Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the difference between conventional and holistic medicine?
- Does my dog/cat need to be completely still during the acupuncture session?
- When I will see results – from acupuncture, herbs, PT….?
- Are all your associates licensed veterinarians?
- Do you treat animals other than dogs and cats?
- Why do I still need my primary veterinarian?
- Do you recommend vaccines? Flea/tick preventative? Heartworm meds?
- How long will my first appointment be?
- Do you make house calls?
- My dog is reactive/fearful. How will that be accommodated?
What’s the difference between conventional and holistic medicine?
Conventional medicine tends to focus treatment on alleviation of symptoms. This can helpful when the symptoms are overwhelming but tends to be harmful over the long term. The holistic approach means looking at the whole patient: mental, physical and emotional. It also means looking at all treatment options to determine the best therapy for the patient at the time. Does acupuncture hurt? Acupuncture is done by placing very thin, sterile, stainless steel into acupuncture points, which are located in the muscle tissue just under the skin. The needles are so thin that you can put about 7 of them inside a vaccine needle. Depending on the point treated there is little to no sensation when the needle is placed.
Does my dog/cat need to be completely still during the acupuncture session?
Acupuncture techniques and patients vary, so sometimes the patient may move about some and sometimes it is better to keep them still. Most patients become very relaxed within minutes of placing the needles and some even fall asleep!
When I will see results – from acupuncture, herbs, PT….?
Results vary depending on the nature and duration of the problem, age of patient and type of therapy used. Each case and each patient is unique. General guidelines can be provided when an appointment is made.
Are all your associates licensed veterinarians?
All therapies that are classified as veterinary medicine are provided by veterinarians. These include acupuncture and chiropractic. Massage and rehab may be provided by veterinarians or practitioners licensed in their field and trained to treat animals.
Do you treat animals other than dogs and cats?
We mostly see dogs and cats. Other species may be seen at the practitioner’s discretion.
Why do I still need my primary veterinarian?
Your primary veterinarian is best suited to provide annual exams, and exams and care for acute conditions and minor problems. They provide vaccinations as needed and necessary parasite control.
Do you recommend vaccines? Flea/tick preventative? Heartworm meds?
The use of vaccines, heartworm preventive and products for flea and tick control are unique to each patient. Our recommendations depend on the age and lifestyle of the pet. We usually discuss this during the initial consult and can review the recommendations during any visit.
How long will my first appointment be?
Initial consultations vary from 60 to 90 minutes. This provides enough time to get the “whole” picture of what is going on, discuss a treatment plan and get things started. The follow up visits vary from 30 to 60 minutes.
Do you make house calls?
We do not offer this service at this time.
My dog is reactive/fearful. How will that be accommodated?
Some animals do act anxious when they leave the environment they are familiar with, so we have tried to provide a calm, relaxing atmosphere so everyone will be more at ease. When necessary, gentle restraint may be needed to proceed with treatment. Most pets become more relaxed with each visit since they soon realize that it is not painful and actually makes them feel better.
