Acupuncture for Cats & Dogs
Veterinary acupuncture works by stimulating nerve endings near specific points in the body where nerves and blood vessels intersect. These nerve fibers send signals to the brain and spinal cord, causing changes in a pet's body that expedite the healing process and relieve pain. Acupuncture in pain management or recovery is performed by a trained professional veterinary acupuncturist and is completely safe for pets.
Pet owners are showing a growing interest in this treatment option in an effort to provide the best care for their pets. This is especially true when more traditional medicine and surgical options have been proven to be unsuccessful.
Veterinary acupuncture doesn't have to be the sole choice for pet owners. Combining this treatment with more conventional veterinary care methods is perfectly safe, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to caring for cats and dogs.
Whether the patient is a kitten, puppy, or a senior pet, acupuncture is a safe and suitable option when it comes to pain management and a quicker recovery for a wide variety of health conditions.
Types of Veterinary Acupuncture & How They Are Performed
Acupuncture for animals involves the insertion of tiny needles into a pet's body at specific points called meridians. The needles help guide vital energy along these meridians, supporting the nervous system and promoting circulation. In some cases, this treatment option has also been shown to improve the body's healing abilities.
There are three main types of veterinary acupuncture used by vets. These methods include:
Dry Needle: Dry needle acupuncture is solely the insertion of needles alone.
Electroacupuncture: With electroacupuncture, acupuncture needles are placed and then connected to electrical leads that stimulate the points at varying intensities and frequencies.
Aquapuncture: During an aquapuncture appointment, the veterinary specialist will inject the acupuncture points with liquid solutions (typically saline, diluted vitamin B12, or Adequan). Depending on the animal's need for acupuncture, this method can offer additional therapeutic benefits based on the liquid being used.
Many veterinarians agree that incorporating acupuncture into a patient's treatment plan, alongside other therapies, can help give an animal an increased opportunity at successful and minimally painful recovery.
Conditions Veterinary Acupuncture Can Help With
Acupuncture is a great option to consider for a variety of conditions. To name a few examples, veterinary acupuncture has been proven to be effective for cats and dogs who have:
- Musculoskeletal issues
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Chronic pain conditions
- Respiratory concerns
- Allergies
- Severe anxiety
- Dermatology issues
- Blood flow restrictions
For those wondering if their cat or dog's condition could benefit from acupuncture, contact our team at Mill Plain Veterinary Clinic to find out how we can help.
How We Will Find Out If Acupuncture Is Right for a Pet
Before a cat or dog begins a treatment plan that includes veterinary acupuncture, a thorough exam, and diagnostic testing will be performed. This is to ensure that acupuncture will be beneficial to the animal, and not be an unnecessary step in the treatment process.
The frequency at which a pet attends acupuncture sessions will depend on the circumstances. Some pets may require just a handful of appointments, while other pet rehabilitation programs could be more extensive and may even be a lifelong, reoccurring process.
To have any questions about veterinary acupuncture answered, please speak with one of our veterinary team members.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
