Acupuncture for Pets?

As dogs age, they often deal with many of the same ailments that older humans endure, like arthritis, back and neck pain, diabetes and other causes of chronic pain. Medications and supplements can help, but acupuncture can also be a good option to control pain in older dogs.

Acupuncture helps the body heal itself by increasing blood flow and relieving muscle spasms. It can also help release cortisol and endorphins into the body to reduce swelling, relieve pain and strengthen the immune system.

Performing acupuncture on pets requires special training, so check with your veterinarian for an acupuncturist near you.

– Dr. Mary Giron, SPCA Tampa Bay Veterinary Center