Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats in Cooper City, FL
When it comes to addressing chronic disorders and chronic pain in dogs and cats, we want to offer as many effective treatment options as possible. Oral medications are the standard choice for treating a multitude of conditions, but prolonged use of anti-inflammatory medications can increase your pet’s risk for harmful side effects. With acupuncture for dogs and cats, we can offer the pets of Cooper City a safer, drug-free treatment in conjunction with other treatments to produce a better outcome.
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What Exactly is Acupuncture, and How Does it Work?
Acupuncture has been used for millennia to treat humans, and is a part of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, with its benefits extending to four-legged patients.
The procedure involves inserting very small, thin needles at areas of the body called “acupoints.” These are generally found where nerve bundles intersect with blood vessels and connective tissue. As needles are placed at these acupoints, they stimulate the body to release endorphins, relaxing stiff muscles and joints and helping to relieve pain. Essentially, acupuncture is used to gently coax the body into healing itself.
Needles do not always need to be applied to stimulate acupoints—sometimes, applied pressure is sufficient (this is known as acupressure).
What Conditions can be Treated with Acupuncture?
The most common and responsive disorders that can be improved with acupuncture include musculoskeletal diseases such as:
- Arthritis
- Degenerative joint disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease
Other conditions that can benefit from acupuncture:
- GI disorders
- Metabolic disease
- Spinal cord conditions
- Cancer
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
Can Acupuncture Worsen my Dog or Cat’s Condition?
It’s reasonable to have some concerns about a relatively new mode of treatment, especially a holistic one. Fortunately, acupuncture for dogs and cats is very safe. Any side effects they do experience, such as lethargy/drowsiness, soreness, or even worsening of their condition, should not last more than 24-48 hours. These effects are generally normal, and should have no long-term effects on your pet’s health.
Furthermore, side effects like these are rare and once they resolve, your pet’s condition is likely to show noticeable improvement. If your pet is currently undergoing acupuncture as part of a larger treatment plan, keep in touch with us and let us know how your pet is progressing.