PRESQUE ISLE – In early November, the Central Aroostook Kennel Club hosted a community seminar in Presque Isle with a presentation by veterinarian Dr. Mark Hanks from the Kindred Spirits Clinic in Orrington. The topics discussed were “Using Acupuncture to Help Your Pet” and “Helping Your Dog Age Gracefully.”
Photo courtesy of Jean Morin
The Central Aroostook Kennel Club recently hosted a community seminar with a presentation by veterinarian Dr. Mark Hanks of the Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic from Orrington. The session was held as part of the Kennel Club’s ongoing educational series. Pictured, from left: Tracy Snow-Cormier, of Portage, holds her 8-year-old agility dog Maggie steady after Dr. Hanks has inserted a few acupuncture needles along the topside of Maggie’s back. Maggie is a past client of Dr. Hanks.
Acupuncture, a 7,000 year-old medical discipline, has gained popularity in human and veterinary medicine in the past few years, and, according to Hanks, can be used as a way to avoid the side effects of medications, a method of balancing the body and even providing pain control in animals.
In additional to traditional “western” veterinary methods, Hanks uses acupuncture to treat ailments such as arthritis and anxiety, as well as to ease muscle aches in agility dogs. He explained that acupuncture points, by today’s research, are points of high concentrations of nerve fibers or nerve endings and that stimulation through acupuncture can increase the release of endorphins, chemicals involved in relaxation. He has observed pets relax after a few acupuncture needles are placed and some even fall asleep. In addition, Hanks also makes use of acupressure and massage points to calm pets, treat nausea and relieve arthritis discomfort.
In the Helping Your Dog Age Gracefully session, Hanks advised participants to “find the science behind the products” and evaluate best options for keeping pets healthy as they age. Although aging is genetically determined, the process is affected greatly by lifestyle. Hanks recommends providing regular exercise and keeping weight under control as ways owners can keep pets healthier and extend their life. Also, a diet containing antioxidants found in fruits (not grapes or raisins) and vegetables (no onions) and addition of omega oils can be beneficial to dogs.
The seminar was sponsored by the Central Aroostook Kennel Club as part of an ongoing educational series. Each year the club brings a speaker to Aroostook County for a community presentation for those with a special interest in dogs. Proceeds above the cost of hosting this event were donated this year to Aroostook County animal shelters.
For more information about the Central Aroostook Kennel Club, call 764-1259 or visit the Web site www.thecakc.com.
