Acupuncture for Pets

Soothing pain, accelerating healing.

Acupuncture can be defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body which will result in therapeutic effect. The ancient Chinese found 173 acupoints in animals and 361 acupoints in human beings. When these points are stimulated, it causes the movement of Qi (chee) that is life force or vital energy. This movement is necessary for life, and any illness, pain, disease, stress can cause a blockage of this movement. Acupuncture stimulation resolves this blockage, freeing the flow of Qi and enabling the body to heal itself. Acupuncture sessions are often accompanied by the use of Chinese Herbal medicines, which can accentuate the healing and are often tolerated as well, or better, than Western medicines by some individual pets.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure, that is performed only by licensed veterinary acupuncturists. Dr Jones has had her CVA (Certificate of Veterinary Acupuncture) since 2007 and Dr. Hartman received her CVA in 2019. They both use acupuncture daily in practice. Acupuncture doesn't hurt, and in fact, most of our clients fall asleep during treatments. The initial treatment is often a bit worrisome for the pet, because they do not often associate visits to the vet as being a time of relaxation and "feeling good". But after a few sessions, often we have our patients dragging their people back into the hospital for their therapy sessions! Treatments tend to last about 20-40 minutes, although the first session will be at least an hour.

How it Works

Acupuncture is very useful for all maladies, but our primary clients are our older friends- the ones with arthritis and orthopedic issues. Acupuncture is also helpful in incontinence and gastrointestinal problems and can even help with anxiety, epilepsy and allergies.

Acupuncture is complementary medicine, meaning it can be used alongside of any western therapies you are presently using, without any ill effects. Acupuncture works WITH the body to help heal the body from within. Dr. Jones and Dr. Hartman are well-versed in combining both western and eastern modalities to create the best approach to keep your pet healthy and happy for as long as possible.

Who it's For