What Is Integrative Veterinary Medicine?
Integrative veterinary medicine combines traditional Western medicine with holistic and complementary therapies that are supported by clinical evidence. This approach allows us to:
- Treat the root cause, not just symptoms
- Support the body’s natural healing ability
- Reduce reliance on medications when appropriate
- Improve comfort, mobility, and vitality
- Enhance quality of life at every stage
Conditions We Commonly Treat
- Arthritis & mobility issues
- Chronic pain
- Digestive disorders
- Anxiety & stress-related behaviors
- Cancer support & palliative care
- Kidney, liver & metabolic disease
- Neurologic disorders
- Post-surgical recovery
Our Integrative Treatment Options
- Medical acupuncture
- Laser therapy (photobiomodulation)
- Electrohydraulic shock wave
- Nutritional therapy
- Herbal & botanical medicine
- Pain management protocols
- Mobility & arthritis management programs
- Stress and anxiety reduction strategies
Why Choose Integrative Care?
- Treats the whole patient — not just the disease
- Personalized treatment plans
- Minimizes medication side effects
- Improves comfort and mobility
- Enhances healing and recovery
- Focuses on long-term health, not just short-term relief
What Makes Our Approach Different?
At Dog and Cat Repair, integrative medicine is not an “alternative” — it is an advanced extension of modern veterinary care.
- Advanced diagnostics
- Evidence-based medicine
- Compassionate, patient-centered care
Schedule an Integrative Consultation
If your pet is struggling with chronic illness, pain, mobility issues, or reduced quality of life, integrative medicine may provide new options.
Call us at (480) 345-9846 or book online today.
What is veterinary acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used in Eastern cultures for over 5,000 years. The practice focuses on promoting healing and restoring the energy balance in the body for both physiological and psychological benefits. It can be used as a form of preventive medicine or as an ongoing treatment to manage chronic conditions.
Today, the ancient technique is used on animals in conjunction with Western treatment methods, offering a form of holistic pet care that integrates with veterinary medicine.
Today, the ancient technique is used on animals in conjunction with Western treatment methods, offering a form of holistic pet care that integrates with veterinary medicine.
What are the benefits of acupuncture for dogs?
One of the greatest benefits of acupuncture for dogs is the relief of pain. It’s non-invasive with no side effects, which makes it a great choice for owners who are looking to minimize their dogs' discomfort.
In addition to pain relief, veterinary acupuncture may benefit dogs by:
- Increasing blood flow
- Relaxing muscles
- Accelerating healing
- Alleviating pain
- Reducing inflammation
- Stimulating appetite
- Improving nausea
- Calming nerves
How does animal acupuncture work?
Veterinary acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of extremely thin needles into specific pressure points on an animal’s body to achieve corresponding benefits.
Veterinary acupuncture techniques
There are several different acupuncture techniques to practice on dogs, depending on your pet and the condition being treated:
- Dry needle acupuncture is the most common method using fine needles inserted into the dog’s acupuncture points. With traditional treatment, the needles usually stay in for about 20 minutes.
- Electroacupuncture for dogs gently stimulates the acupuncture points by sending an electrical current through needles inserted beneath the canine's skin.
- Aquapuncture for dogs involves an injection of vitamin B12 or sterile saline into the animal’s acupuncture points to strengthen the treatment and lengthen its effects. It can be used alone or in conjunction with traditional dry needles.
What can you treat with acupuncture for dogs?
Acupuncture may prove to be beneficial for pets with many different medical conditions, including:
- Degenerative joint disease
- Musculoskeletal issues
- Respiratory problems
- Superficial nerve damage
- Metabolic diseases
- Side effects of cancer treatment
Is animal acupuncture safe?
Yes. When administered by a properly trained veterinarian, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of treatment for animals. Adverse reactions are rare, but they can occur. Such reactions can include:
- Mild swelling or bruising at the needle site
- Mild worsening of the condition for 24 to 48 hours
- Muscle spasms that make it difficult to remove the needles
- Infection at the needle insertion site
- Injury to an underlying organ or tissue
Acupuncture should be used with caution if the animal has a clotting disorder, is taking certain medications, or is pregnant.
Does dog acupuncture require sedation?
No, veterinary acupuncture doesn’t require sedation. This, along with the fact that it is less invasive, makes it especially useful for dogs who have medical conditions that prohibit conventional invasive procedures.
