for the pet stores, starting a non-profit charity to help the pets of the homeless, and a radio talk show host of the “The Wild & Wacky World of Pets & Animals” on two syndicated radio stations.
She has also been an On-Set-Vet ensuring that the animals used on movie sets & commercial shoots are not harmed but treated humanely. Currently, she is a mobile laser acupuncturist helping patients in 7 states. She also sells over 33 lasers from 13 companies and distributes many other select veterinary equipment.
She continues to lecture worldwide teaching other vets how to select their lasers and to use them properly. She has authored 4 books and created an app that helps to use their laser to its optimum level. If you catch her at one of her live lectures, she will entertain you & you won’t be bored when you sit in one of her joyous lectures. She enjoys WATCHING others hike while she participates in the more relaxing world of books and movies.
If you have any questions you can contact us through or contact page or visit our Facebook Page.
How to exercise your dog using our brace. Hey guys, this is Nikki Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces,we are going to talk about excerises for your dog. Today let’s talk about how to keep your injured dog active using our brace and how to exercise with it. As you know, after surgery there is several weeks that you would need to have your dog kenneled with no exercising, leading to atrophy of the muscles and overcompensating on the other joints. With our brace, patients are able to fully weight bear and start walks right away, decreasing the chances for overcompensating.
Just like us, we want to start out slowly, so as not to over-use those muscles that have been unused since the onset of the injury. I suggest starting out with no more than 2 fifteen minute walks per day for excerising, and gradually increasing the amount of walking each week by about 10-15 minutes, as the patient starts getting stronger. Each patient is different in the amount you are able to start walks, and there may be some initial soreness for the first 2 weeks. This will go away as we start gaining muscle back.
Once our patients are able to walk comfortably for at least 20-30 minutes, after a few weeks, we can start encouraging things like swimming, hills, beach walking, and curbwork for exercises. Swimming can be at a physical therapy clinic, swimming pool, or a beach. Just no jumping into the water and climbing yet. Short hills and small hikes are great tools to keep those muscles working out.
We do offer a 12 week physical therapy program with each of our patients, which includes stretches and different exercises, such as figure 8’s, curb work, walks, hydrotherapy, ect. It is important to keep up with passive range of motion as you work into more activities, to prevent soreness and stiffness in the muscles and joints. As we are developing scar tissue, we want to keep up with gentle movements in the knee. This is important to help the development of healthy scar tissues.
After a few months, gentle trots and increased activities will be ok, as long as the patient is supervised. As we start to approach the 6-9 month mark, there should be more and more stability to the joint, even without the brace on. As the knee begins to stabilize, we can do more and more activities. We still need to refrain from excessive running, jumping, twisting, or playing fetch until things are fully recovered. This is usually after about 12 months. Always ask our technicians if you have any questions on activities planned.
For more information about how to exercise your dog you can contact through our contact form or visit or Facebook Page.
Although fish oil has been shown to have many health benefits for dogs with arthritis, it can also aid your dog’s skin irritation, brain function, and other conditions.
Veterinarians frequently suggest fish oil for canine arthritis. This is due to the fact that this oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that has been shown to relieve sore joints.
When supplementation began, arthritis-ridden dogs “had a considerably increased ability to rise from a resting position and play at six weeks and enhanced ability to walk at 12 and 24 weeks, compared with control dogs.” But that’s the problem. You must allow the fish oil time to function. Clinical progress might not be seen for at least a few months.
This supplement can help with the following in addition to arthritis:
Salmon, sardines, and anchovies, which are cold water fish, are the typical sources of this oil.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid are two of the omega-3 fatty acids that are abundant in fish oils (DHA). The anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA provide advantages for the skin, heart, kidney, brain, and joints.
You can begin taking fish oil supplements at any age, but if your dog is still a puppy or taking medication, talk to your physician first. For an energetic, athletic dog, sooner is preferable to later.
Depending on the ailment being treated, the recommended dosage of combined EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids; see sidebar) ranges from 70 to 310 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight, or 1 mg per 2.2 pounds of your dog’s body weight. The National Research Council (NRC) states that 370 mg/kg is the maximum safe level.
Introduce your dog to fish oil gradually to ensure that it is tolerated because some dogs can be sensitive to them, particularly if they have a history of pancreatic or gastrointestinal problems. Dogs who consume too much may get vomiting, pancreatitis, and greasy diarrhea.
Make sure to include the fat content of fish oil in your dog’s calorie budget if your dog is overweight. The veterinarian of your dog should be consulted if you are unclear of the recommended dosage for your dog.
What Benefits Does Fish Oil Provide Dogs?
The quality of supplements like fish oil is not regulated by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To ensure that you are giving your dog is safe and devoid of toxins like heavy metals or polychlorinated biphenyls, please make sure you buy it from a reliable supplier (PCBs).
We advise selecting a fish oil dietary supplement that bears the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal. The NASC is an independent organization that makes certain that its member businesses follow the high requirements for ingredient quality and advertising techniques.
If you would like to know more about supplements for your dogs ormore information on our Posh Dog Knee Brace, you can contact us via our form, click here, if you would like to check out our Facebook Community click here.
Give Your Dog a Big Hug from Us! Let Your Dog Recover With Our Custom Dog Knee Brace!
We’ve Helped Thousands Of Dogs, Now We Want To Help Yours… The Most Comfortable Dog Knee Brace For Dogs With A Torn CCL/ACL!
We Accept Care Credit Financing.
Our Custom Dog Knee Brace Is Much More Effective Than A Ready To Wear, Or A Soft Dog CCL Brace. The No-Casting Posh Dog Knee Brace: We Made The Cast, An “Ordeal” Of The Past.
CBD for dogs can benefit dogs with a variety of problems, including pain and anxiety, but you must choose a canine CBD product from a trustworthy supplier.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis plant derivative that has no psychotropic ingredients, is now widely available in pet supplements.
According to “Pet Supplements in the U.S.,” 21% of dog owners bought CBD dietary supplements in 2020. According to Packaged Facts, sales of CBD for dogs products are expected to reach $95 million in 2020, a 217% rise from the previous year. Additionally, all of the nation’s top chains of pet supply stores have established retail ties with the producers of CBD dietary supplements.
You can see that there are many different CBD for dog products available. How do you decide?
Products made from hemp but without CBD may have health benefits, but if you want your dog to specifically benefit from CBD for dogs, you must choose a CBD-containing product!
Verify the dates! Reputable manufacturers provide the lab results for their items on their websites or have QR codes that link to online reports. The report must include the date, a detailed description of the tested item, as well as the name, contact information, and phone number of the test provider.
To ensure that you can administer dosages consistently for a predictable impact, the lab report should list the cannabinoids that are present in the product and their concentrations.
Avoid a firm’s items if the product label or company material implies that it is a panacea for all of your dog’s ailments. Avoid “treats” as well, which are considered foods and are therefore prohibited from having CBD. “CBD dog treats for anxiety” is one example. Laws governing labeling violations are a sign of a novice or dishonest product maker. Avoid the business in either case.
The findings of a research that examined goods that contained hemp or cannabidiol compounds were released by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021. Tests were performed on nearly 150 goods to identify the cannabinoids that were present in them. Less than half of the surveyed items had cannabidiol concentrations that were 20% or less of what was stated on the label.
Such outcomes are intended to be avoided by using certification from the NASC and third-party lab testing.
First-time users will benefit from advice on dosage and what kind of product will work best for their dogs. Since veterinarians aren’t allowed to discuss CBD for dogs with their patients in most states, let alone recommend a specific product, the next-best resource is an experienced user who has a close, long-term retail relationship with ethical product suppliers.
An increasing number of dog owners who support CBD for dogs do so because they feel it treats cancer and immune-mediated disorders while reducing anxiety, seizures, discomfort, and allergies. Manufacturers of CBD supplements, however, who are subject to regulation under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), are not permitted to make “drug” claims about how CBD treats or alleviates any illness or medical symptom.
Because there were considerable legal obstacles for both academic and commercial study into CBD, as well as restrictions for growing and harvesting these plants, then refining and marketing products that include CBD for dogs, up until recently, CBD’s appeal has been largely driven by anecdotal evidence. When the Agriculture Improvement Act, also known as the Farm Bill, was passed in 2018, it descheduled cannabis species with less than 0.3% dry weight of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), removing these obstacles and opening the door to both commercial production of CBD-containing goods and research into its safety and advantages.
Studies have so far shown promise. Researchers from Cornell University conducted a 2018 study on dogs with osteoarthritis that revealed no adverse effects, a considerable reduction in pain, and an increase in activity. A tiny Colorado State University study (16 dogs) examined the use of CBD for dogs to treat canine idiopathic seizures and discovered that canines receiving CBD experienced an 89% decrease in seizure frequency.
Without plenty of anecdotal evidence that at least some of the products are beneficial to dogs, it is difficult to see how the CBD for dogs market could have expanded so quickly. In any young, rapidly expanding market, there are plenty of con artists, but few individuals keep buying useless products over and over again. The industry’s amazing rise indicates that they are effective, and the startling paucity of tales of negative experiences should persuade you to try CBD for your dog.
If you would like more information onthe CBD for dogs you can contact us through our contact page or check out our Facebook Page.
Any number of ailments might result in a dog’s hind-legs losing strength. The following hints will help your veterinarian identify the problem’s root cause.
Regardless of the source, a dog’s weakness normally manifests itself first in the hind limbs. This seems obvious given how much work the dog’s hind-legs perform. They are in charge of pushing the body upward from a seated or lying position as well as driving the body forward when moving. You will be made aware of a weakness-related issue if you experience difficulty with these routine daily tasks.
What does a weak set of back legs on your dog look like? Hind-limb weakness is indicated by a variety of behaviors, including slow rising, sinking on the back limbs, dragging the tops of the toes, swaying of the hind end, occasionally crossing of the limbs, intolerance to physical exertion, slipping, sliding, and collapse of the hind end. The ability to stand on its hind-legs may also suddenly disappear in your dog.
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, you should pay attention to a few details that can aid your vet in identifying the problem:
Some problems are more likely than others depending on your dog’s age and size. This is applied to the diagnostic procedure as well.
The four primary categories of causes of hind-leg weakness are orthopedic, neurologic, metabolic, and cardiac.
Chronic joint inflammation/pain is the primary orthopedic cause of canine hind-leg paralysis (osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease). Although arthritis is obviously painful, it is frequently accompanied by compensatory pains, which are muscle aches and pains. The dog finds it difficult to stand up and move as a result. He might become more sedentary as a result, which would worsen the condition by causing him to lose muscle mass and fitness.
Due to the wear and tear on the joints over time, arthritis most frequently affects older dogs; overweight dogs endure an additional burden because of the increased tension those extra pounds place on the joints. Hip arthritis may appear in puppies of dogs with hip dysplasia, which results in improperly shaped hip joints. These arthritic disorders typically present with a delayed, sneaky onset of hind-leg weakening. It won’t appear to have occurred overnight.
Immune-mediated arthritis and Lyme arthritis are two acute types of arthritis that can cause a dog’s hind end to suddenly weaken. In addition to fractures and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), overweight dogs frequently suffer from bilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, which are additional orthopedic reasons of hind-leg paralysis. Your veterinarian will be able to identify these diseases and recommend the proper treatment with the use of blood tests and x-rays.
IVDD: When an unhealthy disc (or discs) puts strain on the spinal cord and causes neurologic weakness, IVDD transitions from an orthopedic problem to a neurologic one. The majority of these instances are treatable medically, but surgery is necessary if paralysis develops or medical treatment is ineffective.
Spinal tumors: Similar symptoms are brought on by neurologic disorders such as spinal tumors. For a diagnosis, sophisticated imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as occasionally cerebrospinal fluid examination, are needed.
Diskospondylitis: An infection of the intervertebral disc and the ends of the surrounding vertebrae is known as diskospondylitis. It can be challenging to diagnose, produces hind-limb paralysis regularly, and is excruciatingly painful. Long-term antibiotic use is the course of treatment (six to 12 months). Your dog may need more x-rays and/or more sophisticated testing, such as CT or MRI, to make a certain diagnosis because this ailment can be challenging to diagnose in its early stages. These canines can fully recover if they are diagnosed and treated appropriately.
Lumbosacral stenosis: Cauda equina syndrome, or lumbrosacral stenosis, is a degenerative disorder that affects only the lumbosacral joint and is related to IVDD. This joint joins the last vertebra to the pelvic region. It differs from the other intervertebral joints in that the spinal cord sends all of the peripheral nerves that travel to the hind end to this joint. In addition to being extremely painful, this type of disease typically results in neurologic impairments and weak hind limbs.
Degenerative myelopathy: Weakness in the hind-legs is a symptom of degenerative myelopathy (DM), a slow but progressive deterioration of the spinal cord. Although it affects various breeds, the German Shepherd Dog serves as the disease’s mascot. Typically, older and middle-aged canines are affected. There is just supportive care available as a treatment for DM right now.
Myasthenia gravis: An autoimmune neuromuscular condition called myasthenia gravis (MG) causes muscle weakness that worsens with exertion. It may begin with weakness in the back limbs but quickly progresses to total body weakness and collapse.
Here’s a situation that is typical of Myasthenia gravis: Your dog wakes up after a nap and acts normally. As soon as you start walking, he begins to sink, slip, and stumble until he is unable to stand or walk. He can resume short-term function after a period of rest that enables the replacement of damaged neuromuscular transmitters. A blood test is required for diagnosis. Long-term therapy is required (six months or longer). Some canines will have remission and resume their regular lives. Others will require care and support throughout their lives.
Exercise-induced collapse: Labrador Retrievers and a few other breeds are susceptible to the genetic illness known as exercise-induced collapse (EIC). It usually manifests itself between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. It takes place following several minutes of intense exercise. The dog quickly starts to weaken and lose coordination in his hind limbs, eventually collapsing. For this, there is no cure. Avoiding vigorous exercise is one method of prevention. It is crucial that you get your puppy from a breeder who has tested the parents for this gene for the aforementioned reasons. Have your adoptive dog’s EIC gene checked if he exhibits these symptoms.
Idiopathic vestibular syndrome: In elderly dogs, idiopathic vestibular dysfunction is a frequent cause of weakness in the rear limbs and lack of coordination. It appears abruptly and may give you the impression that your dog is having a stroke. This disorder’s origin is uncertain. It typically comes with a head tilt and balance problems. With supportive care, the majority of dogs will recover in time.
Numerous illnesses transmitted by ticks can result in generalized neuromuscular weakness, which may first show in the rear limbs. If you notice ticks on your dog, let your vet know.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), anemia (few red blood cells), and hypokalemia (low potassium) are a few examples of metabolic conditions that might weaken the hind-legs. Blood testing can quickly diagnose this. For these problems to be solved, identifying their underlying causes, which necessitates more diagnostic testing, is crucial.
Weakness can result from endocrine conditions such as insufficient thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) and underactive adrenal glands (Addison’s disease). Blood tests are used to diagnose both conditions, and there is no cure.
Hepatic encephalopathy, a metabolic disorder that causes sporadic weakness and confusion and is most noticeable after eating, can be brought on by certain liver disorders.
All of the body’s tissues must receive sufficient blood flow and oxygen, which depends on healthy heart function. Weakness happens when heart function is compromised, regardless of the underlying cause. Again, for the reasons already mentioned, weakness in dogs typically manifests itself in the hind-legs first.
Heart illnesses that affect dogs include heartworm disease, congestive heart failure, heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac or pericardial tumors, and fluid in the sac surrounding the heart (pericardial effusion).
Your veterinarian will discover a cardiac explanation for the hind-leg weakness you’ve noticed during your dog’s physical examination, and treatment and diagnosis will proceed from there.
As you can see, there are many different possible reasons why dogs’ hind limbs get weak. Because of this, it’s crucial to have your dog inspected if you notice this problem; never just brush it off as a “old dog” problem. Many of the underlying causes can be ruled out by your veterinarian, who can then hopefully provide a conclusive diagnosis. Even if your dog is quite old, diagnosing and treating some of these disorders can completely transform his life!
There is no cure for some chronic illnesses, such as osteoarthritis. However, there is a lot you can do to enhance and preserve your dog’s quality of life for a very, very long period. Your sensitive loving care and dedication to supportive measures are the first step.
Support for Mobility Issues Caused by Arthritis
If you are interested in more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us on our form or if you would like to purchase our brace you can click here, you can also join our Facebook Group page to hear how other dog parents help their dog with their pain management and therapies.
Age-related osteoarthritis affects many older dogs, as well as some larger breeds who are genetically predisposed to it. Dogs that have arthritis have changes in their affected joints, which can be excruciatingly unpleasant for your pet.
Though it can affect any joint, arthritis most frequently affects the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees. In addition to localized damage, genetics, and disease, it can also be brought on by continual wear and tear.
If your dog exhibits any of the following 7 symptoms, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to develop a care plan.
You could notice that your dog is hesitant to perform tasks that they previously completed without issue.
Maybe you’re pet used to dash into your car as soon as the doors opened, but now they seem unconcerned. You could observe that your dog has trouble ascending or descending the steps. Has your pet lost interest in playing and running around like it once did? Maybe you take walks slowly?
If your pet exhibits these changes, arthritis may be to blame. These formerly simple actions probably hurt now that your joints are inflamed.
You might notice your pet limping or favoring one or more legs over the others, depending on which joints are damaged. Your pet may even become lame in one or both rear legs if the spine is harmed.
Upon getting up or down, your dog could appear to be in discomfort or stiffness, but once they have walked a little and “warmed up,” it seems to go away.
Joint inflammation can make the affected parts feely to the touch.
If your dog appears to be rejecting your affection or howls in pain when you pet them, you may have found the source of the issue.
Has your once-adorable dog started acting more and more like an elderly man?
If moving caused you chronic discomfort, you probably would have a shorter fuse as well. That also applies to your dog. When you try to touch them, they could bite or snap, especially if you are handling them in a way that makes the discomfort worse.
Dogs with discomfort frequently don’t want to be bothered. Your pet might spend more time in the house’s quiet corners or quit pursuing you around. It’s possible that their schedule will change and they won’t be available for your usual walk or play session.
An arthritic pet will frequently focus their attention on hurting joints. They may frequently lick or chew on one or more locations, even to the point of causing hair loss and inflamed skin.
Pain wears them out!
Pets won’t want to walk as far or play as much if it is difficult for them to move around. They might spend more time relaxing or sleeping instead.
Dogs with arthritis frequently experience muscular atrophy from inactivity.
Some muscles will gradually atrophy as a result of less use. You might notice that one or more of your legs appear thinner than the others if you have arthritis in those legs.
Please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you can if you see any of these symptoms in your pet. Even though arthritis cannot be cured, developing a treatment plan in its early stages can help your dog live a better life and make the condition more tolerable.
If you would like more information on your dog’s arthritis please contact us on our form, or you can visit our Facebook Group to see how others have helped their dogs. If you are interrested in purchasing a brace for your dog you can visit our shopping page.
Signs your dog is in pain. The idea is to be aware of your dog’s typical movement and react swiftly to any abnormalities.
Mental alarms may be triggered by your energetic dog limping or moving in an unnatural manner. A sprain, perhaps? A strained muscle perhaps a strained ligament or tendon what should you do in response to this?
You should first determine whether the aberration is a short-term or long-term symptom.
An acute injury is one that manifests abruptly, typically 24 to 48 hours after the initial trauma. Sprains, falls, accidents, and other impacts can cause acute injuries, which are characterized by sharp, immediate pain, soreness, redness, swelling, warm-to-the-touch skin, and inflammation.
In contrast, chronic injuries take longer to manifest, get better and worse, and result in persistent soreness or dull pain. Overuse, arthritis, and acute injuries that were never appropriately treated are the typical causes of chronic injuries.
Sometimes a dog’s injury is visible because they are limping, howling in pain, or are unable to move. But paying attention to your dog’s movement and demeanor is time well spent because spotting mild indications can help prevent more serious issues. These are some examples of pain and stress signals:
The majority of canine injuries are chronic rather than acute. Chronic injuries are caused by overuse, excessive motion, and wear and tear. Every dog is susceptible to injuries, but some are more vulnerable than others, such as dogs that are overweight, weekend athletes, couch potatoes, elderly dogs, dogs with arthritis, dogs used in search and rescue, and canine athletics (such as dogs competing in fly ball, agility, freestyle, disc dog, hunting, field work, dock diving, obedience, weight pulling, dog sledding, and other active sports).
Rest is the number one suggestion for canine wounds. In particular, if the damage involves ligaments or tendons, which lack a blood supply that provides healing nutrients to the injury site, both visible injuries and subtle micro tears require time to heal. As soon as even little symptoms appear, it’s crucial to cease trekking, running, playing, or competing.
Check your dog’s nails, paw pads, and fur if he becomes abruptly lame, bleeds, or compulsively licks a paw, advises Dr. Davis. It’s common to see grass awns embedded in the skin between the toes. The pads are frequently affected by cuts, stingers, or foreign objects and a ripped nail can be painful.
If the injury is serious, take your dog right away to the vet; however, if it’s only minor or a visit to the clinic isn’t feasible, take your dog home and confine him to a quiet place. Write down any changes you observe, beginning with the day and hour you first noticed the issue and a description of what your dog was doing at the time. Your veterinarian or other therapist will be able to recognize and treat the injury with the aid of an accurate history of symptoms and treatments.
Range-of-motion exercises, such coaxing your dog with a food or toy into a turn to the right or left or raising and lowering his head, can help you record symptoms. Additionally, daily massage and tender touch reveal hints. When you pet or press your dog’s shoulder or hindquarters, does she turn away? Is there somewhere on your body that seems especially heated, hard, stiff, sensitive, or swollen? One of the quickest methods to find inflammation, muscle strains, and other discomforts is through touch.
Rest, ice, and massage are effective treatments for many minor and severe muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries. “Going outside on a leash to relieve itself counts as resting your pet; walks, treks, running, jumping, climbing stairs, or playing with other animals do not. Visit your veterinarian for a precise diagnosis if, after a few days, your pet has not improved, does not get better, or continues to display the same symptoms.
For severe injuries, cold is advised since it lessens discomfort and swelling. Dogs who are hurt instinctively look for places to stand or lie down, such as puddles, ponds, streams, and snow banks.
It is untrue for a bag of frozen peas to work as an efficient ice pack. The peas don’t remain cold for long enough to be useful. Pet supply shops have cold therapy items for animals, while businesses that sell medical supplies also sell cold packs for sports injuries. The finest cold packs have a gel inside that doesn’t harden when frozen, allowing you to shape them to a dog’s body.
Make your own cold packs by combining two cups of water, one and a half cups of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, and two tablespoons of salt in a self-sealing plastic bag. Double-bag the bag to ensure a tight closure.
Any open ice pack should be covered with a towel before application, removed after 10 to 15 minutes, and left off for at least two hours before reapplying because cold limits circulation and ice left on for too long might result in difficulties. Never use cold treatments right before working out, practicing, or competing.
Put two cups of uncooked rice in a sock, tie the top, and microwave for one minute to create your own warm pack. It will continue to be warm for 20 minutes. For additional relaxation, add a sprig of lavender or a drop of essential oil. The sock can be utilized repeatedly. If you don’t have a microwave, put the raw rice in a cookie sheet and preheat the oven to 150°F for 5 to 7 minutes.
Then, pour the warm rice into a sock or pouch, make sure it’s a safe temperature before applying, and check to make sure it’s still warm enough. As an alternative, soak a towel in warm water, wring it out thoroughly, and apply to the affected region. As required, reheat.
Whenever utilizing a warm pack, never leave a dog alone. To ensure the optimum temperature, always place a towel between the pack and your skin.
The fundamentals of massage are simple to master, and the majority of dogs like to be touched, stretched, and caressed. Restoring range of motion, calming the patient, and repairing injured tissue are all benefits of massage therapy. Hire a professional dog massage therapist, or study the foundations in books or on videos.
Chiropractic adjustments restore proper joint and vertebral alignment to alleviate pain, lessen muscular spasms, enhance coordination, and improve general health.
Musculoskeletal issues like arthritis, disc diseases, stiffness, and lameness can be improved or treated by acupuncture. It’s near relative, acupressure, involves pressing on acupressure points without using needles. Gent finger pressure or small, counterclockwise or clockwise-moving circles can be used to accomplish this.
Veterinarians and canine rehabilitation therapists provide a range of treatments for wounds, including hydrotherapy, shock wave therapy, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic ultrasound, therapeutic laser, PEMF therapy, cryo therapy, orthotics and braces, electrical stimulation, herbal remedies, and energy healing modalities like Reiki.
Without first visiting your veterinarian, avoid giving your dog any over-the-counter medications. Numerous human drugs “may not be taken by your pet” or “may produce undesirable reactions with your dog’s other meds.”
Even if your dog appears to be in good health and reacts well to pain medication, follow your vet’s advice to rest and only engage in light exercise while the injury heals.
Helping your dog avoid damage by taking precautions takes time and effort, but it’s time well spent.
Preventing obesity is a crucial objective. Carrying too much weight puts too much strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. “Obesity is also an inflammatory condition. Degenerative joint disease and a variety of other problems throughout the body can be brought on by chronic inflammation. Reduce the amount of treats your overweight dog receives during training and forbid family members from giving her more. It takes a village to lose weight successfully in dogs.
Similar to humans, pets benefit from having a strong core to lessen stress on the spine and limbs. Regular conditioning should be a lifelong objective for your dog. Your dog need not be an athlete to train like one. There are several online athletic and conditioning communities, and your neighborhood kennel club might know of them.
Avoiding repeatedly doing the same movements is another protective measure. Tennis ball throwing may be your dog’s favorite exercise, but repetitive ball throwing can lead to injuries, so mix it up with other hobbies.
Keep toenails short because overgrown toenails alter the biomechanics of the toes, which affects the alignment and mobility of the legs and spine.
Be practical while planning your dog’s schedule. Sprains and strains are brought on by abruptly changing from couch potato to canine athlete. For ambitious games of fetch, trail runs, and other “too much fun” occasions, inactive dogs require time and progressively increasing activity. And if your dog is hurt, have patience. Keep in mind that one of your dogs strongest heals is time.
If your dog is in need of a knee brace or elbow brace due to injury you can order your brace today via our shopping page, if you have any further questions about what you should do you can contact us via our contact form, or visit our Facebook page or Group page for more information.
Dog Knee Recovery Without Surgery
By Rosemary Levesque, Licensed Spiritual Healer
Second Nature Healing®https://secondnaturehealing.com
Rosemary@secondnaturehealing.com or call directly 503-747-3307
The following article is written in gratitude to Posh Dog Knee Brace for their support during Gracie’s recovery from a torn CCL. Gracie wore the brace and healed well without surgery. In honor of Gracie who had a long healthy life, I’m offering:
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is a band of connective tissue that connects the upper leg bone (thigh) to the two lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) at the knee joint – called the stifle in dogs. The CCL helps stabilize the stifle, and is highly vulnerable to tears which destabilize the joint. Damage to the knee joint is the leading cause of rear-leg lameness and the major cause of degenerative joint disease in dogs. (1)
If you can’t wait to get started with healing and recovery, please begin here.
My number ONE product source for healing and recovery is https://avinihealth.com/rosemary.
These products are designed with humans in mind, but with my years of experience working with animals, I know how critical it is to use these products, safely and easily, across the board, with all species. Call me for a consultation on how to help your dog heal faster, without surgery, using the Posh Dog Knee brace and my products.
There are many situations that could result in a CCL tear:
Contributing factors like obesity, genetics, and general health may also have a role in causing a torn CCL. Since animals are excellent at hiding their injuries and illnesses, you’ll want to be especially observant if you suspect a tear. In addition to limping or lameness, watch for muscle atrophy in the thigh or imbalance in the spine.
When Gracie jumped into the car as usual one beautiful spring day after a pleasant walk in the park, she yelped in pain. Yet after her initial jolt, she seemed fine. She ate and walked normally for several weeks until we had our next vet visit, a yearly wellness check-up. Suddenly she picked up her hind leg, revealing her lameness. It surprised me that she’d wait until we were in his office to say something about her problem. She hadn’t shown me any sign of lameness since the incident a few weeks prior.
A veterinary examination for stifle injury usually includes manipulation of the joint and is called a “drawer test”. Physical manipulation of the joint forces the ligaments to stretch and tear more. Unfortunately, it was an issue and Gracie became obviously lame after that. That’s why I add this test to the list of causes. Even if a small tear already exists, it can worsen after such manipulation. If you suspect a torn CCL, do NOT allow your vet to perform the drawer test.
Our vet suggested that we see a specialist for CCL surgery. He also offered cold laser treatments at his clinic to help speed healing and recovery. I felt hopeful about Gracie’s healing and recovery with the healing methods I already know and use. So, in addition to frequent cold laser treatments, my plan included Reiki, essential oils, and acupuncture. I opted to not have invasive, expensive surgery.
The most common response to a torn CCL is to perform a surgery called Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO). In this surgery, the tibia, a lower leg bone, is cut (leveled) and rotated to change the direction of movement. A plate is added to secure the new location of the joint. Following weeks of immobility and pain management with medications the problem may be resolved. The cost of surgery and x-rays may range from $2500 to upwards of $6000.
However, cost isn’t the only issue to consider. Weeks of restrained immobility are not only depressing for your active animal, but difficult to control and have other effects such as weight gain, muscle atrophy, and risk of infection as well as the risks associated with the surgery itself. Pain medications can often have harmful side-effects. More importantly, studies now show a definite link between TPLO surgery and osteosarcoma (bone cancer) at the site of surgery.
“. . . dogs with a history of TPLO were 40 times as likely to develop proximal tibial osteosarcoma as were dogs with no history of TPLO. In addition, each 1-kg (2.2-lb) increase in body weight was associated with an 11% increase in the odds of proximal tibial osteosarcoma.” (2)
What’s really best for your dog? Is there another way?
Gracie did well with the holistic methods I used to support her healing. Most importantly, we were still able to walk her short distances while she gradually improved. We purchased a set of stairs for the car so she wouldn’t jump into the car anymore to risk further injury. We added specific supplements to support joint healing and repair.
All of it worked pretty well until one cold winter day when Gracie slipped on the ice. She reinjured her CCL and was in obvious pain. Back to the start once again, I panicked and scheduled an appointment with a surgeon for that week. Fortunately, my intuition told me to keep looking. That’s when I found the REAL ANSWER that saved Gracie’s knee and allowed her to heal – finally – without surgery.
I began searching for a knee brace for Gracie and discovered that they fall into several categories:
Of course, the custom fit seemed like the better way to go, and quality, durability, and customer service and support were also important. That’s when I finally found Posh Dog Knee Brace. (3) They provide a way to make a custom fit brace with highly durable materials that are waterproof (and beach-proof) and long-lasting with a superior guarantee. Their fast service provided us with a custom-fit brace for Gracie in just days.
Immediately on the first try-on, Gracie was able to take her first steps. We started using the brace for short walks until she regained her strength and balance. That’s when I noticed how much she had been compensating for her injury. She was finally able to walk straight without limping, and without any curve or adjustment in her spine. The thigh muscles which had atrophied began to get strong once again. We continued with natural healing techniques and tools which were much more effective now that Gracie had the support of her brace to stabilize the stifle.
There may be little difference in perceived success when comparing TPLO surgery to using an ordinary or inferior knee brace (one that doesn’t fit properly or doesn’t fully support the stifle joint). I believe the real differences come in the form of ease and comfort while healing as well as from the quality of the brace. Many of the sites I investigated, including articles from the American Veterinary Association, Veterinary Medicine websites, and holistic journals gave a more comprehensive picture. Surgeons at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania don’t use TPLO surgery.
Dr. Amy Kapatkin, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon says, “Why break a bone to fix a ligament” (4)
It’s critical to support healing from every angle while the stifle joint is stabilized.
[1] https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_dg_cranial_cruciate_ligament
[2] Association of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy with proximal tibial osteosarcoma in dogs
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
September 15, 2018, Vol. 253, No. 6, Pages 752-756
Laura E. SelmicBVetMed, MPH; Stewart D. Ryan BVSc, MS; Audrey Ruple DVM, PhD; William E. Pass DVM; Stephen J. Withrow DVM
Flint Animal Cancer Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523. (Selmic, Ryan, Pass, Withrow); Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907. (Ruple)
[3] https://www.secondnaturehealing.com/docs/Posh%20Flyer%20Gracie%20-%20SecondNatureHealing.pdf
[4] https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/13_2/features/Dog-Surgery-Alternatives_16198-1.html
Today we will be talking about dog acupuncture. The treatment is effective, especially for canines with arthritis or neurological issues, whether the veterinary acupuncturist uses Traditional Chinese Medicine or Western medical acupuncture.
Dogs with osteoarthritis and some neurologic and musculoskeletal problems may get relief from pain through acupuncture, which also enhances their comfort and quality of life. It works best when combined with other techniques and modalities, such as analgesics (painkillers), laser treatment, massage, and physical therapy, as a complimentary therapy.
Around 100 BC, acupuncture emerged as a crucial tool utilized by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The original TCM principles are still followed in its usage for human and veterinary medicine, as well as by others who find it useful for reasons other than those covered by TCM.
Traditional acupuncture is regarded as an alternative medical treatment since the rationales behind its application do not align with contemporary evidence-based medicine.
According to TCM, the life force energy known as Chi (occasionally spelt “qi,” but always pronounced “Chee”) permeates all of nature, including people and animals. A network of meridians or passageways is thought to be the body’s primary means of transport for chi. Meridians are invisible passageways through which the essential life force travels; they are not visible bodily features like blood vessels or neurons. Similar to people, dogs have named and mapped meridians, and each one has an effect on specific bodily systems and physiological processes.
Yang and Yin are the two polar opposites of Chi. A body that is balanced in both Yin and Yang is one that is healthy and harmonious. Consider the polarities on a battery’s ends. The positive terminal is on one end of the battery, and the negative terminal is on the other. Electricity travels from the positive terminal of a battery to the negative terminal when it is inserted into a device, such as the remote control for your television. Similar to the Yin and Yang in a healthy dog or human, the flow of electricity is steady and balanced.
According to TCM, a Yin/Yang imbalance is what causes disease and agony. A certain meridian may experience congestion, blockage, or stagnation in the flow of Chi. This could result in that meridian having more Yin and less Yang.
In order to stimulate specific spots (referred to as acupoints) along the blocked meridians and restore the equilibrium between Yin and Yang, acupuncture involves inserting very small needles into the skin. Acupuncturists study and memorize each acupoint’s name and function on the body’s 12 meridians in order to treat particular diseases and injuries as well as to promote health and ward off disease.
Dry needling, a technique used in traditional acupuncture, involves inserting very small needles into acupoints connected to certain medical disorders and leaving them there for 10 to 30 minutes. Dog Acupuncture in other forms includes:
When you take your dog to a veterinarian that uses traditional Western medicine, the doctor will inquire about your dog’s appetite, drinking habits, and level of energy. She’ll want to know what you feed your dog and whether or not her bowel movements are consistent with typical behavior. These inquiries will typically be made by the vet as she examines your dog physically, palpating her abdomen, feeling her heart and lungs, and peering into her eyes, ears, and mouth.
Some of the same questions will be asked by veterinary acupuncturists, but they may also add some that may sound strange to you. For instance, they might ask if your dog enjoys a soft or a hard bed to sleep in, and whether she loves to do so in warm or cool environments. Additionally, when they conduct a physical examination of your dog, they will perform procedures that traditional medical professionals do not, like feeling (rather than just counting) your dog’s pulse in several locations, particularly the femoral artery (inside each of the dog’s hind legs, close to the groin), and examining your dog’s tongue.
Veterinarian acupuncturists determine where your dog’s Chi is obstructed or stuck and which acupoints they need to stimulate to restore the healthy flow of Chi using the additional information about your dog’s health collected by these alternative diagnostics.
The acupuncturist typically places needles in six to thirty different places on your dog. As the treatment begins to take effect, dogs almost invariably become extremely calm, and many dogs fall asleep for the about 20 minutes that the needles are left in place.
Acupuncturists typically advise having the canine patient return for at least six or eight sessions of acupuncture, scheduled at least once or twice a week for a few weeks, and subsequently at longer intervals, even though favorable effects may be noticed as soon as the same or next day.
Studies on the effectiveness of the method have often produced conflicting results, and Western scientists have not discovered any evidence to support the presence of acupuncture points or energy meridians in the body. Nevertheless, there is sufficient anecdotal evidence to support its capacity to achieve better results in treated humans and animals that many practitioners use the modality without necessarily believing in the TCM beliefs that underlie the technique.
The phrase “Western Medical Acupuncture,” which is becoming more and more common nowadays, refers to the use of acupuncture in addition to traditional medical diagnoses and treatments.
Modern researchers have looked for alternate explanations for acupuncture’s success, arguing that acupoints and meridians may exist along important facets of the neuromuscular system even though they are not yet detectable with diagnostic methods in use today. Acupoints have been discovered to connect with muscle/tendon junctions, superficial nerve plexuses, and points where nerves enter muscles. Additionally, the meridians on TCM maps, or the channels through which Chi flows, frequently follow the same routes as peripheral nerves.
But there is enough proof that when acupoints are stimulated, the body reacts in measurable ways. Endorphins and endogenous opioids are released, which may have analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. Anti-inflammatory mediators (known as cytokines) are transported to the region as a result of increased blood flow to the area surrounding the acupoints. This lessens inflammation and aids in the healing process.
Dog Acupuncture can be a useful addition to traditional therapy for some medical disorders, according to recent studies. A dog’s comfort and movement may be enhanced more than with only analgesics and physical therapy alone when musculoskeletal and osteoarthritis pain is treated with acupuncture, physical therapy, and analgesics. Additionally, electroacupuncture may help dogs whose mobility has been reduced or decreased as a result of intervertebral disc condition (IVDD).
Find a veterinarian who is certified in veterinary acupuncture if you’re interested in using acupuncture in your dog’s therapy program for osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal discomfort, or IVDD. Veterinarians who hold this specialty certification have undergone extensive training in veterinary acupuncture and its integration with Western medicine.
If you need more information about dog acupuncture you can contact through our contact page or visit us on Facebook.
