How can natural treatments help pets with kidney disease?
If you have found this page, your pet was likely recently diagnosed with kidney disease (aka renal disease). We get that learning your beloved fur baby has been diagnosed with kidney disease was probably a shock and distressing.
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Your regular veterinarian likely explained what kidney disease was and sent you home with a prescription for kidney support food and told you go come back in 4-6 months to recheck bloodwork.
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You're finding it hard to believe that there is nothing else to be done to help your best friend and you are absolutely correct! The good news is that there are natural treatments including acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, chiropractic care, nutritional therapy and supplements that can help support pets with chronic kidney disease. There is so much more to helping your pet than simply feeing a prescription kidney support diet!
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Benefits of Acupuncture for Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets
Chronic kidney disease is a common ailment affecting both dogs and cats. Acupuncture for kidney disease in pets involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Pets do not need to be sedated for acupuncture treatments and many find the treatment to be relaxing. Typically pets with kidney disease will come in for acupuncture treatments once weekly and then reduce the frequency of the visits depending on the pet's individual needs.
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Acupuncture should be used as a complimentary therapy alongside conventional veterinary treatment, not as a replacement.
Here are some ways acupuncture can help pets with kidney disease.
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1. Improved blood flow to the kidneys: Acupuncture can help improve blood flow to the kidneys bringing vital nutrients and oxygen to support kidney health. ​
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2. Pain management: Many pets with kidney disease may be seniors and have other painful conditions such as arthritis. Acupuncture can help relieve pain and inflammation related to arthritis. Some pets may also feel discomfort as the kidney disease progresses. Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers to help make them more comfortable.
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3. Stress reduction: Dogs with kidney disease may experience stress and anxiety due to their condition or medical treatments. Acupuncture has been shown to promote relaxation and relieve stress through the release of neurotransmitters like seratonin and dopamine.
4. Supportive therapy: Acupuncture can help manage the symptoms some pet's experience associated with kidney disease such as nausea, vomiting and decreased appetite.
Supplements & Chinese Herbal Therapy for Pets with Kidney Disease in Chicago
Chronic kidney disease is a common ailment affecting both dogs and cats. Acupuncture for kidney disease in pets involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Pets do not need to be sedated for acupuncture treatments and many find the treatment to be relaxing. Typically pets with kidney disease will come in for acupuncture treatments once weekly and then reduce the frequency of the visits depending on the pet's individual needs.
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Acupuncture should be used as a complimentary therapy alongside conventional veterinary treatment, not as a replacement.
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What happens during a visit for acupuncture?During your pet's assessment prior to the acupuncture treatmetn, the doctor may assess your pet for pain in addition to checking their tongue and pulse. While it may seem a little strange to check the tongue and pulse, checking both of these can provide information about your pet’s condition and can help the doctor determine the best acupuncture prescription for your pet. The needles are thin and push the skin out of the way rather than cut it. While some acupuncture points may be sensitive and cause slight discomfort once the needles are inserted, typically this discomfort quickly subsides. Some people worry that their pets may not tolerate the treatment, but most pets sit still for their treatments and some even fall asleep. We incorporate calming sounds, mood lighting and licky mats with peanut butter if needed to help keep your pet calm during their treatment.
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What are side effects of acupuncture in pets?When performed by a trained and certified veterinary acupuncturist, acupuncture is generally safe with minimal side effects. Some patients may have a temporary worsening of their symptoms or may be a little sore for 24-28 hours following the treatment. Bruising, breaking of the needle, needle ingestion or puncture of internal organs are all extremely rare but possible side effects which owner's should be made aware of.
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How long are the acupuncture treatments for my pet?Our acupuncture appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes. Depending on the pet, the acupuncture needles may remain in place anywhere for 12- 25 minutes.
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Who can perform the acupuncture treatments for my pet?Acupuncture treatments should only peformed by a licensed veterinarian who is trained in acupunture treatments for pets. Dr. Arielle performs all of the acupuncture treatments for pets at Healing Tails. She received her training through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
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Should acupuncture be used instead of western medicine?Acupuncture should be used in conjunction with traditional western medical diagnostics, work-ups and treatments. In some cases clients are able to reduce the dose of pain medications or eliminate them altogether under the guidance of their veterinarian. It is important to discuss your goals for your pet's treatment during their intial exam.