Q: Is acupuncture painful?
For all pets, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Even pets who hate needles when they have treatment at the vets do not usually mind acupuncture. Once the needles are in place, they are completely pain-free.
Q: Do pets enjoy acupuncture?
During their acupuncture session, most pets become very relaxed and even sleepy. Occasionally, like in people, acupuncture may cause tingling cramp, or numbness. These can be uncomfortably on the rare occasions which they develop.
Q: Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies of all when it is administered by a properly trained and experienced vet.
Sometimes your pet can seem tired for 24 hours after their session. Very occasionally, an animal’s condition may briefly seem worse. These effects are signs that some physiological changes are developing, and they are most often followed by an improvement in the animal’s condition.
Q: How long do acupuncture treatments last?
These vary depending on the condition of the patient and the method of stimulation that is used by the veterinary acupuncturist.
Stimulation of an individual acupuncture point may take up to 30 minutes.
Q: How often should acupuncture sessions take place?
A simple problem, such as a sprain, may require only one treatment, whereas more severe or long-term ailments may need several treatments.
Patients often start with 1-3 treatments per week for 4-6 weeks. Usually, they start to show signs of improvement during the first 3 sessions.
Once the pet is showing a good response (usually after 4-8 treatments), treatments are tapered off.
Pets with long-term conditions might need 2-4 treatments per year.
Still have questions?
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