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Help your pet by giving them at-home pet acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine has used acupuncture for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. It is based on an energetic map of freeways called “channels” or “meridians” that connect specific acupuncture points together. There are hundreds of points on a dog or cat’s body and every point has a specific regulating action.

Pet acupuncture can help with arthritis, pinched nerves, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and more.

Keep scrolling to learn more about this effective approach to pet medicine.

Frequently asked questions about pet acupuncture

How does acupuncture help?

Simply put, acupuncture is a very simple modality that allows the body to heal itself, produce “happy hormones” such as opioids and serotonin, and help animals feel better, quicker. It helps regulate the healthy flow of energy (or Qi , “chi”) in the body. Qi is described as our life force, our vitality and we are alive as far as there is Qi circulating in our body.

What are the benefits of pet acupuncture?

Acupuncture can help many conditions including; musculoskeletal problems, acute or chronic neurologic disease, anxiety, allergies, chronic respiratory disease, any gastrointestinal issue, and any painful condition.

How long before acupuncture can help my pet?

Pets with painful conditions will normally feel relief after the first treatment. Every case is approached on an individual basis and the treatment is tailored to that particular individual – there is no one size fits all approach. If a particular issue has been going on for weeks, months or even years, it is recommended that we try at least 3 treatments for that patient.

How long is an acupuncture session? What happens during a session?

The first session lasts about 1 and 1/2 hours. We will review your submitted acupuncture form which covers your pet’s medical history in detail and your pet will his or her first acupuncture treatment. We always like to go over diet and supplement recommendations on that first visit as well. Follow-up visits last about 1 hour. Placing the needles normally takes about 10 min, then the needles stay in place between 10-20 minutes.

Does it always work? Why might acupuncture not work? Does or can it be combined with other treatments (i.e. medications)?

Most pets show improvement from acupuncture with 1 to 3 treatments. Depending on what we are trying to treat, the frequency of treatment and the number of treatments should be respected to allow proper assessment. Acupuncture can always be combined with any other type of treatment modality (cold laser therapy, medications, supplements, etc.).

Is acupuncture for every pet? How do I know if it's for my pet?

If your pet (cat or dog) is going through any type of acute or ongoing condition, chances are, acupuncture can help! The needles used are very small and most cats and dogs do well with their treatment. The main sensation is when the needle goes through the skin, which lasts a quick second. After that, most animals can hardly feel the needles. Some pets even feel sleepy during their treatment, will relax, and be very calm. Most canine patients are distracted throughout the entire treatment with treats and goodies.
Nevertheless, if your pet does not like being touched or tends to protect its body, it may not be the best treatment route.

Where can I learn more about pet acupuncture? Any credible sources?

Here is a very useful link to learn more about acupuncture, how it works, and why we might recommend it.
https://www.ivas.org/about-ivas/what-is-veterinary-acupuncture/

Who does the acupuncture?

Dr. Caroline Jetté is one of our staff DVMs. She completed a course in acupuncture at the Chi University of Florida in 2021. To learn more about her please visit our about us page.

Ready to give at-home acupuncture a try?

Please click the button below to fill out our New Acupuncture form. It is also located on our contact page. If you are a new client, please also fill out the New Client Form and the New Patient form.

We think you will like the benefits that mobile veterinary care and at-home pet acupuncture have to offer.

New Acupuncture Form

Do you have more questions?

We’re here to help your pet feel better faster. Contact us with additional questions that you may have about pet acupuncture. Additionally, our Columbus mobile vet clinic offers many more services than just at-home pet acupuncture. Visit our services page to learn about all of our services.

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