The Uses & Benefits of Pet Acupuncture

The Uses & Benefits of Pet Acupuncture

Pet acupuncture is becoming a more common therapy in veterinary medicine due to its versatility, lack of side effects, and positive outcomes for pets. Beaver Brook Animal Hospital’s Dr. Asher is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and performs this therapy for dogs and cats of Wethersfield. While we typically perform acupuncture in our hospital, we are also able to perform it in the comfort of your home. Please call us at (860) 757-3346 to schedule a home visit.

Interested in Acupuncture for Your Cat or Dog?

Curious Dog

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient practice stemming from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into certain acupressure points in the body. Scientifically, these points correspond with nerve clusters, muscles, and joints. When Dr. Asher inserts needles into these points, they promote physiological changes including:

  • Increasing blood circulation
  • Greater production of endorphins, which relieve pain
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Stimulating the nervous system

In addition to traditional acupuncture, our veterinarian also performs aqua-puncture as well as electro-puncture for further healing benefits. Aqua-puncture involves the injection of a solution into your pet’s acupuncture points that promotes longer-lasting relief. Electro-acupuncture, on the other hand, uses a mild electrical charge to stimulate the acupuncture points at a deeper level than traditional acupuncture.

Pet Acupuncture in Wethersfield: Outdoor Cat
Pet Acupuncture in Wethersfield: Dog Panting

Conditions Helped by Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy for many different conditions including:

  • Arthritis
  • Neck and back pain
  • Nausea and gastrointestinal problems
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Wound healing
  • Allergies
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Nerve disorders
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Lick granulomas
  • Relief from cancer treatment side effects
  • And more
Pet Acupuncture in Wethersfield: Kitten Laying Down

Does Acupuncture Have Any Side Effects?

Pet acupuncture is entirely safe with no lasting side effects. The only possible side effects involve some bruising or light bleeding where we place the needles, but this is unlikely with a certified veterinary acupuncturist. Other possible side effects include tiredness and lethargy after a session, but this typically does not last.

Another Complement with Herbal Therapy

In addition to acupuncture therapy, Dr. Asher also offers Chinese herbal medicine as a complementary option to your pet’s treatment. Herbal medicine uses plants in concentrated forms for their therapeutic benefits. Herbal treatments can be used in conjunction with acupuncture to treat many of the conditions listed above. Dr. Asher will form a unique treatment plan for your pet involving herbal medication as needed.