Can Acupuncture Help My Pet Feel Better?
At Pet Method Animal Hospital, we are always looking for ways to help our furry patients enjoy pain-free, active lives. We are pleased to offer acupuncture, a 3000-year-old traditional Chinese medicine healing technique that provides an alternative solution for pain management. Dr. Hunter Finn is highly experienced and knowledgeable in veterinary acupuncture techniques, and he is committed to providing pets in McKinney and the surrounding communities with real, lasting relief.
Veterinary Acupuncture – An Overview
Veterinary acupuncture is an alternative pain relief technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific trigger points to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. The time-tested treatment has traditionally been used in humans but is now gaining popularity in veterinary medicine as a non-drug pain relief method.
Acupuncture is indicated for a range of functional concerns involving inflammation and chronic pain. These include arthritis, traumatic nerve injury, paralysis, back pain, degenerative joint issues, respiratory problems, skin conditions, gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, and even neurological problems such as facial paralysis.
How Does Pet Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture draws on the body’s own natural healing power by creating physiological responses. When inserted into specific points on the body, the needles stimulate nerves, enhance blood circulation, and relieve muscle spasms. Acupuncture helps release endorphins for natural pain control and cortisol, a natural steroid that reduces inflammation.
What Happens During Treatment?
Dr. Finn inserts thin, long needles into specific pressure points along the body to alleviate pain and stimulate the central nervous system. Our compassionate team will ensure your pet is comfortable before, during, and after treatment. Most animals feel minimal to no pain or discomfort, and some feel so relaxed that they fall asleep.
Veterinary acupuncture treatment sessions typically last between 15 and 20 minutes. In some cases, pets experience immediate relief, but most require several treatment sessions. In general, most patients need 3-4 acupuncture sessions with regular maintenance treatments to enjoy lasting symptom relief. The vast majority of cats and dogs treated using acupuncture enjoy a dramatic improvement in their health, mobility, activity levels, and quality of life.
Can Acupuncture Be Combined with Other Forms of Veterinary Medicine?
Acupuncture is often effective as the sole form of treatment for many different concerns. However, we typically combine it with conventional therapies. It is especially beneficial combined with chiropractic care to enhance healing and provide lasting pain relief.
Is Your Pet a Candidate for Acupuncture?
The success of the treatment will depend on your pet’s unique needs and specific health concerns. Dr. Finn will evaluate your furry friend and help you determine whether acupuncture is the ideal alternative pain management solution.
Is Veterinary Acupuncture Safe?
When performed by a trained and experienced veterinary acupuncturist like Dr. Finn, acupuncture is considered one of the safest pain management methods. It rarely has serious side effects like many medications do. Pets with diminished kidney or liver function and older pets benefit greatly from this drug-free treatment option. Mild side effects may include swelling or bruising at the needle insertion sites and lethargy for 24-48 hours, followed by improvement in your pet’s condition.
Veterinary Acupuncture Near Me in McKinney, TX
If you would like to learn more about natural pain relief for your pet, contact our McKinney veterinary practice to schedule a consultation. From acute injuries to chronic pain or inflammation, veterinary acupuncture may be the solution for long-lasting relief. Dr. Finn and our team at Pet Method Animal Hospital are all about ensuring our furry patients enjoy the best possible quality of life!
We invite you to call (469) 581-8609 to schedule an appointment or request one online
