The use of acupuncture to treat a number of health conditions in humans is nothing new. In fact, acupuncture has been used in China for over 5,000 years. However, veterinary acupuncture for pets is a much younger science, but one with much to offer.

As in humans, pet acupuncture should only be performed by a certified acupuncturist who understands how to use the technique properly and safely. Dr. Mikaela Archambeault is a certified acupuncturist with experience in helping pets feel better and heal faster through the use of alternative therapies, including acupuncture.

What Acupuncture Can Help With

Although acupuncture can be used for several problems, the most widely appreciated use in veterinary medicine is for pain.  Pets suffering from arthritis, post-operative pain, soft tissue injuries, tight/sore muscles, and hip dysplasia can benefit from regular acupuncture sessions. The effect of acupuncture is cumulative initially, and most pets will benefit from at least three treatments done one week apart before tapering to a less frequent treatment regimen.

Another common use for acupuncture is to help with stress and behaviors associated with it, such as constant licking, separation anxiety, and even asthma, especially if stressful situations often set off asthma attacks. These are all common uses of acupuncture for dogs.

Acupuncture can also benefit paralyzed pets, as it can help stimulate nerves and ease discomfort during physical therapy and recovery. Even in pets that are permanently disabled, acupuncture can still help stimulate nerve endings to maximize available function, and ease discomfort.

Other common uses for acupuncture include:

• Many types of back, neck, and elbow problems, including ligament damage, dysplasia, ligament injury, and DJD (degenerative joint disease)
• Gastrointestinal imbalances including diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and even pancreatitis
• Limping and wobbler syndrome (difficulty keeping balance because of damage to the cervical vertebrae)
• Some cases of epilepsy, especially in dogs
• Hind end weakness due to hip dysplasia or old age
• Liver, kidney, and other metabolic disorders
• Endocrine diseases, such as Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, thyroid malfunctions, and diabetes

What Else Can Veterinary Acupuncture Do for Your Pet?

You don’t have to wait for your pet to be ill to try acupuncture. In fact, acupuncture can be a great way to keep your pet healthy and well-balanced. Athletes, elderly pets, pets with chronic conditions, or those who recently went through a traumatic event (including surgery or an accident) can also benefit from receiving acupuncture regularly.

We find that many of our owners are surprised by the benefit that acupuncture provides their pet. It is not uncommon for us to hear owners claim they would never have considered acupuncture for their pet before coming to Harmony Animal Hospital, and now they couldn’t imagine not having it done for their animal!

If you have questions or concerns regarding the use of acupuncture on your pet, give us a call, and we’ll be happy to discuss things with you.

Here are a few additional reasons to try cat or dog acupuncture:

• Anti-nausea and an increased sense of well-being while pets are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• It has been shown to help the body fight inflammation on its own
• It can help relax muscles without the use of harmful medication. (This is especially important if you have a pet with a liver or kidney condition that can be worsened by taking painkillers or anti-inflammatories.)
• It helps remove toxic buildup and waste from the body, improving how your pet feels
• Any internal condition that has not responded or has incompletely responded to conventional therapies
• Acupuncture is well tolerated in many pets and so can be a great alternative when medication is not an option. If your pet is already taking medication, acupuncture won’t interact with it.

Isn’t Acupuncture Painful?

Most pets find acupuncture sessions relaxing. In fact, many of our patients actually fall asleep during sessions. Dr. Mikaela will work with your pet to see what method of needle insertion is the least irritating to them, with the end result that most don’t seem to mind the needles. However, this is not true of every pet, so you might want to have a trial session or discuss your concerns with Dr. Mikaela before moving ahead. If your pet is fond of treats, they can be used as a positive distraction while the needles are placed..

Your pet’s personality, body composition (pets with more fat might feel the needles less than thin animals), and the nature of the disease all play a role in whether your pet is a good candidate for acupuncture or not. Acupuncture for pets can be a great way to solve your pet’s problems without needing medications.