Acupuncture is used all around the world, often alongside conventional medicine, to treat a wide variety of conditions in many species of animal. Clinical research has been conducted showing positive results in the treatment of both animals and humans. 

Acupuncture is indicated for problems such as paralysis, inflammation and pain. For small animals some conditions treated with acupuncture are:

• Musculoskeletal problems for example arthritis, spinal disease, traumatic nerve injury, soft tissue and joint injuries
• Respiratory problems
• Skin problems such as lick granulomas and allergic skin disease
• Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea and IBD

For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Most animals become very relaxed and even sleepy. Nevertheless, acupuncture may cause some sensation, presumed to be tingles, cramps, or numbness which can occur in humans and which may be uncomfortable. We take everything at your pet’s own pace, we won’t do anything they are not comfortable with. 

Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a trained vet. Side effects of acupuncture are rare but do exist. A pet’s condition may seem worse for up to 48 hours after a treatment, other animals become sleepy for 24 hours. These effects are an indication that some physiological changes are developing, they are most often followed by an improvement in the pet’s condition.

Initially we will see your pet weekly for acupuncture for at least four weeks, we can then increase the interval between treatments depending on how your pet is responding. Acupuncture can also be combined with low level laser therapy in the same appointment. To find out more please get in touch!