Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Acupuncture, sometimes referred to as dry needling, is a treatment that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate a physiologic response. In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, the acupoints are stimulated to balance the movement of energy (Qi, pronounced “Chi”) in the body to restore health. The needles stimulate the nervous system which leads to the release of chemicals. These chemicals can promote circulation and help to decrease pain and inflammation.

The fundamentals of acupuncture are based on Chinese philosophy - Yin and Yang, the eight principles, and five elements. 

Person inserting acupuncture needles into a furry black animal, likely a dog, on a soft surface.

Acupuncture is accepted by the American Veterinary Medical Association as an effective and safe treatment technique. Our licensed veterinarians take advanced post graduate certification courses to use this modality to safely and effectively treat dogs and cats.

Acupuncture can be effective in the treatment of:

  • Joint pain

  • Arthritis

  • Nerve pain

  • Intervertebral Disc Disease (bulging/herniated disc)

  • Neurological conditions

  • Pain associated with sprains and strains

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Acupuncture FAQs

  • Animal Acupuncture or Veterinary Acupuncture uses tiny needles placed in specific areas of the body in dogs, cats, or other pets with the goal of decreasing pain and improving overall wellness.

  • Veterinary acupuncture with electrical stimulation (e-stim), sometimes referred to as electroacupuncture, involves the use of a mild electrical current applied to acupuncture needles.

    The application of the current increases the effect of the acupuncture needles and stimulates nerve conduction. Electro-acupuncture is often applied in neurologic cases and to treat significant pain. It can also be applied to standard rehabilitation cases with great success.

  • Acupuncture for animals can 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, 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 medical acupuncture is the right treatment to include in your pet’s rehab therapy plan.

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

  • Veterinary Acupuncture is generally well-tolerated by animals and is not considered painful. The needles used are very thin and often cause minimal to no discomfort.

    Most pets do not experience any pain during an acupuncture 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 maintain their health and wellbeing.

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

  • Some pet insurance policies may cover acupuncture treatment, but it depends on the specific policy and the insurance provider. It's advisable to check with your pet insurance company to determine if acupuncture is covered and under what conditions.

  • Yes, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with traditional veterinary medicine and you pet’s rehab therapy plan. Many general practice and rehab veterinarians integrate acupuncture into their treatment plans to provide a holistic approach to animal health.

  • Pets of any age can benefit from acupuncture!

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