FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY PET'S FIRST TREATMENT?

Please fill out the "New Patient & Client Form" and the "Holistic Consult" form under the Forms section of the website. This will provide us with your and your pet's information as well as your vet's information. If it is your first appointment, we can request records so we will be best prepared to discuss an integrative solution for your pet's care.

For dogs and some cats, having your pet hungry with a bag of their favorite treats also will help make the session as stress-free as possible. Cats prefer to feel sheltered, having a favorite blanket in the bottom of a box can offer some security to some cats.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR IN-HOME TREATMENTS?

Dr. Yokota will contact you to confirm your pet's appointment time. Prior to the appointment, please make sure your pet is readily accessible and all other pets who may want more attention are separated from the patient. Face masks need to be worn while Dr. Yokota is visiting.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY PET'S FIRST SESSION?

Prior to the session if records are available, Dr. Yokota will review your pets records. After a holistic examination and a series of questions regarding your pet's health, she will conduct an acupuncture treatment if indicated. Based on your pet's needs, herbal medications, bodywork, dietary modifications and other therapies may be discussed.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

It depends on the severity and type of condition. A single acupuncture treatment may be needed for acute issues such as a soft-tissue sprain or mild neck pain. A series of three to five treatments may be required before a noticeable effect can be appreciated in some cases. Chronic progressive diseases may need to be treated over a longer period of time.

HOW SAFE IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is very safe and effective when performed by a trained certified veterinary acupuncturist. Side effects are uncommon and are often minor and short-lived if they do occur. Minor side effects may include sedation after the procedure, increased thirst, bruising, and in rare cases, short-term soreness.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

Every individual is different, but many animals find acupuncture to be relaxing and may even fall asleep during the procedure.

DO YOU HELP TREAT TERMINAL OR CHRONIC ILLNESS?

Absolutely! This is where we believe holistic medicine can shine. Often, our patients seek our care because other therapies fail to help.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WAYS TO SCHEDULE?

You can contact us to schedule via email, text message, telephone or simply book online through our web portal. Dr. Yokota will also check to see if you would like to schedule any follow up treatments, if they are recommended, during your pet's appointment.

WILL ACUPUNCTURE OR HERBAL THERAPY HELP MY PET?

This is the most commonly asked question! Each patient who presents for consultation has individualized needs. Based on their history and clinical signs, a individualized care plan will be made. Please refer to the services page for the most common diseases treated with these therapies.

Have a question we haven’t answered?