True North Veterinary Wellness

26/11/2025

Myth 2: Acupuncture has no evidence.

Facts: That just isn't true!
There is a significant amount of research on acupuncture and it's various uses!
When it comes to treating pain we have a very good evidence base and know how/why it works!

The quick explanation is that acupuncture tricks the brain and body into thinking something painful has happened (without causing pain).

This sets off a whole host of things in the body:
- Muscle relaxation and improved blood flow to the local area
- A release of healing factors at the site of the needles and from the brain
- A quieting down of the original pain message. The spine stops sending the signal from the actual pain (ie: an arthritic joint) to focus on the new thing happening (the acupuncture needle)
- A release of the body's own pain relief (this can be VERY potent pain relief)
- Quiets down the limbic system (the part of the brain that makes us care about pain on an emotional level)

See! It’s not just a bunch of hocus pocus (although we do think it’s quite magical in a scientific way!).

Keep an eye on our posts for more debunking of myths but also some great information on how acupuncture can benefit your pet!

23/11/2025

I didn't get to treat Guinness for long, but in the short time I knew him he stole my heart! He was a the best boy who loved his family fiercely. Once you were 'in his pack' that was it- he was loyal and loving like no other!
He has left a very large hole in many hearts and I am going to miss seeing him so much.

21/11/2025

Acupuncture Myth #1- The needles hurt

Facts: They’re not as scary as they look!

Unlike hypodermic needles (which are designed to withdraw and inject fluids), acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible and don’t have cutting edges that are more traumatic to the body’s tissue.

When acupuncture needles are inserted, they are very rarely uncomfortable which makes the experience a little more pleasant for the both of you!

Some needles are larger and some are smaller but it’s not just to suit the size of your pet. Larger needles could be used to get the most stimulus in the affected area whereas smaller ones could be used for patients that are more sensitive to the process!

Either way, the beauty of acupuncture is that it’s tailored to the needs and comfort level of your pet to produce the best possible outcome. Treatment looks a little different for everyone but the goal at the end is the same…to alleviate pain!

15/11/2025

Did you know acupuncture isn’t just for humans? This gentle, time-tested and scientifically proven therapy can help pets too! 🐶🐱
By stimulating specific points on the body, veterinary acupuncture can be a very potent form of pain relief, improve healing, and promotes overall wellness.
This can be a great way to help your furry friends feel their best. 💚

Over the next little while, we will be posting about veterinary acupuncture; dispelling the myths and providing the facts!

How does it work?
What to expect?
Do pets enjoy it?

If you have any specific questions about acupuncture for pets, please let us know!

13/11/2025

17/10/2025

Some of you may have noticed a new face greeting you at the door in the past 2 weeks.....
Meet Sarah!
Sarah is going to be working with me here and there on busier days. This is to help the flow and make sure I stay on task/on time!
She will also be helping out with some of my social media posts and website updates.... hopefully I will have more content with more information for you all soon!

WELCOME TO THE TRUE NORTH VET TEAM SARAH!

14/10/2025

Goodbye sweet Bunny.
This boy was such a sweet cat. He was a family guy who loved nothing more than spending time with his people.
He was so loved, right to the end.

13/10/2025

Thank you to all of my amazing clients and patients!

07/10/2025

Do pets like (or even tolerate) acupuncture???
The answer is yes! Most enjoy coming for their acupuncture sessions and make the association very quickly that it feels good!
It is one of the few things that I do, as a vet, that the patients thank me for!

As you can see in the picture- Frank can't get into the room fast enough. He always runs in, rolls over, has a tummy rub and then goes to the bed to wait for his needles. This was not always the case, but after two or three sessions, Frank figured out that the acupuncture felt good and was making him feel better.

Acupuncture releases a lot of feel good hormones and neurotransmitters- this includes things like oxytocin (the bonding hormone) and endorphins. This mean they associate the acupuncture and seeing me with feeling good!

03/10/2025

Being Sadie's vet has been a roller coaster of emotions and a huge learning journey. Sadie has taught me many lessons and I am eternally grateful to her for the growth I have had as a person, owner and vet while treating her.
Rest well sweet girl.