Used for thousands of years to stimulate healing and overall well-being, acupuncture has moved beyond its ancient Chinese origins to now being used in human and animal medicine around the world. Veterinary acupuncture or pet acupuncture is an exciting adjunct treatment commonly used for pain management and a myriad of conditions affecting pets.
As research continues to illustrate the benefits of pet acupuncture, clinics that are on the cusp of progressive medicine are offering this service (among other alternative therapies) to their clients. BEEVET is proud to be one such modern veterinary hospital.
What is Pet Acupuncture?
Acupuncture relies on proven tenets that suggest the stimulation of the central nervous system can prompt physiological responses that impact recovery. This is done through the use of very tiny, thin needles which are placed along various points of the body, depending on the conditions being treated and the desired outcomes.
Through this procedure, the nervous system is engaged and increases blood circulation, relaxes muscle tension or spasms, and releases endorphins and hormones that are responsible for relieving pain.
Because acupuncture is an effective adjunct treatment, your veterinarian will work with you to determine how these sessions might complement existing treatments, including surgery, medication, and other therapies.
Many owners wonder if the needles will bother their pet, but most animals don’t notice them and will relax when under the care of our trained, skilled staff. In fact, some pets will even doze off!
Pet acupuncture sessions typically last 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. We’ve found that the positive effects of veterinary acupuncture can be seen within the first few treatments.
The Benefits of Pet Acupuncture
While veterinary acupuncture is most often used for minimizing pain, it’s also been useful in treating other conditions and illnesses, such as:
- Gastrointestinal disorders, including chronic nausea, diarrhea, and constipation
- Postoperative recovery
- Back injuries
- Orthopedic conditions
- Asthma and allergies
- Skin problems
- Urinary incontinence
- Neurological conditions
- Liver and kidney diseases
- Behavioral problems
At BEEVET Animal Hospital, we’re excited to be at the forefront of veterinary medicine offering this beneficial therapy. If you’d like to learn more about acupuncture and how it might help your pet, we invite you to schedule a consultation today.
With all the wonderful new treatment options for pain and other common conditions, no pet should ever have to suffer. Encouraging the best, healthiest life for your fur friend is our greatest objective. Please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our team members with questions or concerns.
