Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible so their insertion does not cause the type of pain associated with getting a "shot". Stimulation of an acquaint with a needle will cause a tingling or numbing sensation at that point or along its associated meridian. Nervous or aggressive animals or pets that are suffering pain may show a stronger reaction to the placement of the needles.

How long does an acupuncture treatment take?
The acupuncture needles are inserted and then left in place for 5 to 20 minutes. While each case varies, generally three to ten treatments are sufficient to successfully treat an illness. For a chronic or debilitating disease, ongoing treatments may be required every few weeks or months to keep the patient healthy and comfortable. Usually, pet owners will notice a favorable response after the first few treatments.

Difficulties in veterinary acupuncture?
Much like conventional practitioners, the veterinary acupuncturist must rely heavily on owner observation and physical examination to determine the success of the treatment.