Animal Acupuncturist

Pets don’t have to go to day jobs, type on computers, or whack at golf balls on weekends. But that doesn’t mean they don’t experience pains, sprains, and strains. Pets can throw out their backs, tense up their knees, and feel downright sore and cranky, especially as they age. That’s why just as sore humans have Acupuncturists, aching pets have Animal Acupuncturists who use needles to help alleviate the pain they feel.

If you’re an Animal Acupuncturist, you begin your appointment by talking to the pet’s owner. You find out how long the pet has been experiencing discomfort, and you listen to the owner describe how the animal behaves at home. You also observe the pet yourself, looking for signs of pain and stiffness. Additionally, you may read notes written by the pet’s Veterinarian.

Before you begin the actual acupuncture session, you turn the lights down a bit and ask the owner to leave the room. You massage the pet’s muscles for a few moments to help it relax and get comfortable. You may even sing or talk to it. Once the pet seems calm and relaxed, you insert needles into its skin.

While animals often have thick skin and no inherent fear of needles, some pets simply don’t like to be messed with and are terrified of pain, making the job of the Animal Acupuncturist slightly more difficult. These pets may bolt at the prick of the first needle, and you may need to reschedule your appointment so you don’t hurt them further. Other animals, however, may fall asleep and snore away happily through the appointment. You may need to carry these pets back out to their grateful owners when you’re through with your work.