Qi 4 Paws

17/05/2025

Acupuncture is on its way to becoming an official specialization! 🎉

If you are a veterinary acupuncturist or if you have experience with acupuncture for your pet you can help. Read more below:

📢🌟📣Exciting news!!!! 📣🌟📢

🌟For months a group of 36 veterinary acupuncturists across the USA have been working hard at the initial steps for seeking board certification within the AVMA ABVS, forming the American Board of Veterinary Acupuncture (ABVA)!🌟

🎉 In April the letter of intent was ACCEPTED by the ABVS!!! 🎉

The next step is a call for public comments by the ABVS. This is where the ABVS asks the public (veterinarians, pet owners, anyone with a POSITIVE experience with acupuncture) for comment on veterinary acupuncture and why it should be made a board specialty.

✅ I ask that you PLEASE view the ABVA petition here:
https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/ABVA-Public-Comment-acupuncture.pdf

✅ And find more information on the call for public comments and instructions here: https://www.avma.org/education/veterinary-specialties.

✅ Then no later than August 12th, 2025 submit a public comment by email to [email protected] with the subject line “Public comment – Acupuncture Specialty.”

🌟 The practitioners making this possible come from all sectors of veterinary medicine and from multiple specialities, but they all have one thing in common - veterinary acupuncture certification and the desire to see the advancement of veterinary acupuncture as science, art and medicine, improving the scientific database, and bringing this priceless medical artform into all levels of veterinary education! If you have questions, you can contact one of the listed doctors directly:
Alice Baker Meuten, DVM, DACVSMR, MSTCVM
Patricia Anne Baley, BS, PhD, DVM
Elizabeth Bickness, DVM, MPVM
Lori A Bidwell, DVM, DACVAA
Li-Jen Chang, BVM, MVM, PhD, DACVAA
Lisa Sams Ebner, MS, DVM, DACVAA
Lynelle Graham, DVM, MS, DACVAA
Lorrie K Hale Mitchell, BS, DVM, MSTCVM
Gilbert Reed Holyoak, MS, DVM, PhD, DACT
Shantel L Julius, BS, DVM, MS-TCVM
Alicia Z Karas, MS, DVM, DACVAA
Ronald B Koh, DVM, MS, DACVSMR, FACVBM
Lisa Lancaster, PhD, DVM
Marianne E Marshall-Gibson, DVM, MS, DACVSMR
Kevin May, DVM
Carolina Medina, DVM, DACVSMR
Mushtaq A Memon, BSc, BVSc, MSc, PhD, DACT
Jared Mitchell, DVM
Christina Moltalbano, VMD, DACVSMR
Pamela L Muhonen, BS, DVM
Susan M Neary, DVM, MS, MAOM, DAc(NCCAOM)
Karin Olsen, DVM
Nell J Ostermeier, DVM
Sheilah A Robertson, BVMS, PhD, DACVAA, DECVAA, DACAW, DECAWBMwsel, FRCVS
Michelle C Schraeder, DVM, Med
Neal James Sivula, DVM, PhD, MDiv
Kristol K Stenstrom, BS, DVM
Melinda R Story, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR
Lara A Sypniewski, DVM
Gregory Todd, BS, DVM
Kimberly Vanderholm, DVM
Bonnie D Wright, DVM, DACVAA
Julia Ann Wuerz, BS, DVM
Huisheng Xie, BS-vetmed, MS, PhD

09/03/2025

Want to improve your dog or cat’s gut health naturally? Add these 9 powerful prebiotic foods to their diet!

A healthy gut = a healthy pet! But did you know that prebiotics are more important then probiotics?

Prebiotics are special types of fiber that feed the good bacteria in your pet’s gut, helping them grow and thrive. A strong microbiome supports digestion, immune function, and even skin and coat health!

Here are 9 pet-friendly foods naturally rich in prebiotics:

🥕 Carrots – Great source of fiber to support gut bacteria
🥬 Dandelion greens – Packed with inulin, a powerful prebiotic
🍄 Mushrooms (cooked, pet-safe types like shiitake) – Rich in beta-glucans that support gut health
🥔 Sweet potatoes – Gentle on digestion and full of gut-friendly fiber
🍌 Banana (in moderation) – Contains resistant starch that feeds good bacteria
🥦 Broccoli – Supports digestion and gut flora
🍏 Apples (without seeds) – High in pectin, a natural prebiotic
🥫 Chickpeas (cooked, no seasoning) – A great source of fiber and resistant starch
🌾 Oats (cooked and plain) – Contain beta-glucans and soluble fiber that nourish gut bacteria

Adding small amounts of these foods to your pet’s meals can boost their gut health naturally. But if your dog or cat struggles with allergies, digestive issues, or low energy, they may need a more targeted approach.

That’s where I can help! I create customized nutrition plans to support gut health and overall well-being.

Want me to help with your pet’s diet? Comment “help” below, and I’ll reach out to you!