How Acupuncture Could Transform Your Pet’s Health (2025)

Acupuncture has been a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for millennia. The Western medical establishment has not yet been able to fully explain how it works, but millions of people have tried acupuncture for pain relief and a host of other ailments. As more pet owners look for holistic, low-impact ways to manage chronic pain, anxiety, and other ongoing issues in their animals, acupuncture promises to support conventional treatments without the side effects of some medications. But is it the right fit for your pet? In this guide, we’ll break down when acupuncture is helpful, how it works, what types of pets benefit the most, typical costs, and how to find the right practitioner.

Three Kinds of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese art that involves carefully inserting super-thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body lined up with nerve pathways, muscles, and connective tissues. In TCM, this is thought to regulate the flow of energy (Qi) along meridians running through the body. Practitioners believe it can relieve a wide variety of physical problems, including issues with internal organs not directly stimulated by the treatment.

Electroacupuncture combines the use of traditional acupuncture needles with a mild electric current to improve pain relief, muscle relaxation, and nerve function. Not all veterinarians offer this option.

Dry needling is a technique developed in Western medicine and physical therapy that uses acupuncture needles with or without electrostimulation to target tight, painful muscle knots. Dry needling is specifically focused on muscular dysfunction and pain relief and is not tied to Chinese philosophical ideas about energy flows.

Veterinary Acupuncture

In veterinary medicine, traditional acupuncture is the more common and widely accepted approach, often performed by licensed veterinarians trained in this specialization. Acupuncture is commonly administered to companion animals like dogs, cats, and rabbits, and is also used for horses and, less frequently, for some livestock and exotic zoo animals. It’s used in those cases to alleviate chronic conditions that haven’t been helped by mainstream medicine or support recovery from injuries.

Acupuncture can be used on small rodents like hamsters, rats, or guinea pigs, and on birds, but it is less common due to their size and temperament, which make treatment more challenging.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

When stimulated by an acupuncture needle, the affected nerve endings send signals to the brain and spinal cord. This prompts the release of pain-relieving and mood-boosting chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. It also improves circulation, bringing oxygen to tissues and clearing out waste products to speed healing. Muscle tension drops, relieving pain and reducing stress. These effects can be amplified with the use of a mild electric charge that can be gradually adjusted.

What Does It Feel Like?

Sometimes we go the extra mile at A-Z-Animals. This writer decided to overcome his fear of needles (fainting has happened in the past) and gave dry needling a try for a stiff neck and shoulder. As it turns out, the acupuncture needles were barely perceptible and not at all painful. Our treatment was combined with mild electrical stimulation. The knotted muscles started to relax deeply, and there was a feeling of utter calm and relaxation. So in our experience, there’s no reason to fear that acupuncture will be painful to your pet if administered by someone who knows what they’re doing. On the contrary, you can actually consider it a form of pampering!

What Pet Conditions Can Acupuncture Help?

“The number one thing I wish more people understood about acupuncture is that it can help to heal or relieve more than just painful conditions,” explains Dr. Anna Divis of Lone Tree Animal Care Center in Omaha, Nebraska. “I have worked successfully with patients with diabetes, renal failure, liver issues, seizures, and, of course, patients with intervertebral disc disease or joint/osteoarthritis problems.”

Here are some examples of issues that acupuncture may help:

• Stress and Anxiety: Acupuncture calms the nervous system and reduces stress hormones. It can help with separation anxiety and behavioral problems in a pet. Owners often notice their animals seem happier, more playful, and more comfortable.
• Chronic Pain: Arthritis, back pain, or hip dysplasia are examples of problems dogs and cats experience that respond well to acupuncture without the side effects of medication.
• Injuries: Acupuncture helps reduce swelling, ease muscle tension, and support the body’s natural healing after an injury or surgery. It boosts blood flow and oxygenation so that injuries can heal faster and the immune system can kick in quicker.
• Stiffness: Pets with stiff joints or tight muscles often start moving more comfortably and confidently. (Note that a dog sleeping on its back can be an indication that its joints hurt.)
• Nerve Disorders: Animals with nerve damage, paralysis, or disc disease can have some improved nerve function and lower inflammation.
• Digestive Problems: Acupuncture can improve gut health for a pet with problems like nausea, diarrhea, or appetite problems.
• Respiratory Issues: Asthma, allergies, and chronic bronchitis can benefit from inflammation control and better immune regulation.
• Skin disorders: Conditions like dermatitis, hot spots, or stubborn wounds can improve through better circulation and tissue healing.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Pet Acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be great for many animals, but it’s especially helpful in certain groups:

• Older Pets: Senior dogs and cats with arthritis or mobility issues often see big improvements.
• Pets Who Can’t Take Meds: If your pet reacts poorly to medication or has liver/kidney concerns, acupuncture offers relief without added drug load.
• Chronic Cases: When standard treatments aren’t enough for pain or inflammation, acupuncture is a great complementary option.
• Anxious Animals: Pets with behavioral issues may become more relaxed and better able to handle stress with regular sessions.
• Animals That Can’t Have Surgery: Some pets may need surgery for a condition but cannot. This could be because of overall fragile health that make it too risky, or because the owner cannot afford an expensive operation. Acupuncture can sometimes improve those situations without the cost of an invasive medical procedure.

When It Might Not Be the Best Choice

While acupuncture is low-risk, it’s not always the right fit, such as in the following scenarios:

• Active Infections or Wounds: Needle use in open or infected skin can make things worse.
• Aggressive or Fearful Pets: Some animals are just too stressed to handle it, though gentle introductions can help in some cases.
• Emergency Situations: When immediate surgery or intensive care is needed, acupuncture should not delay life-saving interventions.
• Certain Health Conditions: Pets with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners need extra care and should be screened before treatment.

What Happens During a Session?

Acupuncture sessions are tailored to your pet’s specific needs. It’s a low-stress experience. After some initial apprehension, many pets grow so relaxed they may even snooze during treatments. The first visit usually lasts around an hour. The vet reviews your pet’s medical history, performs a physical exam, and sets up a treatment plan.

During the actual treatment, the vet places sterile, hair-thin needles into carefully selected spots. Most pets tolerate it well, and sedation isn’t usually necessary. Sessions typically take 30 minutes to an hour. The vet will go slowly, watching for signs of relaxation, discomfort, or visible improvement during and after the session. And you might be involved in the process yourself. “I like to make my acupuncture sessions interactive with owners and have them feel the areas of tension or pain in their pet,” Dr. Divis says. “That way, they can assess their pet at home and bring them in for more therapy before their condition worsens.”

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

The number of sessions needed depends on the issue, the age and general health of the animal, and its responsiveness to the treatment. Your vet will adjust the plan in consultation with you. The vet may start with three sessions spaced a week or two apart. For some pets, that’s enough to resolve the issue. Others might still need a maintenance tune-up every couple of months or so. Longer-term problems may require ongoing treatment on a regular schedule.

Are There Side Effects or Risks?

According to Dr. Divis, “There are very few side effects to acupuncture, so it can be used as a first line of defense treatment or as a last option to relieve the patient’s symptoms.” After a session, your pet may be a little sleepy, sore, or thirsty. Occasionally, there’s minor bleeding at the needle site, but it resolves quickly. Serious problems like nerve damage or infection are extremely rare and usually the result of poor technique. To make sure that doesn’t happen to your baby, make sure your provider is a licensed vet with acupuncture training — they know the anatomy and how to do it safely. Observe your pet after the procedure and let your vet know if you see anything out of the ordinary.

What Does It Cost?

Prices vary depending on where you live and your pet’s needs. Generally speaking, expect to pay $80-$200 or more for an initial consult and treatment, and $80-$150 or more for follow-up sessions. Sometimes you can get a package discount if you pay for multiple sessions. If you have pet insurance, see if it covers acupuncture under alternative care benefits.

Where Can You Find a Pet Acupuncturist?

Only licensed veterinarians with extra training in acupuncture should treat your pet. In most states, it’s illegal for non-veterinarians to perform acupuncture on animals. Check with your current vet. Many vet offices now offer acupuncture or can refer you to someone who does. You can also visit the website of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) for a list of certified practitioners. You definitely want to consider only Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists. They’ve done the training and clinical hours to be able to practice acupuncture on your pet without, well, literally practicing on your pet!

Should You Try It?

Acupuncture is a gentle, proven way to help your pet manage pain, recover faster, and live better. It’s especially useful for chronic problems, anxiety, and mobility issues, and can reduce the need for medications. Just be sure to work with a certified veterinary professional and view it as one piece of your pet’s overall healthcare. If your pet is struggling, this could be the extra support they need to feel better and enjoy life again.

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