What Is Pet Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a time-tested practice that involves inserting very thin needles into various points on the body to stimulate specific nerve centers. This enhances blood circulation and triggers the release of your pet’s own natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory hormones and endorphins. People have relied on acupuncture in human medicine for thousands of years, and it works just as well for pets! It’s one of the safest veterinary treatments available: a gentle, non-invasive technique clinically proven to help treat a wide range of conditions. Pet acupuncture is particularly beneficial for issues like arthritis, knee injuries, back pain, kidney disease, certain skin conditions, and gastrointestinal problems. Best of all, it requires no pharmaceuticals and pairs well with most traditional and alternative treatments.
Techniques and Customization
We can perform acupuncture using dry needles or through electroacupuncture, which uses small electrodes to pass a tiny current through the needles. This creates a gentle vibration that further stimulates the acupuncture points. We tailor every session to your pet’s specific needs, and acupuncture appointments take place in a quiet, distraction-free area of our hospital. Each visit varies in length based on your pet’s condition, needs, and comfort level.
Does Pet Acupuncture Hurt?
No! A proper acupuncture technique may cause a small contraction of local muscles and a deep, heavy tingling sensation as the needle enters the point. More than 95% of patients are comfortable during acupuncture therapy, and some pets even fall asleep mid-session. This virtually painless process relaxes muscle tissue and oxygenates the surrounding area, promoting faster healing.
Benefits and Safety
This 3,000-year-old practice is effective for treating a wide range of disorders, including:
- Neurologic and soft tissue pain
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Skin conditions
- Otitis (ear inflammation)
Acupuncture is one of the safest veterinary treatments available. As it involves no pharmaceuticals, it avoids the risk of overdose and adverse reactions, and it can be used alongside most other traditional and alternative therapies.
Curious about how veterinary acupuncture can help your pet? Call us at (650) 583-5039 today!
Meet Dr. Sam: Pet Acupuncture Q&A
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Sam to the San Bruno Pet Hospital team! [SHE/THEY] will be leading our acupuncture services, bringing [X] years of experience in veterinary acupuncture and a special passion for integrative care to our patients. We sat down with Dr. Sam to answer some of the questions pet parents ask most.
Q: What can I expect at my pet’s first acupuncture appointment?
A: Your first visit starts with a thorough, gentle exam for your pet and a conversation with you about their health history and your goals for treatment. From there, we’ll create a custom plan that’s tailored to your pet. The first session is typically relaxed and low-key — many pet parents are surprised by how well their pets do with acupuncture.
Q: How do pets usually respond to acupuncture?
A: Every pet is different, but most tolerate acupuncture very well. Some even get so relaxed during a session that they doze off! Owners often notice improved mobility, comfort, and energy in the days after a session. Tracking how your pet responds is an essential part of the process, and I’ll always check in with owners to see how things are going or discuss any changes they’re seeing.
Q: How many sessions will my pet need?
A: It depends on your pet’s condition and how they respond to treatment. Some see benefits after a few sessions, while chronic conditions may require ongoing treatment. We’ll create a schedule together and adjust as needed based on your needs and how your pet is doing.
