Is your furry friend dealing with arthritis or joint inflammation? While pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve your companion’s pain, they aren’t always safe to use every day or long-term. Holistic treatments, such as acupressure, can provide relief in conjunction with medication for a safer and more effective outcome.
At VetNaturally, we offer professional and safe veterinary acupressure in Mandeville, LA. This alternative therapy for animals promotes a range of benefits, and we’d be happy to help you determine whether it is the right choice for your dog.
Veterinary Acupressure at VetNaturally
Acupressure and acupuncture are holistic medical treatments that have been around since the first century. Some people use these terms interchangeably, but they are distinct. Acupressure uses gentle pressure, while acupuncture uses needles.
At VetNaturally in Mandeville, LA, we offer acupressure as part of our pet wellness therapy to relieve pain, anxiety, and a range of other symptoms. Our specialists can evaluate your canine’s health to determine whether they are a good candidate for this type of veterinary holistic medicine.
What Is Animal Acupressure Therapy?
Veterinary acupressure therapy involves applying pressure to a dog’s pressure points, which are points of the body that, when manually manipulated, promote a free flow of energy throughout the body to relieve pain and inflammation. These points coincide with certain systems or areas of the body and are also targeted in advanced veterinary acupuncture, which uses needles to achieve similar therapeutic effects.
Acupressure is a form of targeted massage that can alleviate your pet’s discomfort. While we typically offer this treatment for dogs, some cats may be candidates. Most pets tolerate this treatment well, and many show signs of feeling relaxed and comfortable during treatment.
Canine Acupressure Benefits
Massaging acupressure points for pets can relieve pain, but it also promotes a range of other benefits to improve your furry friend’s health and well-being. While not all pets experience all of these benefits, acupressure has been known to help in the following ways:
- Increases blood flow to areas of the body that need healing
- Boosts the immune system to ward off infections and viruses
- Lowers high blood pressure
- Improves digestion
- Decreases anxiety
- Increases the flow of healthy lymphatic fluid
What To Expect During Acupressure for Dogs
Our vets will begin by completing a full-body health assessment to ensure your pet is a good candidate for veterinary acupressure. This evaluation may include X-rays, lab tests, and an examination of your pet’s health history. We want to ensure that acupressure will not interfere with any other treatments your furry friend is undergoing.
If we deem your pet a good candidate for acupressure, we will discuss exactly what will happen and how we expect it to help your pet’s condition. Acupressure sessions take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes and involve applying pressure to target areas, such as the:
- Head and face
- Ears
- Legs
- Feet
- Chest
- Spine
We will ensure your dog feels relaxed and comfortable throughout the treatment.
Some dogs feel a bit stiff or sore after treatment, but these symptoms typically subside within 24 to 48 hours. We will recommend a treatment schedule that aligns with your pet’s condition. Many pets require two or three sessions per week for several weeks.
Can Acupressure Replace Medication for Pets?
While veterinary acupressure offers natural pain relief for pets, it is not a substitute for pain medicine or other medical treatments. Instead, we offer acupressure as an adjunct to other treatments, promoting holistic benefits. Regular acupressure could allow you to decrease your pet’s pain medication, but you should never stop medication without your vet’s approval.
Schedule a Consultation for Veterinary Acupressure in Mandeville, LA
Veterinary acupressure is one of the more promising alternative veterinary treatments and forms of holistic pet care. At VetNaturally, we are proud to offer acupressure along with many other comprehensive treatment options.
Are you interested in learning more about acupressure? Contact VetNaturally today at (985) 718-9991 to schedule a consultation in Mandeville, LA, and discover whether acupressure could be right for your pet.
