The ancient Chinese medical art of acupuncture is working its way into mainstream veterinary medicine. Tufts University's School of Veterinary Medicine recently announced that it has begun teaching veterinary students how to use holistic treatments - like acupuncture -- with animals.

The acupuncture treatments for animals are very similar to those used on humans. Needles are about the width of a horse's hair and less than two inches long gently prick the skin to target pressure points.

The use of acupuncture and other holistic approaches has slowly grown in popularity among veterinarians and pet owners. Tufts says it is one of the first veterinary schools in the country to offer courses on holistic treatments for animals.

The effects of cigarette smoking on humans are well-known, but few people realize that tobacco products can be fatal to domestic canines and felines if ingested. Signs of nicotine poisoning can develop in 15 to 45 minutes, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), and can include excitation, salivation, panting, vomiting and diarrhea. Muscle weakness, twitching, depression, collapse, coma, increased heart rate and cardiac arrest can follow; and death can occur due to respiratory paralysis.

The APCC recommends keeping cigarettes, cigars, and other nicotine products, such as patches and gum out of pet's reach. Since butts contain about 25 percent of the total nicotine content of a cigarette, they can present a danger, too.

If your pet does ingest nicotine-containing products, seek emergency medical help from your veterinarian, or call the APCC emergency hotline -- 1-888-4-ANI-HELP -- which provides round-the-clock telephone assistance.