I can’t say enough about the benefits of acupuncture for dogs and how it’s helped my Pomeranians for over 12 years. My journey into canine acupuncture began with Chicky, my first Pomeranian and, as an adult, my first pet. I’m a bit guilty to say I bought her from a flea market pet store without much knowledge about Pomeranians or pet ownership. She was tiny, adorable, and I instantly fell in love.
A year or so after we brought Chicky home, I started noticing problems with her back legs. Her twig legs would pop and give out, making her movement uncomfortable. After taking her to the vet, she was diagnosed with luxating patellas and narrow hips. The vet advised against breeding her and recommended steroid shots and lifelong joint supplements. I agreed to the treatment plan without knowing much else about Pomeranian health issues, and so our journey began.
Discovering Acupuncture as an Alternative
A year later, a friend mentioned that her Bichon had undergone knee surgery due to bad genetics and suggested I try a veterinary acupuncturist. My reaction? “Excuse me, what?!” I had no idea acupuncture was available for pets, let alone that it could help Chicky’s condition. My friend urged me to try a few sessions, claiming it could work wonders. Skeptical but curious, I decided to give it a go. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Meeting Dr. Philip C. Hightman, The Veterinary Acupuncturist
For over 12 years now, Chicky and I have been seeing Dr. Philip C. Hightman, a veterinary acupuncturist, chiropractor, and herbal remedies specialist. I was skeptical at first—how was my little Chicky going to sit still with needles in her back? But Dr. Hightman had a calming presence. I’ll never forget him gently holding Chicky’s head and telling her, “Chicky, we’re going to put a few needles in your back. It’s going to feel GREAT. Don’t worry, you’re safe.” I rolled my eyes at this gentle approach but trusted the process.
The needles went in one by one, and to my surprise, Chicky didn’t flinch. After 30 minutes, she was calm and relaxed. Dr. Hightman recommended 1-2 weekly treatments for the first few weeks, and then we’d see how things went. After four treatments, I could see a difference—Chicky walked better, stood sturdier, and even sat more easily. Since then, we’ve continued maintenance treatments every few months, depending on her needs.
The Benefits of Acupuncture for Pomeranians
My experience with Chicky taught me that acupuncture can relieve many health issues commonly affecting Pomeranians and other small dogs. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Pain Relief: Acupuncture helps relieve chronic pain, particularly in arthritis and musculoskeletal issues. For dogs like Chicky with joint issues, acupuncture can be a game-changer.
- Improved Mobility: Chicky moves more freely and with less stiffness after each treatment. This is especially helpful as she ages and her arthritis becomes more prominent.
- Reduced Inflammation: The needles stimulate blood flow and encourage the release of natural anti-inflammatory compounds, helping to soothe areas prone to swelling.
- Mental and Physical Relaxation: Acupuncture has a calming effect on dogs, which helps them relax and feel more comfortable.
Seeing Chicky age with a better quality of life and mobility makes every session worth it. She’s now 16 years old and still has the energy to dance around—arthritis, partial deafness, and all!
Common Conditions in Pomeranians Treated with Acupuncture
Acupuncture is often recommended for various functional health issues, especially inflammation, pain, and mobility. For Pomeranians, here are some conditions that may benefit from acupuncture:
- Musculoskeletal Problems include arthritis, luxating patellas, or soreness in the back and hips.
- Skin Problems: Issues like lick granulomas or chronic dermatitis often benefit from acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory effects.
- Respiratory Problems: Some Poms suffer from breathing difficulties, and acupuncture can help ease respiratory inflammation and discomfort.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: For dogs experiencing chronic digestive troubles, such as diarrhea or bloating, acupuncture can ease symptoms and promote better digestion.
- Chronic Pain and Inflammation: Conditions causing persistent pain and inflammation, like arthritis, are common targets for acupuncture treatment.
How Acupuncture Works for Small Dogs
Acupuncture may seem unconventional, but it’s an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to treat animals and humans. The process involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerve endings, improve blood flow, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes. Here’s how it generally works for small dogs like Pomeranians:
- Insertion of Needles: The Vet carefully places needles in targeted areas depending on the condition. The placement stimulates energy flow, reduces pain, and relieves tension.
- Nerve Stimulation: The needles stimulate nerve pathways, helping to block pain signals and release natural painkillers like endorphins.
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Acupuncture promotes blood circulation, which helps reduce inflammation and speeds up healing.
For active Pomeranians or those involved in activities like agility training, acupuncture can also serve as a preventive measure to keep muscles and tendons strong and injury-resistant.
Actual Results: Chicky’s Long-Term Success with Acupuncture
Since starting acupuncture, Chicky has had an incredible improvement in her quality of life. We go for maintenance sessions every 3-6 months, and as she’s aged, we’ve increased the frequency to keep up with her arthritis. Some days, she needs treatment every few weeks, while other times, she only needs monthly sessions. It all depends on how she’s feeling. As her “mom,” I’ve learned to pick up on when she feels stiff or uncomfortable and when she could use extra support.
It’s amazing that Chicky still loves to move and play despite her physical limitations. She shows her dance moves on Instagram, proving that age and arthritis haven’t slowed her down too much. If you’re considering acupuncture for your Pomeranian, I highly recommend trying it. Even a few sessions can make a world of difference.
Other Health Benefits of Acupuncture for Dogs
In addition to easing Chicky’s arthritis and joint issues, I’ve seen acupuncture help other Pomeranians with various conditions. Many pet owners use it as part of a holistic approach to treating their dogs. Here are some additional health benefits:
- Support for Immune Health: Regular acupuncture sessions can help strengthen the immune system, making Poms more resilient to common ailments.
- Faster Healing from Injury: Acupuncture can speed up recovery from muscle and tendon injuries, especially for active or sporty dogs.
- Stress Relief: Its calming effect can benefit anxious dogs, helping them feel more relaxed and comfortable in new environments.
A Holistic Approach to Pomeranian Health
If you’re feeling uncertain about a traditional treatment plan for your Pom, I encourage you to look into holistic options like acupuncture. While it may not be realistic to go entirely holistic, acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive way to complement your dog’s health care routine. Over the years, all my Poms have benefited from acupuncture at one time or another, and I believe it’s been instrumental in keeping them healthy and happy.
In the end, acupuncture has given Chicky a better quality of life. Seeing her keep up with her younger self, even with age and arthritis, is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. So, if you have a Pomeranian dealing with joint pain or inflammation or need extra comfort, try acupuncture. Your Pom might surprise you with how much it helps.
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