Acupuncture for Rover?

March 17, 2007 — -- A growing number of people who head to chiropractors or acupuncturists to get relief for their aches and pains are now considering the same holistic treatments for their pets.

While most veterinarians don't recommend that traditional care be replaced with alternative medicine, many are making it part of their practice.

Pets Unlimited, one of the largest animal hospitals in San Francisco has just completed a special sanctuary for holistic medicine and gave "Good Morning America Weekend Edition" a tour.

The center has all the makings of a luxury spa, except the clientele is made up of pets.

The veterinarians at the new holistic center in San Francisco are using the latest in alternative medicine to treat their patients.

"People are using holistic medicine for themselves, and they love their animals as much as any other member of the family, so they want to extend it for the animals," said Dr. Cheryl Schwartz, a holistic veterinarian.

Pets can receive acupuncture, as well as chiropractic care and Chinese herbs from an on-site pharmacy.

The center's setting is specially designed to relax the animals and their owners. Instead of metal exam tables, benches mimic couches at home and pets can recline on area rugs, in front of framed shoji screens.

Even the wall colors have an effect.

"It's a very calming room because it has the blue which simulates the reflection of the sky on the water, so it brings the energy down," Schwartz said.

Murlene Randall arrived at the center after another vet recommended a medication with a dangerous side effect for her Shih Tzu, Bellina.

"They say it works, but it could you know, cut her life span, and I definitely didn't want to do that," Randall said. "I intend to have her forever. … I have noticed some positive change."

Results on Jimmy the Pug were even more dramatic. A seizure paralyzed one side of Jimmy's head so severely, he couldn't even blink.

"We really did wonder that night, whether, you know, Jimmy was going to, how he was going to come through that," said Jimmy's owner, Ann Dey.