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Acupuncture

A gentle, holistic treatment that supports pain relief, mobility, and overall wellness in pets.

Acupuncture for Pets: Natural Relief for Pain, Mobility, and Wellness

Acupuncture isn’t just for people—it’s a safe, time-tested treatment that’s also effective for pets. When used alongside conventional medicine, acupuncture can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support whole-body healing for pets of all ages.

What Is Veterinary Acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of very thin, sterile needles into specific points on your pet’s body to stimulate natural healing. These points are selected based on your pet’s symptoms and diagnosis, and the therapy is grounded in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern veterinary science.

It works by:

  • Stimulating the nervous system

  • Releasing natural pain-relieving chemicals (endorphins)

  • Increasing blood flow

  • Reducing inflammation

It’s a gentle, drug-free therapy that many pets find relaxing—even those who are anxious or sensitive.

What Conditions Can It Help?

Veterinary acupuncture is often used to treat:

  • Arthritis and joint pain

  • Neurological issues or disc disease

  • Post-surgical recovery

  • Chronic pain or inflammation

  • Gastrointestinal disorders

  • Respiratory or immune system conditions

  • Anxiety or behavioral imbalances

We may recommend acupuncture as a standalone therapy or as part of a broader treatment plan that includes medication, rehab, or laser therapy.

What to Expect During a Session

Your pet’s acupuncture visit includes:

  1. A full physical exam and discussion of your pet’s symptoms

  2. Gentle needle placement at strategic points on the body

  3. A short rest period (typically 10–20 minutes) with calming supervision

Most pets tolerate treatment very well, and some even fall asleep during their session!

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes—acupuncture is considered very safe when performed by a trained veterinarian. Side effects are rare, and the therapy can be especially valuable for pets who can’t tolerate certain medications (e.g., senior pets or those with liver/kidney conditions).

Sessions are tailored to your pet’s individual needs, and we’ll monitor progress closely to adjust the frequency and technique over time.

Whether your pet is recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition, acupuncture offers a gentle, natural path to better health and comfort.

🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

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FAQs

Answers to Common Questions

These nasty pests are quite common in our area and can be harmful to your pet. Flea bites are very irritating to your pet's skin and cause them to scratch and gnaw at the affected areas, resulting in infection. If you notice your pet scratching more than usual, there is a good chance they have fleas.

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is extraordinarily poisonous to both humans and our pets. A very small amount can be very dangerous to any pet. Antifreeze is especially difficult because it both smells and tastes sweet. If you believe your pet has ingested any amount of antifreeze, please call immediately.

Of course! If you are able, please be prepared with any questions or concerns you may have. We will be happy to address them during your appointment.

Necessary vaccinations vary from pet to pet. We take into consideration the lifestyle, age, and health status of every animal before developing a vaccine protocol.

The annual examination includes a tip-to-tail review of your pet. We examine the entire body to assess the health of your pet. We check the mouth to see if periodontal disease is present (which is an infection that can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys), ensure that your pet is the appropriate weight, listen to the heart and lungs, look for signs of infection and also ensure that your pet is moving normally.

We recommend testing a fecal sample from each pet on a yearly basis to check for internal parasites. Most of the internal parasites that we find on animals are too small to be seen in the feces. Also, pets are not necessarily having diarrhea or losing weight as a result of these parasites.