Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture to Support Healing & Recovery
In traditional Chinese medicine, cat and dog acupuncture is used as a way to promote the healing process for pets by renewing the balance of energy throughout their body.
This ancient form of medicine is rooted in the philosophy that illness is caused by an imbalance of vital energies in the body. In modern terms, acupuncture can help by improving blood flow, which boosts oxygenation in tissues.
At Legacy Animal Medical Center, we can make pet acupuncture part of your animal's holistic treatment plan as a supplement to conventional veterinary treatments or as a stand-alone treatment option for a variety of conditions.
The Acupuncture Technique
Veterinary acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into a pet's body at precisely mapped points called meridians, where the blood vessels converge with the nerves. The needles help guide vital energy along these meridians, supporting the nervous system and promoting circulation while enhancing the body's healing abilities.
Common Acupuncture Uses
Our Liberty Lake vets may recommend the use of acupuncture or other types of Chinese medicine as a treatment for various health issues in dogs or cats, including:
- Pain Management
Medical treatments such as chemotherapy can feel very uncomfortable for your pet. They will often be combined with acupuncture in an effort to relieve some discomfort, helping your cat or dog to fight their illness.
- Musculoskeletal Issues
Acupuncture can often be used for injury rehabilitation. Conditions such as arthritis, nerve injuries and hip dysplasia also tend to respond well to acupuncture.
- 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.
- Respiratory Issues
The immune-calming and anti-inflammatory capabilities of acupuncture treatment can improve asthma, allergies and other conditions.
The Benefits
Acupuncture for pets may provide a number of benefits, including:
- Pets in poor health will benefit from the lack of systemic side effects
- Lowering the amount of waste products produced by the body
- Helping to relax muscles and relieve pain
- Improves metabolic waste removal from the body
- Promotes an increased blood flow which boosts oxygen in tissues