Now Offering Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern practice that has been used for people as well as animals for thousands of years but is now gaining popularity in the West as a non-invasive treatment for pets.
Acupuncture works in the same way for both humans and animals and involves the insertion of very thin needles into the skin at defined points in order to alter the flow of energy around the body. However, in modern medicine, these needles are believed to stimulate the sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles, triggering the body to produce pain-relieving endorphins or serotonin to help relieve stress and anxiety. Acupuncture can have both therapeutic (healing) and preventative benefits and is safely used in conjunction with other therapies, such as medication or physical rehabilitation.
Currently, we offer acupuncture to help alleviate the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders in cats and dogs including:
- Arthritis
- Chronic neck pain
- Chronic back pain
- Knee and joint problems
- Aging support
However, some studies have also shown that acupuncture may also be beneficial for other conditions including:
- Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma
- Skin problems, such as allergic dermatitis
- Gastrointestinal issues, for example, chronic diarrhea
- Chronic renal insufficiency
- Some behavioral problems
How Does Veterinary Acupuncture Work?
The needles will stay in your pet’s body for between 5 and 20 minutes before being removed, and the procedure is painless. Most animals barely notice the treatment, with some even falling asleep while their acupuncture appointment takes place.
An initial consultation appointment is typically around 60 minutes in length, but this may be tailored to suit the needs of your pet. Follow-up appointments are around 30 minutes long.
How many appointments your pet will need depends on the health issue being addressed, although you may see noticeable improvement in your pet’s condition after the first session. It’s not unusual for as many as four appointments to be required.
Want to find out if acupuncture can help your pet? Call us at (503) 477-4757.