Acupuncture
What is Pet Acupuncture?
Pet acupuncture is a holistic and non-invasive therapeutic practice derived from traditional Chinese medicine. It has been adapted for use in veterinary care as a complementary or alternative therapy for various animal health conditions.
How Does Pet Acupuncture Work?
To perform this treatment, a vet inserts thin, sterile needles into specific points on your pet’s body where nerves and blood vessels converge. The inserted needles guide energy, or “chi”, through your pet’s body and enhance blood circulation. They also stimulate the nervous system, helping to increase pain relief and reduce inflammation.
Acupuncture treatments typically last between 20 and 45 minutes. The number of treatments your pet will need depends on their condition. Some patients may see results immediately, while pets with chronic conditions may take a week or two of treatment to see a noticeable improvement.
Is Acupuncture Painful for My Pet?
Pets are safe and comfortable during acupuncture treatment. Most pets do not feel any pain from acupuncture because the needles are very fine — nearly as fine as a single strand of hair. Many pets even fall asleep during treatment because of its relaxing effect. Most pets can also be treated without sedation.
What Are the Benefits of Pet Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can help relieve your pet’s discomfort and increase healing. It improves blood flow and helps reduce waste in the body, making it easier for organs to function properly. Acupuncture also relaxes muscles where the needle is inserted and throughout the body for local and general pain relief.
Acupuncture is virtually pain free and has no side effects, making it an ideal treatment for many pets — especially seniors and those in poor health.
What Conditions Can Pet Acupuncture Treat?
Pet acupuncture can be an effective form of treatment for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Joint inflammation
- Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Hip dysplasia
- Muscle soreness
- Skin problems
- Lack of appetite
- Gastrointestinal issues
Acupuncture may be a good fit for pets with many other conditions as well. Your vet will work with you to determine whether it’s a good option for your pet.
Who Performs Acupuncture at Orchard Mesa Vet?
Dr. Diane Henney-Clark, our Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, has advanced training in veterinary Chinese herbal medicine.
Dr. Henney-Clark was certified through IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) in 1998 and has been performing pet acupuncture ever since. She’s a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) and has completed the IVAS veterinary Chinese herbal therapy and food therapy courses. Dr. Henney-Clark has completed additional Chinese herbal medicine training through the Chi institute in Florida.
Pet Acupuncture in Grand Junction, CO
To schedule an appointment for your pet, call us at (970) 241-9866.
