Acupuncture?

[robinh]

What are you opinions on acupuncuture for your pet?

Found out we have one nearby and am considering taking Max in. He has had success treating skin problems and would like to see if he could help Max without all the drugs.

[ScoobyDoo-Doo]

Can the dog lay down that long? It doesn't seem very fruitful. Wouldn't just your love and time benefit the dog more? I would just give the dog or cat a massage. I've done that with my dog Scooby who had a stroke and he is doing great! Try homeopathetic medicines instead of drugs. Brewer's yeast will help with skin problems and it can be found at GNC. I just don't see wasting money on accupuncture for an animal. Good luck!

[Logan]

I have heard of acupuncture for muscle or joint related problems with dogs before, but never for skin problems. That doesn't mean it isn't possible, for sure! If you feel comfortable with the procedure and have researched the success rate, I say go for it! Whatever it takes to make Max feel better is a plus for both of you!

[rotten_two]

both my dogs get acupuncture as do i and i totally swear by it. our vet is wonderful and very well trained. it focuses on the system as a whole (for example: skin problem may really be the manifestation of some other problem). our female went in for skin problems and the vet told us she had liver/blood imbalance. she treated that and in a week or two there was a noticeable difference. now her coat just shines! it does sometimes get a little metaphysical in the ideals but i have seen my dogs with major improvements. our vet also supplements their food with different herbs based on their problems. from what i understand there are lots of ailments that can be treated with acupuncture (it is not gonna cure cancer, but it can mitigate the side effects of chemo). there are a few things to keep in mind . . .

1) you have to have an open mind and believe that it will help

2) you have to stick with it for a few treatments before you see results

3) pick a qualified vet acupuncturist

we got tired of seeing specialist after specialist with no real answers or improvements so we picked the alternative route and have not looked back.

[robinh]

Thanks for the responses. I really want to help my poor little guy and I'm willing to give anything that might ease his itching a chance. He's a wonderful baby and he deserves a chance to not be miserable all the time.

This is what his chest looked like last year and I don't want him to go through this again.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid73/pd11568d142d5cdfad9e1097fb4a6d321/fb7464f1.jpg
He's a grumpy little old man, but how can you not love that face?