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Ludvig receives acupuncture treatment in Denmark amid rising dog allergy cases

Wednesday 24th 2024 on 08:04 in  
Denmark

Ludvig, a Labrador, lies comfortably on his back with all four legs in the air, wagging his tail excitedly when veterinarian Gitte Jensen arrives. Leading up to the visit, he had been suffering from increasingly red and itchy skin due to allergy flare-ups.

Jensen kneels down and inserts four small acupuncture needles into Ludvig’s legs, explaining that this aims to create a balance by aligning yin and yang in both sides. Initially skeptical, Ludvig’s owner, Anne Delfs, agreed to try acupuncture after traditional allergy injections lost their effectiveness. She expressed her surprise at witnessing positive results, saying, “When you see the outcomes, you have to believe it works.”

Recent data from Agria Pet Insurance highlights a significant rise in allergy-related issues for dogs, with reported cases increasing by over 40% between 2019 and 2023. This coincided with a mere 6% rise in dog owners possessing health insurance. Additionally, allergy-related veterinary costs grew by over 15% during the same timeframe.

Dr. Jensen, who has recently qualified as a certified animal acupuncturist, indicates a high demand for alternative treatments aside from traditional methods. She believes that acupuncture assists in addressing the underlying causes of allergies rather than just the symptoms.

While Ludvig’s condition is chronic, he has not been cured. His treatment requires ongoing management, and it remains unclear if insurance will cover acupuncture, given its current lack of sufficient evidence. Despite this, Anne Delfs feels it is essential for Ludvig’s well-being, stating, “If we don’t treat him, he suffers. I want him to have a good life, as he is my friend.”

Source 
(via dr.dk)