Acupuncture is more than placing needles throughout your pet’s body. It is an ancient Chinese technique that contributes to your furry friend’s holistic wellbeing. Our veterinary team aims to marry conventional and alternative medicine to provide your pet with the type of care that best supports their needs.
How do I know if acupuncture is the right fit for my pet?
As a holistic approach to medicine, we consider a few things to determine if your pet is a good candidate for the treatment. To create a treatment that aligns with their diagnosis, we assess their medical history, physical health, pulse, tongue condition, and behaviour characteristics. We insert tiny needles into specific spots on their body (acupuncture points) to treat various conditions. The goal is to generate healing at these acupuncture points by increasing blood flow, decreasing inflammation and stimulating tissue regeneration.
What ailments does acupuncture help in treating?
Since acupuncture helps treat inflammation, we often recommend pets experiencing pain and joint inflammation for treatment. Depending on your pet’s needs, we’ll also recommend acupuncture if they have any of the following ailments:
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Chronic back pain
- Spinal cord conditions
- Cancer
- Digestive issues
- Injury
- And many more chronic and acute medical conditions
Do the needles hurt my pet?
Needles are inserted where your pet’s nerves and blood vessels meet. These acupuncture points have been studied for years as points where pain and tension can be released, increasing your pet’s endorphins, the feel-good hormones. Your pet’s nervous system will benefit from this release of pressure, helping it fight against infection and promote healing.
How long does each treatment take?
We will ask you to complete an intake form ahead of your pet’s initial consultation. Additional questions may be asked during your initial consult. Acupuncture sessions are typically 30-40 minutes and scheduled 1-2 weeks apart, depending on the condition being treated.
How soon will I see results?
Depending on the condition being treated, results may be apparent immediately, or it may take several treatments. In general, a minimum of 3-5 treatments, 1-2 weeks apart are needed before results are seen. If no changes are noted within 8 treatments, the pattern diagnosis needs to be re-assessed, or a different treatment modality needs to be considered.
If you’re interested in learning more about acupuncture, please contact us.