Acupuncture for pets: what is it for and how much does it cost?

You've probably heard of acupuncture, right? But did you know that there is also acupuncture for pets? Learn more about this treatment!

What is acupuncture?

Imagine the following situation: a therapy that, to help treat illnesses, involves inserting dozens and dozens of needles into different parts of your body over several sections. It seems a bit strange, right?

We are talking about acupuncture.

This therapeutic method, which originated in China, is an excellent tool in the treatment of various diseases and, in addition, helps to promote health and well-being for patients who follow this type of therapy.

Inserting acupuncture needles is an excellent way to stimulate the nerve endings in the area.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has already published a report where the central theme was the use of acupuncture.

The treatment is recommended for more than 200 diseases and symptoms, such as migraines, headaches, allergic rhinitis, depression, anxiety and even to help minimize the side effects of chemotherapy. 

What is acupuncture for pets?

Now that you understand a little more about acupuncture, it's time to talk about the main topic of our content: acupuncture for pets.

Although it may seem like a very recent type of therapy, the use of acupuncture for animals is much older.

It is estimated that the technique began to be used in the middle of the Chang Dynasty – which lasted from 1765 BC to 1123 BC. At the time, the treatment was performed on injured horses.

Without many secrets, acupuncture for pets (also known as veterinary acupuncture) follows the same principles as the treatment for humans.

Through the use of special needles, the method aims to restore and maintain the animal's health, helping to reestablish the balance of the pet's body.

By stimulating each point during the sessions, due to the numerous nerve endings, it is possible to access the pet's central nervous system.

This helps to ensure the effectiveness of treatment for different types of illnesses.

What are the main benefits of acupuncture for pets?

But the technique can not only be used to treat diseases.

Acupuncture for pets has several benefits for the animal's quality of life and well-being. 

Among the main benefits of using the technique are:

stimulation of the animal's immune system, pain relief, improved blood flow, improved immunity, activation of regenerative processes, relaxation and even motor recovery of the pet.

In addition, during pet acupuncture sessions, endorphins and cortisol are released.

The release of these two substances by the animal's brain helps to provide muscle relaxation, aiding the functioning of the pet's muscles.

Does acupuncture for pets hurt?

This is a very common question. After all, seeing your pet receiving several needles during the sessions must be really distressing.

But don't worry! In most cases, the entire treatment is completely painless.

Depending on the case and the illness, when starting treatment and the needle is inserted into the painful area, the pet may even feel a quick sensation, as if it were a brief shock.

But this feeling passes very quickly.

After this first moment, the application of needles by the professional helps to sedate the painful area, providing pain relief and relaxation for your pet. 

With this relief, pets tend to understand that the treatment, despite being something new and strange for them, is providing something good.

In fact, there are even pets that sleep during sessions, such is the feeling of relaxation provided during the treatment.

Therefore, pet owners can rest assured regarding the treatment.

How much does acupuncture for pets cost?

This is a question that can be a little difficult to answer. There are several factors that can influence the pricing of this type of treatment, making it more expensive or cheaper.

Just like the option for humans, acupuncture treatment for pets is usually done through sessions. And each of these sessions costs, on average, between R$100 and R$150. 

Of course this is the average price range.

Prices can vary greatly depending on factors such as the office or professional, the number of sessions, the length of each session and the complexity of the case.

In most cases, at least 10 sessions are necessary.

In some less serious and complicated cases, this number of sessions can solve your pet's health problem.

But there are also more complicated cases, where it is necessary to extend the number of sessions. 

Everything will depend a lot on the pet's diagnosis and the treatment that will be adopted by the responsible professional.

How long does an acupuncture session for pets last?

Again, this is a question that can vary greatly depending on the type of treatment requested or the complexity of each case.

But, in general, pet acupuncture sessions usually last, on average, between 20 and 40 minutes. 

Generally, it is recommended that 1 or 2 sessions be carried out per week, but this may vary from case to case.

If the responsible professional deems it necessary to change this frequency more or less and the pet's guardian accepts, this number can increase or decrease.

Conclusion

Acupuncture may seem a little strange to laymen, but this type of treatment can offer several benefits to your pet. 

However, to do this, the guardian must seek out serious, qualified and trustworthy professionals to carry out this type of treatment. 

It is also important to highlight that, in most cases, acupuncture for pets works as a complementary treatment.

The results achieved by the treatment can be enhanced when combined with other types of conventional therapies, such as physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, for example.

This way, you will ensure that your pet receives the best and most effective treatment possible, and best of all, always prioritizing your pet's well-being.

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