What is Pet Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a time-tested practice that involves inserting very thin needles into specific parts of the body to stimulate nerve centers. This enhances blood circulation and triggers the release of natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory substances. People have used acupuncture in human medicine for thousands of years, and it is equally effective for pets. It is one of the safest veterinary treatments available, offering a gentle, non-invasive technique clinically proven to aid in the treatment of various ailments. Pet acupuncture is particularly beneficial for neurologic conditions such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), degenerative myelopathy (DM), and geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis and paraparesis (GOLPP). It can also be beneficial for orthopedic disease such as arthritis, knee injuries, back pain, and even organ dysfunction such as kidney disease, and gastrointestinal issues. Acupuncture requires no pharmaceuticals and can be readily combined with most traditional and alternative treatments
Techniques and Customization
Practitioners can perform acupuncture using dry needles or through electroacupuncture, which employs small electrodes that pass a tiny current through the needles. This creates a gentle tingling sensation to stimulate the acupuncture points further. We tailor each pet’s acupuncture sessions to their specific needs, with the duration varying according to the pet’s condition and circumstances. It is helpful if you can find a quiet, distraction-free area of your home for our visits to best facilitate this treatment.
Does Pet Acupuncture Hurt?
No! Proper acupuncture technique may cause a contraction of local muscles and a deep, heavy tingling sensation when the needle enters the acupuncture point. Over 95% of patients are comfortable with acupuncture therapy, and some animals even fall asleep during sessions. This virtually painless process relaxes muscle tissue and oxygenates the surrounding area, promoting faster healing.
Conditions Treated
This 3000-year-old Chinese practice is effective for treating numerous disorders, including:
- Neurologic Conditions (IVDD, DM, GOLPP, seizures)
- Orthopedic Conditions (Hip/Elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, cruciate ligament disease/rupture)
- Myofascial strain patterns
- Organ Dysfunction
- Immune dysfunction
- Gastrointestinal issues
Safety
Acupuncture is one of the safest veterinary treatments available. Veterinary acupuncture eliminates the need for pharmaceuticals, thereby avoiding the risk of overdose and adverse reactions, and can be used in conjunction with most other traditional and alternative treatments.
Curious about how veterinary acupuncture can help your pet? Call us at 970-707-5626 today!