Acupuncture

Does your pet suffer from chronic pain or stiffness due to issues such as arthritis or hip dysplasia? If so, your pet may benefit from acupuncture. One of the oldest veterinary acupuncture texts dates to over 2,600 years ago in China. This ancient practice is regaining popularity in the veterinary world! Wise and Wonderful Integrative Veterinary Center integrates acupuncture and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine into our practice.

What is Acupuncture?

You may be familiar with the general concept of acupuncture. In a nutshell, the procedure utilizes tiny needles, which are inserted under the skin at specific points. Eastern and Western views on this vary a bit. In traditional Eastern medicine, the thinking is that the needles help harness and control the flow of energy — or chi — through the body, much the way wires would control electricity in a house. Modern Western medicine looks at it a bit more pragmatically: the needles are inserted at nerve centers, which leads to some very positive and very tangible reactions. These include increased circulation, stimulating the release of natural hormones and painkillers, and reducing stiffness and inflammation. Ask your vet for more information.

What are the Benefits?

Acupuncture has some very unique and wonderful benefits. Although getting needles inserted under your skin may not sound very pleasant, it's actually painless. Your pet won't need to be shaved, and there is no anesthesia or surgery required. Acupuncture does not require the use of drugs, and it can be used safely in conjunction with other methods. Treatments are fairly quick, which makes them easy to fit into your schedule. There's no recovery time needed, aside from maybe some extra belly rubs. Of course, the most important thing is the fact that it actually works!

How is Acupuncture Used in Animals?

As mentioned above, acupuncture in the veterinary world is most often used to treat arthritis and hip dysplasia in dogs. However, those aren't the only uses. It can also help pets that suffer from many different issues, including diabetes, kidney or liver failure, pancreatitis, Cushing’s disease, and Addison’s disease, to name a few. Acupuncture can also reduce nausea and increase appetite, which are beneficial in and of themselves. Ask your vet for more information. 

Tips

Acupuncture is both safe and effective. However, that doesn't mean it's the right option for all of our furry patients. Ask your vet if you think your animal companion could benefit. It never hurts to learn more!

Do you want to learn more about pet acupuncture? Contact Wise and Wonderful, your Santa Rosa, CA, holistic and integrative clinic, anytime!