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Holistic Pet Services
We embrace a comprehensive approach to your pet’s well-being. Our services include acupuncture, cold laser therapy, herbal therapy options, pet food therapy, and Tui-Na massage. From ancient practices to modern techniques, we integrate these modalities to promote balance, alleviate pain, enhance healing, and support your pet’s overall health naturally. Discover the benefits of holistic care and give your pet the personalized, integrative treatment they deserve.
Safe Acupuncture for Pets
Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing which goes back thousands of years. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates your pet’s immune system, endorphin levels, and serotonin levels. It is a good treatment option for musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis and tendinitis. It also works well for chronic or acute conditions and can even enhance performance in horses.
Many pets tolerate and even enjoy acupuncture and in fact, even fall asleep or become deeply relaxed. It is a safe alternative treatment on pets who don’t tolerate traditional medications.
Modern Acupuncture Techniques for Animals
Holistic treatment at East Ridge Animal Hospital is performed by Dr. Karen Knarr. Dr. Knarr received her Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Chi Institute in 2017. She is one of less than 20 veterinarians who have received this degree. Her thesis has been published in the TCVM journal. Over 6000 veterinarians have been through the acupuncture program with the Chi Institute. Dr. Karen Knarr uses the “dry needle” technique on your first visit. This is the simple insertion of a plain needle into the acupuncture point. Then during subsequent visits, Dr. Knarr may incorporate a small electrical current to flow through the needles, further stimulating points on your pet.
For pets who have trouble staying still long enough for traditional acupuncture, we suggest “aquapuncture.” This technique uses a tiny needle to inject sterile saline water with vitamin B-12 into the acupuncture points. This is a shorter procedure and can be less stressful on your pet.
What to Expect
Feeling nervous is normal, but Dr. Knarr will talk you through the entire process. Usually, the first two acupuncture points aid in calming your pet. Once your animal is relaxed, Dr. Knarr will begin to place needles, correcting any imbalances in their body. The needles are left in place for roughly 10-20 minutes and then removed. Sometimes western veterinary medications are administered afterward, but herbs or dietary changes may be recommended as well.
Some animals may need four to six visits before you’ll notice results but it is not uncommon to see changes after just one visit.
Cold Laser Therapy
In 2002, the FDA approved the use of 3B cold lasers. They are painless and give our doctors the ability to penetrate into the deeper tissues and joints. Cold laser therapy also helps to decrease inflammation and pain, especially when it comes to musculoskeletal problems, and also decrease the healing time of wounds. This treatment is sometimes used in conjunction with acupuncture. To learn more about cold laser therapy, check out this story from ABC News.
Herbal Therapy Options
Herbal products have drug-like properties and should only be prescribed to animals by a veterinarian trained in Chinese herbs. They can be used alone or in combination with traditional medication. Dr. Karen Knarr is a certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist and to obtain this certification, she took 160 hours of continuing education, five written tests and three approved herbal cases. At East Ridge Animal Hospital, we only use Chinese herbs from Jing Tang Herbal in Reddick, FL.
For more information about Jing Tang Herbal, visit their website at www.tcvm.com.
Pet Food Therapy
Many diseases can be treated and prevented by the type of food that your pet receives. For example, a “hot” food can be fed to a cold-natured pet. Our own Dr. Karen Knarr is fully certified in food therapy.
Learn About Tui-Na Massage
Tui-na is a type of chiropractic massage. This can be used in combination with acupuncture and cold laser therapy. You can also be shown how to perform these massage techniques yourself at home on your pet. This type of massage can relax pets (even horses) and increase flexibility and decrease pain in their muscles and joints. This is especially useful to use daily at home, between acupuncture and cold laser visits.
