Acupuncture for Pets

Soothing pain, accelerating healing.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, one of the four modalities of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, has been used for over 2000 years to heal and treat animals and people. Animals benefit from acupuncture therapy alone, or in conjunction with western medicine for any medical condition. The acupuncture needle stimulates a small spot, called an acupuncture point, where there is a large collection of important messengers come together, such as nerves, blood vessels, and lymph supply. The stimulation of the acupuncture points allows for the release of energy and important chemicals throughout the body to initiate energy flow (Qi), blood flow, removal of stagnation (pain), and the healing process can begin.

A veterinarian in black scrubs is sitting on a mat, extending their hand with treats towards a large brown dog lying down. Another person with a blue top and pink pants is gently petting the dog's back. The room has wooden flooring and scattered items, including a metal chair.

As the body starts to heal itself, the animal can feel and the owner may see improvement in areas of the body that were not even being “treated”. For example, while treating for arthritis, a dogs hearing may improve as well. This is an added benefit to using acupuncture therapy and treating the whole patient and not just the “disease”.

Diagram of a canine with various colored lines and labels representing acupressure meridians. Includes a detailed legend for the meridians, limb abbreviations, and source credit to Tallgrass Animal Acupressure and the website animalacupressure.com. Ideal for veterinarians seeking precise reference guides.

Acupuncture can be used to help improve, treat, or even prevent problems your pet might have, including those related to the musculoskeletal, reproductive, neurological, or gastrointestinal systems. Acupuncture can also be used to manage pain and hasten recovery after surgery.

Benefits

A black Labrador wearing a pink collar lays on a mat while a person in an orange shirt, likely the vet, tends to it. A canister of Easy Cheese is in the foreground. The dog looks alert and calm with some medical supplies visible in the background.

Acupuncture Session

Because the needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin, they cause minimal or no pain and are extremely well tolerated by pets. Each session lasts anywhere from 30-60 minutes. Many pets relax so much during their treatment that they fall asleep or rest very quietly.

A fluffy white and gray cat with a long bushy tail and a red collar sits on a black cushioned bench, looking out of the window. The view outside shows greenery. The power outlet on the wall beneath the window suggests this might be at the vet's office.

Acupuncture Exam

To determine if your pet’s condition(s) may be responsive to this treatment modality, please set up an exam with Dr. Fritz at Aberdeen Veterinary Clinic. Dr Fritz completed her certification at the renowned Chin Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Reddick, FL under the training of Dr. Xie. Please feel free to email ( aberdeenvetclinic@yahoo.com ) or visit Dr. Fritz, outside of Bel Air, in Aberdeen, Harford County, MD, to find out more about this wonderful additional medical therapy that can be used to help your pets medical condition.

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Digital Dental Radiology

Incorrect placement of the needle or inadequate sterilization can result in discomfort or complications, which is why you should only have a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) perform acupuncture on your pet.