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Pet Owners |
What else can I do for my pet? This is the question that probably led you to this website. This is also the question that led me to seek training in Traditional Chinese Medicine. As a doctor we all want to take a history, examine a patient, do some tests, and then FIX THE PROBLEM. That is what we are trusted to do. Unfortunately, not all diseases respond the same to treatment and sometimes just finding the problem is the problem. Integrated medicine allows us to work together as doctors and caregivers to find the approach that works best. No one knows your pet better than you. You are their advocate and they trust you implicitly. And yes, there is more you can do.
What to expect at our first visit: After familiarizing myself with your pets previous medical history, I will ask you some questions that specifically pertain to your animal as an individual. I will perform a conventional examination as well as a Traditional Chinese Medical exam. We will then come up with an initial plan that may include acupuncture, food therapy, herbal therapy, a combination of, or other modalities. Most pets benefit from weekly treatments in the beginning and we will change treatment as needed along the way based on response and/or new problems that may arise.
Below are some FAQs people often have about acupuncture
How does acupuncture work? Chinese medicine describes the placement of needles into specific points along energy pathways called Meridians to achieve the desired effect of movement of energy (or Qi). Conventional medicine describes the placement of needles which results in activation of nervous pathways that trigger the release of chemicals such as natural pain-killers, hormones, etc.
What diseases respond best to acupuncture treatment? Acupuncture does not treat diseases, per se, but rather individuals who have imbalances that are preventing them from achieving health. So, any animal could be a candidate for treatment as each treatment is tailored to individually fit your pet’s needs. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a host of traditional diagnoses including:
Will it hurt my pet? Acupuncture should not hurt. Some pets are more sensitive to some points than others, and this too is part of tailoring treatment especially for your pet’s needs. Many pets will often fall asleep during the acupuncture treatment.
How often would my pet need to receive treatment? Most acupuncture treatment plans involve weekly treatments for 3-6 weeks, then space out gradually from there. At the end of the initial treatment phase, each pet’s progress determines how often he/she needs to receive treatment. Some pets may only need treatment a few times a year, or for ‘tune ups’, while others may need treatment more often. In general chronic imbalances take longer to see a response and will need to be treated for longer than acute imbalances. Food Therapy and Herbal Therapy "Let medicine be your food and food be your medicine"
Using food as therapy can be very powerful. Dr. Boggs can create a complete and balanced (not to mention delicious) diet recipe specific for your pet’s individual needs that you can cook at home. Recommendations can also be made for foods that you can add into the diet your pet is already eating if you aren‘t quite ready to make a full transition. Treat recipes can also be individualized based on the needs of your pet.
Complete and balanced custom diet recipe
Individualized therapeutic treat recipes
Herbal therapies, like food, are very specific to your pet’s needs. Herbal therapies can be a very powerful yet gentle therapy with fewer side effects than conventional medications. Herbals can be combined with conventional medications and rarely have any negative interactions. Cost varies by herbal remedy as well as the size of the pet.
Please contact Dr. Boggs by email or phone with any questions you may have. Phone calls will be returned usually within 24 hours.
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