Did you know that acupuncture can be very helpful for pets? This ancient practice is becoming more and more common in the veterinary world, and with good reason. It can actually be beneficial for treating a wide variety of medical issues. Here, a Pipe Creek, TX vet discusses acupuncture in pets.
As you may know, acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago. The practice is based around the use of thin needles, which are inserted into the body at specific points, generally nerve centers. From the traditional point of view, the needles help direct the flow of energy through the body, rather like the way wires and circuits conduct electricity. To look at it from a more clinical perspective, they stimulate the release of certain hormones and endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture can also improve circulation, which can in turn reduce inflammation and facilitate healing.
With pets, acupuncture is often used to manage pain from musculoskeletal problems and bone/joint issues, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. It’s a wonderful thing to see an old dog becoming playful again, or see a stiff kitty moving more easily! Sometimes it’s used as part of rehabilitation after an injury. Acupuncture is also beneficial in treating many other health problems, including certain skin problems, respiratory issues, and even gastrointestinal issues.
There are truly some great benefits to using acupuncture. For one thing, the treatment is painless. Many of our furry patients relax during their sessions! It works well in conjunction with more modern options, such as chemo, essentially letting pets have the best of both worlds. Your pet won’t need to be sedated, nor will they need to be shaved. As for recovery time, an extra nap, some ear scritches, and a treat should do it. Another plus of acupuncture is the fact that treatments can be repeated as often as needed. In many cases, we see continued improvement after each treatment.
Although acupuncture is a wonderful option, it’s isn’t necessarily right for every situation. All of our furry patients are unique, so treatment options are always offered on an individual, case-by-case basis. That said, it never hurts to find out more! Ask your vet for more information.
Do you think acupuncture could help your beloved pet? Please contact us, your Pipe Creek, TX vet clinic, today. We’re here to help!
