Support Your Pet's Healing with Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment originates from traditional Chinese medicine. Many pet owners choose veterinary acupuncture services to help support their cat or dog's healing and renew the balance of energy throughout their four-legged companion's body.
This ancient treatment is based on the philosophy that an imbalance of vital energies in the body. In modern terms, acupuncture helps improve blood circulation and allows more oxygen to reach the body's tissues.
At River Hills Pet Care Hospital, we often recommend acupuncture to supplement other rehabilitative therapies to help relieve pain and promote healing for your pet.
How Acupuncture Works
During your pet's acupuncture treatment, tiny needles will be inserted into your pet's body at precise points called meridians, where the blood vessels meet the nerves. The needles help direct important energy along these meridians, supporting the nervous system and encouraging circulation while enhancing the body's healing abilities.
Common Acupuncture Uses
Our vets often recommend the use of acupuncture or other types of Chinese medicine for a number of issues, including:
- Musculoskeletal Issues
Acupuncture can often be used to help alleviate musculoskeletal issues caused by injury or health conditions. Problems such as nerve injuries, arthritis, and hip dysplasia tend to respond well to acupuncture.
- Pain Management
Medical treatments such as chemotherapy can cause your pet to feel uncomfortable. Acupuncture may be recommended to help relieve some of this discomfort, which may support your cat or dog in their battle against illness.
- Respiratory Issues
Acupuncture treatments can help to calm inflammation and your pet's immune system in general. This may help improve respiratory issues like allergies, asthma and other conditions.
- Dermatology & Skin Issues
Acupuncture treatment can help encourage increased circulation, which can help hot spots, granulomas and allergic dermatitis. It can also improve healing and reduce pain, leading to less itching and subsequent over-grooming.
- Gastrointestinal Issues
Acupuncture may stimulate digestive secretions, which helps to promote healthy digestive activity. Conditions such as diarrhea or nausea may benefit from increased blood flow.
The Benefits
Acupuncture for pets provides a number of benefits, including:
- Lowering the amount of waste products produced
- Promoting increased blood circulation, which boosts tissue oxygenation
- Helping to relax muscles and relieve pain
- Improving the removal of metabolic waste from the body
- Not causing systemic side effects