Gentle Pain Relief for Pets: The Benefits of Veterinary Acupuncture
September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the importance of recognizing and addressing pain in our animal companions. Many dogs and cats live with chronic pain, especially as they age or recover from injury. While modern medicine offers many effective treatments, integrative therapies like acupuncture are gaining recognition for their safe, natural ability to relieve pain and improve quality of life.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to both treat and prevent disease. It works by inserting very small, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi (the body’s vital energy) and restore balance. When Qi is blocked or unbalanced, discomfort or disease can result.
In modern scientific terms, acupuncture points are located along channels or pathways rich in nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and stimulating them can:
Alleviate pain
Reduce inflammation
Improve circulation
Stimulate nerve function
Support the immune system
Enhance the body’s natural healing processes
In short: acupuncture is safe and minimally invasive, and it helps relieve pain without the side effects of many medications. It works well alongside conventional treatments and clinical research supports its benefits in both human and animal medicine.
How Acupuncture Can Help Your Pet
Veterinary acupuncture is used to manage a wide range of conditions, including:
Musculoskeletal pain and injuries:
ACL tears and soft tissue injuries
Back or neck pain, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Osteoarthritis
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Post-surgical pain and healing
Neurologic issues such as paralysis or weakness
Chronic illnesses and internal conditions:
Digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
Liver or kidney disease
Respiratory problems (asthma, chronic coughing)
Seizures, anxiety, or cognitive decline
Allergies and skin conditions
Acupuncture is often used to relieve pain and enhance mobility, manage chronic illness, and improve quality of life, especially in pets who can no longer tolerate or who fail to respond to traditional treatments and medications.
What to Expect During a Session
Each acupuncture session is tailored to your pet’s individual needs and temperament. After evaluating your pet, your veterinarian will gently place thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points. Most pets tolerate this very well, and many become relaxed or even sleepy during the session.
Treatments typically last 15–30 minutes, and most pets begin to show improvement after 3–5 sessions.
Finding a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
When seeking acupuncture for your pet, always work with a licensed veterinarian who has completed specialized training in veterinary acupuncture. To earn certification as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA), veterinarians must complete extensive coursework, exams, case studies, and mentorship hours.
To learn more and find a certified veterinary acupuncturist near you, visit:
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA): https://aaova.wildapricot.org
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS): https://www.ivas.org
Chi University Alumni Directory: https://alumni.chiu.edu
Veterinary acupuncture is a powerful, gentle tool for managing pain and helping pets enjoy more comfortable lives. If your dog or cat is slowing down, struggling with mobility, or living with a chronic condition, acupuncture may be the key to helping them feel better again.