Did you know that acupuncture can be very beneficial for pets? This ancient practice is making some waves in the veterinary industry, and with good reason: it’s very safe, and can have wonderful results! Here, a McHenry, IL vet discusses acupuncture for pets.
Acupuncture – The Basics
Acupuncture, which originated in China, has been in use for thousands of years. As you may know, the practice centers around the use of small needles, which are inserted into the body at specific points. Traditional beliefs hold that these needles manipulate the flow of energy through the body. However, to describe it more clinically, the insertion points are typically nerve centers. Inserting the needles—which are very slim—at these specific spots can improve blood flow, and help the body release its natural pain-killing chemicals. This can help promote healing, reduce pain, and increase range of motion in both people and pets.
Benefits of Acupuncture
There are many reasons why acupuncture is becoming a popular choice for pain management in pets. The treatments do not require drugs or surgery, though they can be used in conjunction with more traditional treatments. There is no recovery time, although some of our furry patients are a bit drowsy after their sessions. Acupuncture can also be repeated as often as needed. Many times, pets continue to improve after each session. Side effects are extremely rare, which makes the treatment very safe. And, while getting pricked with needles may not sound pleasant, acupuncture is not painful.
Results
There are some truly remarkable success stories about the use of acupuncture in treating pets. One of the most common uses is increasing mobility in older pets, especially those that are suffering from chronic pain due to arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other medical issues. For instance, a senior dog may be more playful after acupuncture, and may be able to move and climb stairs much more easily.
Tips
While acupuncture has some wonderful benefits, it isn’t necessarily going to be the right course of action for all of our furry clients. We always treat pets on a case-by-case basis, and suggest treatment options based on each furball’s individual needs. If you think that your four-legged buddy could potentially benefit from acupuncture, schedule a consultation with your vet.
Do you think your pet could benefit from acupuncture? We can help! Call us, your local McHenry, IL animal clinic, today!