Pet Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Your Pets

Acupuncture is the placement of needles at particular locations along the body.  The pinpoints are on a series of channels or meridians that have been mapped on the body centuries ago.  These meridians correspond with specific body organs or systems.  Placement of these hair-like needles stimulates endorphins and neurotransmitters and is quick and often painless. Many pets rest very quietly or fall asleep after the placement of these needles for their treatment.   Some pets show signs of improvement after the first treatment, and other pets require several treatments to see the benefit.  We recommend committing to 3-4 treatments before deciding that it may not help. 

The first acupuncture session lasts approximately one hour, which includes a detailed history of your pet’s life and who they are today. We discuss our goals and expectations together before starting any treatments.  After this history and a physical evaluation, we will create a treatment plan or “prescription” which is the map of where the needles will be placed.  On this first visit, your pet will receive dry-needling (needles only). The needles will be in place for 10-15 minutes.  Sometimes electroacupuncture will be added to the treatment sessions depending on the diagnosis. This gives tiny electrical impulses to the needles that are placed. 

The next 3-4 appointments are about a week apart and are usually 30-minute appointments.  We will discuss how you feel your pet responded, and another brief exam is performed, followed by needle placement.  The next appointments are spaced out further, and for chronic cases, we usually see patients every 8 to 12 weeks.  Most pet owners will start to recognize when they need to bring their pet back in by this point; they see the treatment effects begin to wane. 

To learn more about acupuncture or integrative medicine therapies, give us a call at (919) 245-3437.