Veterinary Acupuncture
Fine Animal Hospital provides veterinary acupuncture treatment for cats and dogs to relieve pain and to supplement other rehabilitative therapies.
Pet Acupuncture & Healing
Acupuncture comes to us courtesy of Traditional Chinese medicine and is used to promote the healing process for pets by renewing the balance of energy throughout their body.
Based on the philosophy that an imbalance of vital energies in the body can cause illness, pet acupuncture is used by modern veterinarians to help improve blood flow, which boosts oxygenation in tissues.
At Fine Animal Hospital, we may use this ancient form of medicine as a supplement to medical therapy to help restore your pet's health and vitality.
The Vet Acupuncture Technique
Tiny needles are inserted into an animal's body at precise points (meridians), where the blood vessels and nerves converge. The needles are used to help guide vital energy along the meridians, promoting circulation and supporting the nervous system while improving the body's natural healing abilities.
Common Acupuncture Uses
Our vets often recommend using vet acupuncture or other types of Chinese medicine for a range of issues, including:
- Pain Management
Chemotherapy and other medical treatments can feel very uncomfortable for your pet. We will often combine them with acupuncture in an attempt to relieve some discomfort, helping your dog or cat fight their illness.
- Musculoskeletal Issues
Acupuncture may be used to rehabilitate injuries in cats and dogs. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, nerve injuries and arthritis also tend to respond well to acupuncture.
- Dermatology & Skin Issues
Vet acupuncture treatment can help promote increased circulation, which can help allergic dermatitis, hot spots and granulomas. It can also reduce pain and improve healing, leading to less itching. Bonus: this may also prevent subsequent over-grooming.
- Gastrointestinal Issues
Acupuncture can stimulate digestive secretions, helping to encourage healthy digestive activity. Increased blood flow may benefit conditions such as nausea or diarrhea.
- Respiratory Issues
Asthma, allergies and other conditions may improve with the immune-calming and anti-inflammatory capabilities of acupuncture treatment.
The Benefits
Veterinary acupuncture offers a number of benefits, including:
- Pets in poor health will benefit from the lack of systemic side effects
- Improves metabolic waste removal from the body
- Promotes an increased blood flow which boosts oxygen in tissues
- Helps relax muscles and relieve pain
- Lowers the amount of waste products produced