Pet Acupuncture & Laser Therapy
Our therapies can provide relief from discomfort and pain as well as manage a variety of conditions.
Acupuncture Therapy
**We are not available to see new acupuncture and laser therapy patients at this time**
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to effectively treat ailments in both people and animals. Originating in China, acupuncture is a form of treatment where sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the body to produce a healing response.
Acupuncture has many benefits. It can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, reduce inflammation and stimulate the body’s natural pain control.
The goal of pet acupuncture is to improve a pet’s overall well-being, reduce pain symptoms and help your pet return to old behaviors (such as playing with a favorite toy, going for walks, etc).
We currently have two doctors who are certified in veterinary acupuncture: Dr. Sara and Dr. Nicole.
How can acupuncture help my pet?
Acupuncture can be very effective in healing or managing a variety of conditions, including:
- Pain
- Joint and muscle problems
- Skin problems and allergies
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Neurological disorders
- Kidney and liver disease
- Respiratory problems
- Chronic wounds
Acupuncture may be used alone or alongside traditional Western medicine.
What will acupuncture be like for my pet?
You may be surprised to know that most pets tolerate acupuncture really well and in fact, find it very calming and relaxing!
There are different ways to perform acupuncture. The doctor will work with you to determine the best method for your pet, depending on the condition to be treated and your pet’s temperament.
Often we treat pets with just the sterile needles. This is called ‘dry needling.’ However, some pets may further benefit from aquapuncture (the injection of a sterile liquid such as Vitamin B12 into acupoints), electroacupuncture, or moxibustion (applying heat to needles). For those pets who resist the placement of needles, we may use our laser unit to stimulate the acupoints (“laserpuncture”).
The needles are typically left in for 10 to 20 minutes.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments your pet needs depends on your pet’s unique situation. In some cases, a single treatment is enough. If your pet suffers from chronic problems, they may need three or more treatments given weekly or bi-weekly. Some degenerative conditions such as arthritis may need ‘maintenance treatments’ every 4 to 8 weeks.
Schedule an Acupuncture Appointment
30-60 Minutes
- review of intake form
- discussion about the goals of acupuncture therapy
- initial acupuncture treatment
- establish plan for continued treatment and follow-up acupuncture visits
**We are not available to see new acupuncture patients at this time**
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is the use of high powered light to stimulate healthy cell regeneration, helping to reduce pain and increase wellness. Low level laser therapy initiates natural healing through the process of photobiomodulation. The therapeutic dose of light energy units in the form of photons is delivered to impaired or dysfunctional tissue. This leads to a cellular response mediated by mitochondrial mechanisms that reduce pain and inflammation and speed healing.
Are all lasers the same and can they help my pet?
There are several different classes of lasers. Our Multi Radiance Medical’s Super Pulsed Laser Technology is in the safest classification of lasers, 1M. This laser unit has the power of a Class IV, with the safety of a Class 1M laser, with no possibility of thermal overloading of tissue. Unlike other laser units, ours does not require the use of safety goggles for either the pet or the humans in the room.
Laser therapy for pets can be very effective in healing or managing a variety of conditions, including:
- Pain
- Joint and muscle problems
- Degenerative and acute disc disease or injury
- Soft tissue injuries: sprains, strains
- Hot spots and dermatologic disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Chronic wounds
Laser therapy may be used alone or alongside other care provided by the doctor.
How many treatments are needed and, how often are treatments needed?
For some acute conditions, 1 to 6 treatments may suffice. These treatments may need to be given daily. Conditions of a more chronic nature may require 10 to 12 treatments. Many chronic problems respond well when treatments are received 2 – 3 times per week for two weeks tapering off to once a week, as your pet’s conditions improve. Conditions such as severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic care to control inflammation and pain symptoms.
You may notice improvement in your pet’s pain symptoms right away. Laser therapy works at the cellular level and is very effective for promoting rapid healing.
Since laser therapy for pets typically takes multiple treatments, we provide an alternative solution to seeing our vet on an on-going basis, too. We offer laser therapy training sessions and have a laser rental program which allows the pet parent to administer treatments in the comfort of their own home. Based on the pet’s history, condition and physical exam, the doctor will develop a treatment plan so the owner can continue therapy on their own, giving their pet the best possible chance of improvement.
Schedule a Laser Therapy Appointment
30-60 Minutes
- review of intake form
- discussion of the benefits of laser therapy
- initial laser therapy treatment
- establish treatment plan and scheduling of follow-up laser therapy appointments
**Unfortunately, we are not available to see new laser therapy patients at this time**
Service Area
Our service area extends North to some parts of Marysville and South to Tukwila. We also service the Eastside including Redmond, Woodinville, and Bellevue. Please review our service area map for details. Rates and services will vary based on availability and location within our service area. Please call for more information.