Ancient Solutions for Canine Arthritis

Acupuncture is a time-tested clinically effective holistic solution to the stresses and health problems of your pets in our modern times. The effects of acupuncture and herbal therapy are gentle yet very effective for a wide range of health problems, and it is a cost-effective method to regain and maintain the health of your pet.

Acupuncture is only one element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Other TCM modalities incorporated into most treatments are laser acupuncture, infrared heat, moxabustion, magnets, Bach Flower Remedies, and a form of Chinese massage known as Tui Na

Acupuncture and Canine Arthritis

Study after study have shown that acupuncture and Chinese herbs are effective to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis in both humans and dogs. Canine acupuncture is also an effective treatment for hip and elbow dysplasia, ligament and tendon injuries, and many other ailments. Acupuncture helps to increase circulation to the muscles and joint capsules, providing more oxygen and slowing cell degeneration. It also relieves painful muscle spasms and releases endorphins to make your dog feel better.

Most humans and dogs feel relaxed and pain free after an acupuncture session. Don't expect an instant one-treatment miracle, though. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect. Over time, the treatments build on one another, giving better results with each successive treatment.

For more information on veterinary acupuncture please visit www.FourPawsAcupuncture.com

PLEASE NOTE!
Each state has its own regulations about veterinary acupuncture. It is important to find a practitioner who has more than a few weekends of training. Some states only require veterinarians to have 130 hours of training in veterinary acupuncture. Unfortunately this is not an adequate amount of time to learn Traditional Chinese Medicine. Other states only allow veterinarians to practice.

All licensed acupuncturists have at least 3,000 to 3,500 hours of training and graduate with a Masters degree. To find an acupuncturist in your area visit www,acufinder.com

If your dog suffers from arthritis, these are a few natural remedies that are helpful:

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) will help protect and lubricate joints. Research has shown that MSM has an strong anti-inflammatory effect. Glucosamine has been studied for over 20 years in humans, and has been proven effective to relieve arthritic joint pain. Please note that it may take four to six weeks before your dog feels the results from these supplements.

An Omega 3 essential fatty acid supplement from fish oil or flaxseed oil also works as an anti-inflammatory. These help to lubricate the joints and help with inflammation. Omega 3 oils will also improve the health and appearance of your dog's coat. Omega 3 oils have been proven to help reduce excess weight in people and dogs.

Diet plays an essential role in decreasing the symptoms of arthritis. Studies have indicated that wheat can exacerbate pain and cause inflammation in both humans and animals. Cooking for your dog is the best option. However if you cannot make the time to cook, then make sure you are feeding your dog the best food you can find. Choose a safe brand that is organic, and
contains free-range meat. Unfortunately most grocery stores do not carry the best pet food brands. It is the smaller independently owned pet supply shops and on-line shops that carry the better quality brands.

Your dog's food should also be wheat, corn and soy free. These filler ingredients may exacerbate arthritis and often are involved in weight gain. Wheat, soy and corn products have also been linked to allergies and skin problems in animals. Make sure the treats you feed your dog are also free of wheat, corn and soy, especially if your dog is overweight, as this puts more pressure on already weakened joints. One of my favorite dog treats is Cinna-bones made by Solid Gold. These cookies are not only free of wheat, soy or corn but they also contain cinnamon which is very effective in relieving pain in arthritis made worse with cold damp weather

Recipe for Merlin's Magic Congee

Grains should be thoroughly cooked for animals, as they don't really chew their food. Congee is a Chinese dish made from rice, meat and vegetables that is slow cooked and easy to digest. This recipe was the magic formula that helped my German Shepherd Merlin who suffered from hip dysplasia and arthritis.

In a crock pot or heavy pot with lid add:

* 5 cups of spring or filtered (not tap) water or free-range chicken broth.
* 1 cup of grain.
* Several pieces of frozen or fresh organic chicken or turkey.
* 1 cup or more of chopped or frozen veggies such as carrots, celery, sweet potato, yams, parsley,string beans.

Use brown rice during the cold winter months. Use white basmati rice for spring or summer.

If cooking in a crock pot, set on low and cook for 4-6 hours. If using a heavy pot on the stove, set the flame or electric burner on the lowest setting, and cook for 4-6 hours.

hinese herbal medicine is a major part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Combining both acupuncture with herbs when treating a patient can dramatically produce positive healing results.

"In the last 1500 years the Chinese and others developed very logical,
sophisticated and effective models for using herbs in the treatment of
disease and promotion of health.

Chinese herbal medical theory and practice is much more developed and sophisticated than most Western herbal traditions, and relies on carefully balanced formulas. These formulas are combined in ways that are simple in principle yet show a remarkable sophistication behind their construction methods. Formulas
are made up of individual herbal substances with complementary (or
sometimes antagonistic) properties to achieve what are often complex
therapeutic goals. Some ancient herbal formulas have stood the test of
use over hundreds of years and millions of patients." - Norman Kraft, L.ac
www.MyAcuDoc.com

PLEASE NOTE! Chinese herbs are pharmaceutical grade substances and should only be prescribed by a licensed acupuncturist or veterinarian trained in TCM herbal therapy. Please be careful of websites selling miracle curing herbs. Unfortunately most of these are scams and can be harmful to your dog's condition.

A favorite stress reducing remedy for humans and pets is Bach Flower Rescue Remedy.This combination of five flower essences is a must-have for pets and owners.

It is excellent to give before taking the pet to the vet, after a trauma, when the pet is not quite well,or after an accident or sudden stress.The remedy can be given by mouth, which is the most effective method; it doesn't interfere with medication or have negative side effects.

Pet owners can also take rescue remedy (available in natural food and vitamin stores and on Amazon.com)