Keeping our furry friends healthy and happy is one of the top priorities of pet owners. When we see them experiencing discomfort, our first instinct is to help them. At Ashworth Road Animal Hospital, we're here to provide advanced, state-of-the-art veterinary care in a welcoming, loving environment in our West Des Moines, IA office.
Our animal hospital is excited to introduce a new service to help your pet. Acupuncture is now being offered to relieve a variety of ailments affecting pets.
Acupuncture for Pets
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine technique that originated in Chinese culture. Long, thin needles are inserted into various points in the body to allow for the release of chemicals that will flow to the spinal cord, brain, and muscles that help with the body's natural healing ability.
Whether it's acupuncture for dogs or acupuncture for cats, the conditions for which it is used are the same. Acupuncture can be used independently or in combination with other therapy and medication by a veterinarian.
It is important to note that acupuncture is not a cure for any disease, but it can relieve symptoms, pain, and discomfort caused by them.
Your veterinarian may suggest acupuncture as a treatment for:
- Arthritis
- Decreased appetite
- Nerve injuries
- Skin issues (dermatitis, hot spots, granulomas)
- Relieve the symptoms of chemotherapy
- Gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, vomiting, and gas)
- Respiratory problems (asthma and allergies)
Acupuncture can also improve your pets' overall mood and reduce negative behavior. Animals often act out because they do not feel well. If acupuncture relieves pain and discomfort, often those bad moods will disappear as well.
What to Expect during a Visit
A typical acupuncture session will begin with a quick exam to make sure they are up to the session. Then the needles will be gently and gradually inserted into pressure points on your pet.
Though they may have an initial reaction to the first few needles, it does not hurt. Many pets even become relaxed or sleepy during the procedure. Pets do not usually need to be sedated unless they are in so much discomfort that any pressure would cause pain.
Your buddy should not have any side effects from the acupuncture other than a good night's sleep.
Ashworth Animal Hospital
If you need a veterinary hospital in the West Des Moines, IA, area, contact Ashworth Road Veterinary Hospital. Our expert staff is always happy to help your pet feel better. Give us a call at (515) 225-1807 or visit our website for more information.