Acupoints that benefit arthritis for your horse and dog

Acupressure for Canine Arthritis

Canine Osteoarthritis:  Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis 

The most common type of arthritis for dogs is osteoarthritis. It’s a degenerative joint disease characterized by the wearing a way of cartilage. It can be the result of impact trauma, injury, over-use, infection, poor conformation, hereditary issues, mineral or dietary deficiencies, and aging. Dogs involved in competitive activities are more apt to develop arthritis at an earlier age due to the increased stress on their joints.

Being aware of common causes combined with early detection of arthritis affords you the opportunity to slow the progression of the disease. Use the acupoints shown below to help relieve your dogs arthritis.          

Equine arthritis and acupressure, canine arthritis and acupressure

Early signs of arthritis can be:

  • Mild swelling and heat in the joint
  • Reluctance or refusal to perform in his usual activity or sport
  • Stiffness following inactivity 
  • Favoring a limb
  • Decrease in joint flexibility (range of motion
  • Crunching (“crepitus”) sound when the joint is flexed
  • Tenderness of joint upon palpation
  • Tiring more quickly than usual 
  • Sudden attitude or mood change
As osteoarthritis progresses, the dog will most likely exhibit an increasing degree of lameness and escalating pain.  The points shown in the chart above can benefit and bring a measure of relief to your animal.

 
To learn more about this condition and Acupressure for Canines, visit our website at animalacupressure.com and check out the book Acu-Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure

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