REhabvet PET ACUPUNCTURE

Pet Acupuncture Singapore

Acupuncture is a soothing yet highly effective treatment for both dogs and cats. It can assist with long-term conditions, support recovery after injuries, and help maintain your pet’s overall well-being.

At RehabVet, every acupuncture session is tailored to fit your pet’s individual needs. We provide one-on-one sessions in a calm environment, ensuring your dog or cat feels at ease. Our veterinarians are specially trained in veterinary acupuncture, so you can rest assured your pet is in experienced, caring hands.

How Does Acupuncture Work?
  • Endorphin Release: Acupuncture triggers the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, promoting relaxation and reducing discomfort.

  • Enhanced Circulation: Placing needles on targeted points improves blood flow, helping speed up healing and lessen swelling.

  • Nerve Stimulation: Acupuncture can reduce pain signals and restore mobility by encouraging healthy nerve activity.

  • Immune Support: It also helps fortify your pet’s immune system, boosting their resilience and overall health.

Conditions That Benefit from Acupuncture
  • Chronic Issues
    Eases arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other ongoing joint or muscle problems.
  • Post-Injury Recovery
    Aids in pain management and supports faster healing after trauma or surgery.
  • Digestive Concerns
    Helps alleviate stomach and bowel discomfort and improve digestion.
  • Anxiety & Stress
    Promotes calmness and can help pets cope with stress-related behaviors.

Benefits of Acupuncture

  1. Natural Pain Relief
    Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins—your pet’s natural painkillers—helping relieve discomfort without relying on heavy medication.

  2. Enhanced Blood Circulation
    Gentle needle placement boosts blood flow, ensuring muscles and tissues receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal and stay healthy.

  3. Reduced Inflammation
    By triggering the body’s natural healing response, acupuncture can help lower swelling and ease stiffness in joints and muscles.

  4. Improved Mobility
    Pets suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia often experience greater flexibility and movement after regular acupuncture sessions.

  5. Stress and Anxiety Relief
    Acupuncture encourages relaxation, making it a helpful tool for pets dealing with anxiety or stress-related behaviors.

  6. Immune System Support
    Targeted needle placement can help regulate the immune system, enhancing your pet’s overall resilience to illness.

  7. Faster Recovery from Injuries
    When combined with conventional vet care, acupuncture can speed up healing by easing pain and promoting healthy circulation.

  8. Better Digestive Health
    Acupuncture can help relieve gastrointestinal issues by supporting normal digestive function and reducing inflammation.

  9. Complements Other Treatments
    Safe and versatile, acupuncture works well alongside medications, physical therapy, and other veterinary treatments, often enhancing their effectiveness.

  10. Safe and Low-Risk
    With minimal side effects and discomfort, acupuncture offers a gentle solution that can fit seamlessly into your pet’s wellness routine.

 

Types of Conditions

  1. Arthritis and Joint Pain
    Acupuncture helps reduce inflammation, ease stiffness, and improve mobility in pets suffering from chronic joint issues.

  2. Hip Dysplasia
    By relieving pain and promoting better blood flow, acupuncture can support the long-term management of hip dysplasia.

  3. Post-Surgery Recovery
    Strategic needle placement can assist in reducing discomfort and accelerating healing after surgical procedures.

  4. Spinal and Neurological Disorders
    For conditions like intervertebral disc disease, acupuncture may help decrease pain signals and support nerve function.

  5. Trauma and Injuries
    Pets recovering from injuries, fractures, or muscle strains can benefit from the pain relief and faster healing acupuncture offers.

  6. Digestive Issues
    Acupuncture can help soothe gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea by encouraging normal digestive function.

  7. Respiratory Disorders
    Certain respiratory conditions, like feline asthma or kennel cough, may improve with acupuncture’s circulation-enhancing effects.

  8. Skin Conditions
    By aiding immune function and reducing inflammation, acupuncture can support the treatment of allergies, hot spots, and other skin irritations.

  9. Anxiety and Behavioral Concerns
    Acupuncture has a calming influence that can assist pets experiencing stress, phobias, or other anxiety-driven behaviors.

  10. Geriatric Support
    Senior pets often contend with multiple age-related conditions. Acupuncture can help enhance their comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.

How are Acupuncture Sessions Conducted?

  1. Initial Assessment
    Our veterinarian begins by reviewing your pet’s medical history and current health concerns. This helps us determine the most effective acupuncture points and any additional treatments—like electrical therapy—that may benefit your pet.

  2. Gentle Needle Placement
    We use ultra-fine, sterile needles that are gently inserted at specific points on your pet’s body. Most animals remain calm and comfortable during this process.

  3. Electrical Therapy (Electroacupuncture)
    If recommended for your pet, we may apply a mild electrical current to the inserted needles. This enhanced form of acupuncture—known as electroacupuncture—can offer deeper and longer-lasting pain relief, improved circulation, and heightened nerve stimulation.

  4. Monitoring and Comfort
    Throughout the session, we closely observe your pet’s reactions, adjusting as needed to keep them relaxed. We provide a peaceful environment with soft lighting and minimal noise to help your pet feel safe.

  5. Session Length
    Each session generally lasts 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pet’s condition and tolerance. Electroacupuncture sessions may vary slightly in duration based on how your pet responds.

  6. Post-Treatment Care
    Afterward, we document your pet’s response and suggest next steps. Some pets experience immediate relief, while others may need multiple sessions for optimal results.

At RehabVet, our top priority is your pet’s well-being. We strive to make every session as relaxing and beneficial as possible, whether we use traditional acupuncture or electroacupuncture to support your pet’s health.

cat receiving acupuncture treatment at RehabVet

Is acupuncture painful for pets?​

Acupuncture is generally not painful for pets. The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller than the ones used for injections, and they are inserted into specific points on the body that have a lower density of nerve endings. This means that most pets barely notice the needles going in. In fact, many pets find acupuncture to be quite relaxing, and some even fall asleep during the treatment.

That being said, it is important to note that every pet is different, and some may be more sensitive than others. In rare cases, a pet may experience some discomfort during acupuncture treatment, especially if they are already in pain or have sensitive skin. However, any discomfort is usually mild and short-lived.

It is also worth noting that a skilled and experienced acupuncturist will take great care to ensure that your pet is comfortable throughout the treatment. They will use the minimum number of needles necessary and adjust the depth and placement of the needles as needed to minimize any discomfort.

A close-up of a small animal receiving acupuncture treatment to help with anxiety and stress.

Frequently Asked Questions on Acupuncture for Pet

Acupuncture indeed works for many dogs. This ancient therapy has proven to be beneficial in treating various conditions, such as pain, arthritis, neurological disorders, and digestive issues. However, every dog responds differently, and the effectiveness depends on the individual dog’s health status and the nature of the condition.
The effect of acupuncture can vary greatly. Some dogs may show improvements immediately after the first session, while others may need a few sessions before noticeable changes occur. The overall health condition, age, and the nature of the problem also contribute to how quickly a dog will respond.
The success rate of acupuncture in dogs is subjective and depends on the condition being treated and the individual dog’s health. However, many studies and anecdotal evidence show a high rate of success, particularly in treating conditions like arthritis and other pain-related issues.

Yes, acupuncture can be beneficial for cats. Just like dogs, cats can benefit from this form of treatment for a range of conditions, including arthritis, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal problems. Always consult with a trained veterinary professional to understand if it’s suitable for your cat.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe. Some pets may experience temporary side effects such as mild discomfort during needle insertion or lethargy after treatment. In rare cases, there can be minor bruising or bleeding at the needle sites. Always ensure that acupuncture is performed by a trained professional.
After acupuncture, cats may appear more relaxed and sleepy. This is a normal response to the treatment. Some cats might also show immediate improvements in their symptoms, while others might require multiple sessions to see noticeable changes.
Acupuncture can provide several benefits for cats. It can alleviate chronic pain, aid in managing arthritis and gastrointestinal problems, and improve overall wellbeing. Acupuncture can also stimulate the immune system, enhancing the cat’s ability to fight off diseases.
The response time to acupuncture in cats varies. Some cats might show improvements shortly after the first treatment, while others might require several sessions to see significant changes. It largely depends on the individual cat’s health status and the condition being treated.

Yes, animals often feel relaxed and sleepy after an acupuncture session. This is a sign that the treatment is working and that the body is healing.

Rest after acupuncture is often beneficial. The therapy can induce a state of deep relaxation, making your pet feel drowsy. Allowing them to rest can enhance the therapeutic effect of the treatment.
Acupuncture is healing because it works with the body’s natural healing processes. It stimulates specific points on the body to promote blood flow, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and stimulate the immune system.
Can acupuncture heal everything? While acupuncture can be a powerful healing tool, it’s not a cure-all. It’s most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medications, physical therapy, and dietary changes.

The benefits of acupuncture can vary. Some pets may experience immediate relief, which lasts for a few days, while others may need several sessions before noticeable changes occur. For chronic conditions, regular treatments may be needed to maintain benefits.

Most patients participating in aquatic therapy are already out of shape and swimming in a pool or lake requires more cardiovascular strength and endurance than is available.

Swimming in a hydrotherapy pool may be effective for some conditions, but again several factors are unable to be controlled during a free swim.

After acupuncture, avoid strenuous activity for your pet. Ensure they have a quiet and comfortable space to rest. Also, maintain regular feeding and hydration for your pet post-treatment.
The frequency of acupuncture sessions varies depending on the pet’s condition and response to treatment. While some pets might benefit from monthly sessions, others might require more frequent treatments.

Acupuncture should be stopped or reduced in frequency when the desired improvement in the pet’s condition has been achieved and maintained. Regular check-ups with your veterinary acupuncturist can help decide when to adjust treatment frequency or stop altogether.

How long should you have acupuncture? The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depend on the pet’s specific needs and condition. Chronic conditions may require ongoing treatment, while acute conditions may only need a few sessions. Consult with your veterinary acupuncturist for a tailored treatment plan.
Yes, acupuncture can aid in speeding up the healing process. By improving circulation and reducing inflammation, it can enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
While this mainly applies to human patients, the idea is to avoid cooling down too quickly and to maintain the warmth and relaxation induced by the treatment. For pets, it’s recommended to avoid strenuous activities or anything that could induce stress after treatment.
Before acupuncture, ensure your pet is well-rested and not overly hungry or full. This can help them relax during the session. Also, avoid strenuous activities before the treatment.
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