Acupuncture
A gentle, non-invasive, ancient Chinese approach.
Acupuncture is a gentle, non-invasive treatment used to treat sick and injured pets. This particular treatment is especially helpful for animals living with chronic health conditions such as arthritis.
Much like reiki, acupuncture is a holistic healing practice that has withstood the test of time. Centuries ago, acupuncture originated in ancient China and has since been used to promote healing and balance energy. The process involves placing thin, sterilized needles into specific parts of the body, known as acupuncture points, to stimulate the immune system.
Acupuncture can be used to provide relief from the following conditions:
- Neck and/or back pain
- Arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries
- Cancer and symptoms associated with chemotherapy
- Respiratory problems such as asthma
- Skin problems such as allergies
- Acute and chronic conditions that have not responded to traditional medicine
- Acute and chronic conditions that are currently being treated with traditional medicine
Additionally, acupuncture aids in neurological recovery, immune system support, and senior pet care.
How will my pet react to veterinary acupuncture?
Luckily, most pets accept veterinary acupuncture with ease. Of the few that initially dislike needles, many become receptive over time. Because acupuncture needles are so fine, pets rarely experience any discomfort and most lie down to rest during the session.
Treatments are relaxing, balancing, and tailored to each individual patient. The number of sessions your pet will require is based on the issue being addressed as well as their response to treatment. For some pets, three to eight initial treatments will suffice while, for others, a single session every three to four weeks works best. Every session lasts approximately 30 minutes.
If you’d like to learn more about acupuncture or you’d like to schedule a consultation for your pet, call us at (802) 985-5233.
Please read our testimony submitted by one of our clients:
Lucy is our 13-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever Mix. As a working dog, she has an active lifestyle. We live on the third floor, so she has to navigate lots of stairs to get outside. Over the last eight years, Ark has provided wonderful care for Lucy. As she has aged, she slowed down, and developed arthritis and loss of muscle mass. Her rear legs got weaker and lost sensation, so her walks got shorter, and she needs help navigating the stairs. We noticed she had trouble getting up by herself, her rear legs often crossed, making her trip, and she was unable to correct her paws when they flipped toes down.
Dr. Koenitzer introduced us to the Help me up Harness, which helped us guide her. Our dog is over half my body weight, so it helped save my back, too. He offered several pain meds, adjusting as needed. With empathy and kindness, he introduced tools to help with end-of-life decisions, but we knew that for now, she still has a lot of life in her.
During a visit to discuss refilling her pain meds, Dr. Ogawa suggested acupuncture. We thought it over and decided to give it a try. We knew Lucy wouldn’t get any younger but hoped to make her time with us better.
The treatment itself was in a comfy room with a soft carpet, gentle lights and a comfy bed. Dr. Ogawa let Lucy smell everything before bringing it close to her. She explained what she was doing and listened to all our concerns. She placed needles in specific places, and used some electric stimulation. She carefully observed Lucy’s reaction, adjusting treatment to be sure it was not too much for her. Lucy was in pain and a little scared, but because we were with her, and Dr. Ogawa’s gentle and skilled approach, she tolerated it.
The first day after treatment, Lucy was pretty worn out. The day after, we saw improvement in her paw flip, and less leg crossing, so she was more stable on her walks. After three treatments, she was even able to get up by herself a couple of times. On her fourth visit, she felt well enough to wander around the room, exploring. Dr. Ogawa worked with her as she was, placing the needles as she moved about the room.
Both in the manner and the treatment, Dr. Ogawa provided care that made noticeable improvements in our dog’s mobility and comfort. This has been a huge benefit to us. It’s another tool to help our old dog feel more comfortable. For older dogs struggling with pain management and mobility issues, we highly recommend Ark, Dr. Ogawa, and acupuncture. -Rose
