Animals go barking mad for acupuncture

12:07pm Monday 24th March 2008

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Animals who don't like pins and beagles beware - this season's mutt-have pet therapy is acupuncture.

For centuries humans have enjoyed the apparent benefits of the ancient Chinese procedure.

But now vets are getting in on the act and giving owners in Sussex paws for thought on a new way of curing all sorts of animal ailments from dog diarrhoea to rashes in rats.

According to staff at Coastway Vets, which has branches in Brighton, Shoreham and Portslade the treatments are proving massively popular with clients eager to keep their pets in tip-top condition.

Head nurse, Anna Cook told The Argus: "It's still a fairly unusual service for vets to offer but it's definitely becoming more widespread."

Animal acupuncture is said to work in the same way as it does on humans; specially designed needles are inserted into the skin, targeting the body's "meridian" points, which are said to closely follow the body's central nervous system.

The technique is based on ancient Chinese medicine dating back to the Stone Age.

And while there is still debate, particularly within the scientific community, over acupuncture's benefits, there is evidence to suggest the method can ease pain and help treat some conditions.

South African vet, Guy Liebenberg, administers the treatments at Coastway and is under no doubts about its effectiveness.

He said: "I don't think there is any doubt we do see an improvement in the animals we treat."

Pet owners spend up to £15million a year on alternative therapies for their dogs, according to research by insurance firm Direct Line.

One explanation for animal acupuncture's rise in popularity is a growing trend among pet owners to try and prevent illness in pets before it happens, therefore avoiding costly vet bills.

Whole industries have sprung up in recent years designed to allow animal lovers to pamper their pets as much as possible and ensure they are in the best health.

Mrs Cook said: "The people who quite often want this service are those who really do want to try and prevent problems occurring with their animals.

"It is a preventative measure as well as a treatment once illness develops.

"It can be used for a wide range of purposes. It can benefit most animals too.

"We had a rat in here the other day having some treatments. Dogs are quite often in too.

"The vets who do it have to go away on a special training course to learn the techniques."

According to the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA), which was formed in 1987, the method can be used to treat both physical and mental problems in dogs, cats, horses, farm animals and birds.

A spokesman said: "Acupuncture among animals is increasingly popular as a treatment among vets.

"More and more people in the industry are taking up training to practise the method."

Do you pamper your pooch with alternative therapies? Does your pet have a huge vet's bill? Tell us your story below.