Acupuncture for Pets

Soothing pain, accelerating healing.

Healing

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in human medicine, and veterinary acupuncturists can now provide this therapy for pets. Ancient Chinese medicine is based on the philosophy that imbalances in the body’s energy flow (i.e., Qi) cause illness. Acupuncture is used to restore the body’s energy balance and promote healing. Hair thin needles are inserted in specific body areas where nerve bundles and blood vessels converge, triggering a healing response. When these acupuncture points are stimulated, effects include:

  • Reduced pain and inflammation — Substances, such as endorphins and norepinephrine, that naturally relieve pain and reduce inflammation are released.
  • Muscle Relaxation — Muscles at the insertion site and throughout the body relax.
  • Improved Blood Flow — Tissues receive more blood flow, which improves oxygenation.
  • Less Metabolic Waste — Acupuncture reduces the amount of waste production, and increases metabolic waste removal by the body.
  • Improved Intestinal Regulation — Studies suggest that acupuncture can regulate gastrointestinal (GI) motility, the GI barrier, visceral sensitivity, and the brain-gut axis.
  • Improved Immune Support — Acupuncture increases the body’s immune cells, such as white blood cells and T-cells, boosting the body’s defenses.

Conditions that can benefit from acupuncture

Acupuncture is a drug-free, non-invasive technique that can benefit any condition that causes pain, inflammation, or a functional imbalance. Acupuncture can minimize drug usage, which can reduce associated side effects, and is especially useful for pets who can’t safely take medications. Conditions commonly treated with acupuncture include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Orthopedic Problems
  • Hip and elbow Dysplasia
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease

  • Neurologic Conditions
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Gastrointestinal Issues
  • Anorexia

  • Skin Allergies
  • Feline Asthma
  • Organ Dysfunction
  • Urinary Issues

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Orthopedic Problems
  • Hip and elbow Dysplasia
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Neurologic Conditions
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Gastrointestinal Issues
  • Anorexia
  • Skin Allergies
  • Feline Asthma
  • Organ Dysfunction
  • Urinary Issues

Acupuncture FAQs

The first session will involve a traditional physical exam followed by an assessment using Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine techniques. We will discuss your pet’s treatment options, and if your pet is an acupuncture candidate, we will proceed with dry needling, electroacupuncture, or aquapuncture, depending on their specific needs.

Most pets experience no pain as the needles are inserted, and they typically relax and may become sleepy during the acupuncture sessions. Tingling, numbness, or mild cramping occurs in some cases, but we purposefully select points to minimize this result.

Three to five acupuncture sessions are typically needed before pets show significant improvement. The treatments are cumulative, with benefits becoming more apparent with each session. Treatments can be tapered to a less-frequent maintenance schedule once we have achieved the maximum effect.

Acupuncture FAQs

The first session will involve a traditional physical exam followed by an assessment using Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine techniques. We will discuss your pet’s treatment options, and if your pet is an acupuncture candidate, we will proceed with dry needling, electroacupuncture, or aquapuncture, depending on their specific needs.

Most pets experience no pain as the needles are inserted, and they typically relax and may become sleepy during the acupuncture sessions. Tingling, numbness, or mild cramping occurs in some cases, but we purposefully select points to minimize this result.

Three to five acupuncture sessions are typically needed before pets show significant improvement. The treatments are cumulative, with benefits becoming more apparent with each session. Treatments can be tapered to a less-frequent maintenance schedule once we have achieved the maximum effect.