How Acupuncture Keeps Zaner Moving Like a Puppy

If you know Zaner, you know he takes his job as self appointed Head of Security very seriously. His dedication to his role keeps him on his feet all day, despite having a comfy bed in the back. He greets customers...enthusiastically, supervises treat selections, oversees product placement, and ensures we don’t forget snack breaks. It’s a very demanding role and it requires him to be pain free and able to move easily! 😉

Like so many hard working dogs and pups who give it their all during playtime, he sometimes gets tightness through his shoulders and front legs from being on his feet all day. Rather than waiting for things to “get bad enough,” we decided to take a proactive and natural approach to keep him limber and able to perform his duties with ease!

That’s why Zaner goes for monthly laser acupuncture treatments at Lakewood Animal Hospital with Dr. Cross.

🌿 What We Love About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a non-invasive therapy that supports the body’s ability to heal itself without relying on drugs or chemicals. It can help with:

• Mobility and joint discomfort

• Muscle tension from overuse or aging

• Recovery from injuries

• Inflammation and stiffness

• Overall circulation and wellness

We’ve seen the difference first-hand. After his sessions, Zaner moves more freely, rests better at night, and bounces around the store like he’s a few years younger.

Acupuncture can support far more than just mobility and joints. It’s considered a whole-body wellness tool because it influences circulation, inflammation, the nervous system, and the body’s natural ability to heal. Here are just a few benefits of incorporating acupuncture into your floof's wellness program.

1. Anxiety and Stress
Helps regulate the nervous system, promoting calmness and reducing anxiety-related behaviours. Great for dogs with separation anxiety, fear of storms, or general nervousness.

2. Digestive Support
Can help regulate digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and support pets with chronic upset stomachs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.

3. Skin & Allergy Support
By supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation, acupuncture may help pets with itchiness, hot spots, and seasonal allergies.

4. Post-Surgery Recovery
Encourages the body to heal more efficiently by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation which helps speed up recovery times.

5. Chronic Pain Management
A natural alternative for managing discomfort without heavy reliance on pain medications. Can help senior pets feel more comfortable day-to-day.

6. Immune System Support
Helps strengthen the body’s natural defence system, which is especially helpful for aging pets or those with chronic conditions.

7. Neurological Conditions
In some cases, acupuncture can help support nerve function and reduce symptoms related to neurological issues or spinal problems.

8. Overall Wellness & Longevity
Even healthy pets can benefit as part of a proactive plan. Regular sessions can help maintain balance in the body, prevent issues before they start, and support long-term wellness.

As you can see, acupuncture isn’t just for soreness or stiff joints. It can support digestion, allergies, anxiety, recovery, the immune system, and overall wellness, helping the body function more naturally and comfortably at every stage of life. That is why Zaner goes to Lakewood Animal Hospital for his acupuncture each month, to help with mobility, immunity and digestion!

🏥 Why We Trust Lakewood Animal Hospital

Lakewood offers unique services you don’t always find in every clinic, like laser acupuncture, traditional acupuncture, homeopathy and other integrative care options that put your pet’s whole body health first. They are a very open-minded clinic and they support your pet in a manner that aligns with your beliefs. The doctors and team at Lakewood, know I prefer a natural approach with Zaner and they offer the support I need to care for him the way I want.

It’s not just about treating symptoms at Lakewood, it's about finding the reason why we're seeing the symptoms. It’s about helping the body function better naturally so movement, digestion, skin issues, allergies or whatever is affecting your pet becomes easier and pain or discomfort doesn’t have to be part of your furry family's daily life.

If you know Zaner, you know he likes to play the tough guy, but deep down, he's a little softy and Dr. Cross has such a gentle and knowledgeable approach, even Zaner softens his tough guy approach to get his monthly wellness treatment. Dr. Cross always takes the time to explain what’s happening in Zaner's little body and how acupuncture supports his mobility and digestion. That level of care means the world to us.

💡 Natural Support = Long-Term Wellness

Sometimes we think mobility support, digestive issues, allergies or skin conditions mean medications or waiting until it becomes serious enough for intervention. But there are wonderful preventative options available now, acupuncture being a powerful one. It's definitely been a game changer for Zaner and even though he can be a squirmy little fish during his appointment, eventually he settles in because even Zaner knows how different he feels after his treatment. 

Acupuncture encourages the body to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and release tension, which helps the body function better overall. That means more comfort, more play, and more quality of life…especially for our working dogs and aging pups.

If you’re curious about acupuncture or wondering whether it may help your pet, we highly recommend reaching out to Lakewood Animal Hospital and asking about their treatment options. They’re an incredible resource in our community, and we’re so grateful to have them in the city.

Here’s to strong joints, smooth digestion, fewer allergies, easier movement, and many more joyful tail wags.