You may be familiar with Chinese medicine and how it benefits people, but are you aware that pet acupuncture exists? Integrative veterinary medicine is guided very much in the same ways that complementary medicine or alternative medicine functions for humans, and pet acupuncture is a healing therapy used with great success.
At VetSet, our veterinarian clinic in Carroll Gardens offers pet acupuncture as a part of our veterinarian services to keep your pets healthy, happy, and thriving! Join us in today’s post as we explore the benefits of acupuncture for your pets!
Is There a Difference Between Pet Acupuncture and Acupuncture For People?
Distilled, acupuncture is the insertion of tiny, hair-thin needles to a specific point in the body to cultivate a healing response, and each acupuncture point has an associated healing function when stimulated.
Acupuncture has been clinically studied in both humans and animals, and the research is advantageous, with both groups benefiting from this medical modality. The medical aspect of acupuncture when considering both humans and animals is the same; it’s the anatomy that is what changes!
Is acupuncture safe for my pet?
Acupuncture is an extremely safe form of medical treatment when performed by a trained vet. The animals feel virtually no pain with the needle insertion, and they typically become calm and sleepy following the treatment.
How do I know the vet is properly trained to perform pet acupuncture?
There are two very important criteria to look for when selecting a vet for acupuncture, including:
- The vet acupuncturist should also be a licensed veterinarian.
- The vet should have training in the practice of pet acupuncture.
Why go the route of acupuncture for my pet?
Veterinary acupuncture is great for animals much, in the same way, it’s healing to humans; try pet acupuncture to improve your pet’s overall health and wellness, including:
- Pain management – Acupuncture can stimulate the body’s own pain-relieving properties and support healthy inflammation management in animals.
- Muscle relaxation – If you have a senior pet, acupuncture can help relax tired and tight muscles at a specific site or other distal locations, creating both localized and general pain relief in animals.
- Supports circulation – Get blood flowing and tissue oxygenation with pet acupuncture. As things open and begin to move, it also assists in removing toxins and metabolic waste.
- There are no side effects – Just as in western medicine, with prescription medications causing adverse side effects in people, so too do medications for pets. To steer clear of adverse side effects and protect your pet’s vital organs, acupuncture is an amazing alternative.
- Acupuncture is complementary – Because acupuncture doesn’t interact with any medications or supplements your pet may be taking, it can be implemented as another form of treatment to address other health concerns your pet may have.
A pet gets so many benefits from acupuncture, but it’s commonly used as a modality that fills in the gaps between traditional vet medicine, and can be the difference between getting surgery and not having to go that route!
What does pet acupuncture treat?
Pet acupuncture can be great for many health issues, including:
- Musculoskeletal concerns – Common issues it can treat include arthritis, nerve issues, and intervertebral disk disease.
- Respiratory issues – This includes feline asthma.
- Gastrointestinal concerns – This includes diarrhea and vomiting.
- Skin issues – This includes anything allergy related, granulomas, and dermatitis.
Pet acupuncture helps bridge the gap between illness and health, and it is safe and effective and treats a myriad of health issues in animals. Before embarking on this healing journey with your pet, always ensure your vet is trained and certified in this specialty.
For more information on pet acupuncture or to schedule a service, connect with us today!