Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points are located along “meridians,” which are pathways where energy, known as “Qi” (pronounced "chee"), flows.  

 

Think of it like this: sometimes, the flow of energy gets blocked, leading to pain, discomfort, or illness. Acupuncture helps to unblock those pathways and restore the natural balance of energy, allowing your pet's body to heal itself.

Dr. Betty uses acupuncture to treat a wide range of conditions in dogs, cats, and other animals. Some common issues she addresses include:

 

• Pain Management: Arthritis, hip dysplasia, back pain, and post-surgical pain. This is one of the most common and successful uses of acupuncture!

• Musculoskeletal Issues: Muscle strains, ligament sprains, and nerve damage.

• Skin Conditions: Allergies, dermatitis, and lick granulomas.

• Digestive Problems: Vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

• Neurological Issues: Seizures and nerve paralysis (in some cases).

• Senior Pet Support: Improving quality of life, increasing mobility, and managing age-related conditions.​​

Dr. Betty understands that not all pets love needles! She takes a gentle and patient approach, ensuring your pet is comfortable throughout the entire session.

 

1. Initial Consultation: Dr. Betty will start with a thorough examination of your pet’s medical history and current condition.

2. Acupuncture Treatment: Once your pet is relaxed, Dr. Betty will gently insert the needles. Most pets feel very little to no discomfort. Some may even become sleepy!

3. Session Length: A typical session lasts between 20-60 minutes, depending on your pet’s needs.

4. Frequency: The number of sessions needed varies depending on the condition being treated. Dr. Betty will create a personalized treatment plan for your pet.

Yes! When performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist like Dr. Betty, acupuncture is a very safe procedure.  We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict safety protocols.  There are minimal side effects, and most pets tolerate the treatment very well.

 

What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

 

• Drug-Free Pain Relief: A great option for pets who can’t tolerate traditional pain medications.

• Improved Quality of Life: Helping pets live more comfortably and actively.

• Holistic Approach: Treating the whole animal, not just the symptoms.

• Minimal Side Effects: Generally very safe and well-tolerated.

If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to help your pet feel their best, acupuncture might be the answer! However, the success of acupuncture treatment ultimately depends on your pet’s individual temperament and willingness to cooperate during sessions.

Not all dogs and cats will remain still while an acupuncturist inserts needles, and some pets may initially resist the treatment. If your pet decides to throw a tantrum or becomes too stressed during the procedure, it can make acupuncture challenging or even impossible to perform effectively. Veterinary acupuncturists will actually feel along the meridians to assess if the animal is sensitive to touch - if your pet won’t even allow gentle touching, it will be very difficult to proceed with needle insertion.

The good news is that most pets accept veterinary acupuncture with ease, and of the few that initially dislike needles, many become more receptive over time as they get used to the process. Many pet patients actually find acupuncture sessions very relaxing, with some even falling asleep during treatment.

If your pet proves uncooperative with traditional needle acupuncture, there are alternative approaches available. Veterinarians may instead use infrared therapy, which involves applying energy to specific acupuncture points to achieve similar therapeutic results. This can serve as a noninvasive option for pets with significant pain who cannot tolerate needles.

Ultimately, your pet’s comfort and stress levels should be the primary consideration when deciding whether acupuncture is appropriate. A skilled veterinary acupuncturist can help assess whether your furry friend is a good candidate for this complementary therapy.