Boston terrier has acupuncture treatment as part of a physical rehab therapy program

Acupuncture

Veterinary Medical Acupuncture is a treatment that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate a physiologic response. The needles stimulate the nervous system which leads to the release of endogenous chemicals, meaning they originate within the body. These chemicals can promote circulation and help to decrease pain and inflammation. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for a variety of conditions commonly seen in veterinary rehabilitation.

Our licensed veterinarians take advanced post-graduate certification courses to use this modality to effectively treat dogs and cats.

Acupuncture can be effective in the treatment of:

  • Joint pain

  • Arthritis

  • Nerve pain

  • Intervertebral Disc Disease (bulging/herniated disc)

  • Other neurological conditions

  • Pain associated with sprains and strains

Commonly Asked Questions about
Veterinary Acupuncture for Your Pet

  • Veterinary Acupuncture uses tiny needles placed in specific areas of the body in dogs, cats, or other animals with the goal of decreasing pain and stimulating the nervous system.

  • Pets of any age can benefit from acupuncture!

  • Veterinary medical acupuncturecan be effective in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and many other conditions commonly seen in veterinary rehabilitation such as:

    • Joint pain (Arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, other chronic degenerative joint diseases)

    • Nerve pain

    • Intervertebral disc disease (bulging/herniated disc)

    • Musculoskeletal pain

    • Back pain

    • Neck pain

    • Post-surgical pain (FHO, TPLO/ACL Surgery, Luxating Patella Corrective Surgery, fracture repair, limb amputation)

    • Cancer pain (osteosarcoma, etc)

    • Post-traumatic injury

    • Rehabilitation from sports injuries

    • And more!

  • Yes! Cats can greatly benefit from acupuncture for the same conditions that dogs do. Most cats tolerate the treatment very well and typically end up relaxing for the duration of therapy.

  • Yes, veterinary acupuncture is a safe and non-invasive treatment option for dogs and cats and other pets when performed by a trained and licensed veterinarian. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet's health history and current condition to determine if acupuncture is the right treatment to include in your pet’s rehab therapy plan.

  • Sessions typically last between 20-30 minutes, depending on the individual needs of your pet.

  • Acupuncture is generally well-tolerated by animals and is not considered painful. The needles are very thin and often cause minimal to no discomfort. Most pets do not experience any pain during treatment. In fact, many dogs and cats become very relaxed and may even fall asleep during the session.

  • The number of treatments needed will depend on your pet's condition and response to treatment. Some pets may require only a few treatments, while others may benefit from ongoing or periodic treatments.

  • To find a qualified veterinary acupuncturist, you can ask your regular veterinarian for a referral or search for a practitioner who is certified in veterinary acupuncture. It's important to choose a licensed veterinarian who has received proper training in acupuncture. Our veterinarians hold additional training and certifications in veterinary acupuncture.

dog sits with red acupuncture needles in for a veterinary acupuncture treatment for PT