Acupuncture for a variety of ailments is almost common practice in today's United States. As a matter of fact, a new movement to look to auriculotherapy - the use of acupuncture on the ear - for the treatment of nicotine and a variety of drug addictions is currently underway. In the same vein, the use of acupuncture to help with weight loss and even the fear of flying is becoming a practice that is rapidly entering the mainstream.

Thus, it is not surprising that many an American is beginning to wonder if all the truisms thus far taken for granted with respect to veterinary care still hold water or if there, too, it might be time to move into the realm of the alternative methodology. Yet, can you extend Chinese medicine to Fluffy, Rover, and the rest of your furry companions?

Surprisingly, the answer is a resounding yes! As a matter of fact there are already a growing number of veterinarians who are practicing acupuncture on a plethora of animals. While the benefits of this treatment are available to all pet owners and their furry companions, thus far it has only been embraced with a certain level of enthusiasm within the competitive race horse and show dog communities. These animals are frequently subject to pain, and in the case of dogs there are breed related chronic ailments that cannot be helped with surgery or even medication, and acupuncture has been found to help in these situations.

Science has proven that acupuncture on humans will not only release certain endorphins but also cause the release of several hormones which deal with pain control and stimulus management. Just like their human counterparts, animals also benefit from the manipulation of acupressure points and in some cases this will lead to the possibility of not longer needing to rely on potentially harmful medications to manage discomfort. At the same time, the ability to increase the circulation of a working animal has long been shown to reduce the amount of time that discomfort is felt, and the animals bounce back from exertion a lot quicker.

It is noteworthy that pet lovers in search for acupuncture treatment for their furry companions need to look for a licensed veterinarian who continued her or his education in the field of acupuncture and received a separate certification for this discipline. It is vital that you do not fall for the many fly by night operations that seek to capitalize on the money to be made in the pet care field by having individuals with only a rudimentary understanding of acupuncture in general or pet acupuncture in particular hold themselves out to be experienced acupuncturists. Only a licensed veterinarian may at this point in time specialize in this practice, and as a pet owner you will be wise to thoroughly research the background of any practitioner.

One more tip that will help you when you decide to extend Chinese medicine to Fluffy: you should be allowed to be in on the session. Any practitioner who is seeking to shoo you out of the treatment room should be questioned closely about the rationale, especially since pet owners are known to be a calming influence on a frightened or hurting pet.

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