Acupuncture is no longer just for humans, over the past decade, it’s become a trusted and increasingly common treatment in veterinary care, with more pet owners seeking holistic and complementary therapies to support their animal’s health. Acupuncture can be combined with conventional veterinary care to provide a more full-body and integrated approach to treating medical conditions in animals.
Acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for centuries in China to relieve pain and treat a host of illnesses in people. Now vets trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) offer this therapy to our animals as well.
Acupuncture for pets aims to treat and manage the symptoms of illnesses and disorders by inserting ultra-thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and restore internal balance. Many acupuncture points are located near areas where nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues converge, and this anatomical correlation is thought to contribute to their therapeutic effects.
Pets at any stage of life from puppies and kittens to adult and senior pets may benefit from acupuncture treatment for a range of health conditions. These treatments are considered a safe and effective therapy that may provide relief from the pain or discomfort associated with injury and illness.
Acupuncture for Pets – The Process
Before treatment of any kind can begin it is essential to determine the underlying cause of your pet’s symptoms. Once the cause of the symptoms is known, treatment can begin to focus on the specific issue.
The aim of veterinary acupuncture is to help your pet’s body heal itself by resetting the balance of energy throughout the body, known as “chi”. This is done by inserting a series of fine needles into the animal’s body at specific points. Although the process is virtually painless, endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-killers, are released. This process helps to relieve your animal’s acute and chronic pain or discomfort.
It is also believed that the acupuncture process stimulates the release of serotonin which can help to reduce anxiety levels and generate feelings of contentment and happiness.
Benefits of Veterinary Acupuncture
Veterinary acupuncture is believed to produce a number of health benefits:
- Stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory substances.
- Acupuncture creates elevated blood flow and increased oxygenation as well as improved metabolic and toxic waste removal.
- Localized pain relief may be achieved at the site of needle insertion due to the relaxation of the muscles in that area.
- There should be no adverse interactions with other medications or supplements, making acupuncture a safe treatment for animals undergoing conventional treatments.
- No negative side effects on internal organs, as can occur with some prescription medications.
Animal Conditions That Can be Treated with Acupuncture
As with acupuncture for people, a variety of illnesses and conditions in pets can be treated and managed through the use of veterinary acupuncture. Health conditions that involve inflammation or chronic pain tend to be especially responsive to this type of treatment. Some of the more common conditions treated by acupuncture our outlined below.
Help Manage Arthritis
Arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects many aging pets, causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. The pain and discomfort from arthritis may also be relieved with acupuncture for pets due to the release of endorphins. Acupuncture offers a safe and effective way to manage the symptoms of arthritis by:
- Reducing Joint Inflammation
- Improving Blood Flow to the Joints
- Releasing Tension in Surrounding Muscles
Joints and Muscles: Addressing Musculoskeletal Issues
Musculoskeletal problems are incredibly common in pets, ranging from acute muscle strains to chronic conditions like spondylosis. Acupuncture offers a gentle yet effective way to manage these issues by:
- Relieving Muscle Spasms and Tension
- Improving Range of Motion
- Supporting Nerve Function
Whether a pet is an agility dog with a sports injury or a senior cat experiencing stiffness, acupuncture can be a valuable tool in restoring comfort and mobility.
Comprehensive Pain Management
Chronic pain, whether caused by arthritis or other underlying conditions, can greatly affect your pet’s quality of life. Similarly, if your pet has suffered an injury or trauma, such as an accident, fall, or fight, acupuncture may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Acupuncture offers a multi-faceted approach to pain management by:
- Stimulating Endorphin Release
- Reducing Inflammation
- Improving Circulation
- Addressing Underlying Imbalances
Significant improvements in the comfort levels of pets with chronic pain are often observed through regular acupuncture treatments, allowing them to enjoy a more active and fulfilling life.
Support for Urinary and Kidney Health
While not a standalone cure for severe kidney disease, acupuncture can offer valuable supportive care for pets with urinary issues and chronic kidney disease by:
- Improving Circulation to the Kidneys
- Reducing Inflammation in the Urinary Tract
- Managing Symptoms e.g.nausea and poor appetite
- Supporting Bladder Function
Acupuncture for kidney disease is recommended a supportive therapy and should always be used in conjunction with conventional veterinary care and dietary management.
Post-Surgical Support and Accelerated Healing
Major surgeries, such as Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) for cruciate ligament tears, are often life-changing for dogs. However, the post-operative period can be challenging, involving pain, inflammation, and a potentially lengthy recovery. Acupuncture plays a vital role in this phase by:
- Reducing Pain and Inflammation
- Promoting Tissue Healing
- Minimizing Scar Tissue Formation
- Improving Mobility
The integration of acupuncture into the post-TPLO recovery plan, as well as after other surgical procedures, can significantly enhance a pet’s comfort and speed their return to an active lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Whether your pet is struggling with chronic pain, mobility issues, anxiety, or internal health conditions, acupuncture offers a safe, non-invasive therapy that works in harmony with the body to promote healing and balance. With more pet owners embracing holistic options, veterinary acupuncture is proving to be a powerful complement to conventional vet care in helping pets feel better, move more freely, and live happier lives.
At Chatswood Vet Clinic we pride ourselves in offering gold standard, personalised care. In taking a gentle, individualised approach we start with a thorough one-hour consultation to assess your pet’s unique needs and acupuncture tolerance.
To learn more about how acupuncture can help your pet, please contact Chatswood Vet Clinic to schedule an initial consultation with Dr Amanda Young.
About Our Practitioner:
Dr Amanda Young graduated from the University of Sydney in 2019 and holds certifications in both Veterinary Acupuncture and Clinical Integrative Canine Rehabilitation from the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.
In addition to her vet qualifications, Dr Amanda also has a strong background in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). She earned a Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and has clinical experience in TCM practice.
Dr Amanda combines modern veterinary care with evidence-based integrative therapies to support your pet’s healing, comfort, and wellbeing.