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Pet Acupuncture Treatment｜What Are the Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture for Cats and Dogs?

Pet Acupuncture Treatment｜What Are the Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture for Cats and Dogs?

When Western medicine cannot fully resolve your pet's health issues, more and more owners are choosing pet acupuncture as a complementary treatment. Veterinary Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture originates from traditional Chinese medicine and works by stimulating specific acupoints to promote the body's self-healing ability, showing significant therapeutic effects for joint pain, neurological problems, chronic diseases, and more. This article provides a detailed explanation of the principles, benefits, applicable conditions, and treatment process of dog acupuncture and cat acupuncture, helping you understand this safe and effective treatment option.

What Is Pet Acupuncture?

Pet acupuncture is a treatment method that applies traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture to animals. A veterinarian inserts extremely fine needles into specific acupoints on the pet's body, stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. This promotes blood circulation and releases natural pain-relieving substances (such as endorphins), achieving pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and regulation of body functions.

The Scientific Principles of Acupuncture

  • Stimulates Nerve Endings: Sends signals to the brain, blocking pain transmission
  • Releases Endorphins: The body's natural pain-relieving substances
  • Promotes Blood Circulation: Accelerates tissue repair and metabolic waste removal
  • Regulates the Immune System: Enhances the body's self-healing ability
  • Relaxes Muscles: Relieves spasms and tension

History of Acupuncture

Veterinary TCM acupuncture has a history of thousands of years, originally used on horses and livestock. Modern veterinary acupuncture combines TCM theory with Western scientific research and is increasingly recognised worldwide, with many veterinary schools now including acupuncture in their curriculum.

Benefits of Pet Acupuncture

Dog acupuncture and cat acupuncture offer the following advantages:

Main Benefits

BenefitDescription
Effective Pain Relief Promotes endorphin secretion for natural pain relief
No Drug Side Effects Does not require liver or kidney metabolism; suitable for long-term treatment
Reduces Drug Dependency Can reduce pain medication dosage and frequency
Promotes Self-Healing Stimulates the body's self-repair ability
Improves Quality of Life Enhances mobility and mental state
Complements Western Medicine Can be used alongside medications, surgery, and physiotherapy

Suitable for Chronic Conditions

Pet acupuncture is particularly suitable for patients with chronic diseases requiring long-term management. Long-term use of pain medications may affect liver and kidney function, whereas acupuncture has no such concerns and can serve as long-term complementary therapy.

Conditions Suitable for Pet Acupuncture

Veterinary TCM acupuncture can treat various health problems:

Musculoskeletal Problems (Most Common)

  • Arthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease: Most common in senior dogs and cats
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease: Lumbar disc herniation, cervical problems
  • Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Pre- and post-surgical support
  • Muscle Strains/Spasms
  • Chronic Pain Management

Neurological Problems

  • Paralysis/Hind Limb Weakness: Spinal nerve damage
  • Nerve Paralysis: Facial nerve paralysis, radial nerve paralysis
  • Epilepsy: Complementary control of seizure frequency
  • Vestibular Disease: Dizziness, loss of balance

Internal Medicine Problems

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Chronic vomiting, poor appetite, constipation
  • Respiratory Problems: Asthma, chronic coughing
  • Urinary Problems: Urinary incontinence, bladder dysfunction
  • Skin Problems: Allergic dermatitis, lick granulomas

Other Applications

  • Post-Surgical Recovery: Accelerates wound healing, reduces pain
  • Cancer Support: Symptom relief, improving quality of life
  • Senior Pet Care: Enhances overall vitality and comfort
  • Anxiety/Behavioural Issues: Calming and soothing effects

Dog Acupuncture vs Cat Acupuncture

Dog acupuncture and cat acupuncture share the same principles, but there are some differences in practice:

AspectDog AcupunctureCat Acupuncture
Cooperation Level Usually higher, relaxes easily May be more nervous, requires more patience
Number of Needles Can use more needles Usually fewer needles
Needle Retention Time 15–30 minutes May be shorter (5–15 minutes)
Common Indications Arthritis, intervertebral disc problems Kidney disease, gastrointestinal issues, arthritis

Pet Acupuncture Treatment Process

Owners trying pet acupuncture for the first time may worry whether their pet will be afraid or in pain. Here is the general treatment process:

Treatment Steps

  1. Initial Consultation: The veterinarian takes a detailed medical history, performs an examination, and develops a treatment plan
  2. Relaxing Environment: Allow the pet to relax in a comfortable environment (you may bring a familiar blanket)
  3. Needle Insertion: The veterinarian inserts extremely fine needles at selected acupoints (much finer than injection needles)
  4. Needle Retention: Rest for 15–30 minutes to allow the acupuncture to take effect
  5. Needle Removal: Treatment ends; all needles are removed

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

The needles used in acupuncture are extremely fine. Most pets only feel a slight sensation during insertion and quickly relax, sometimes even falling asleep. Compared to injections or blood draws, acupuncture causes much less discomfort.

Treatment Frequency

  • Acute Problems: 1–3 times per week for 2–4 weeks
  • Chronic Problems: Initially 1–2 times per week, reducing to once every 2–4 weeks for maintenance as improvement occurs
  • Specific frequency is adjusted based on condition and response

How Long Before Results Are Seen?

  • Some pets show improvement after the first treatment
  • Usually 3–5 treatments are needed before significant effects are seen
  • Chronic problems require longer duration and continued treatment

Is Pet Acupuncture Safe?

Pet acupuncture is a very safe treatment method with rare side effects:

Possible Mild Reactions

  • Slight bleeding or bruising at needle sites (uncommon)
  • Brief drowsiness or fatigue after treatment
  • Symptoms may temporarily worsen after first treatment (healing response)

Who Is Not Suitable for Acupuncture?

  • Pregnant animals (certain acupoints are contraindicated)
  • Severe blood clotting disorders
  • Infection or tumours at needle sites
  • Extremely nervous animals that cannot cooperate

Choose a Qualified Veterinarian

Veterinary TCM acupuncture should be performed by a professionally trained veterinarian. Choose a veterinarian with veterinary acupuncture certification (such as IVAS or Chi Institute) to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Pet Acupuncture FAQs

Q1: Can pet acupuncture replace Western medicine treatment?

Pet acupuncture is best suited as a complementary treatment, used alongside Western medications, surgery, and physiotherapy. In some cases, it may reduce medication dosage, but it is not recommended to completely replace necessary Western medical treatment.

Q2: Is acupuncture helpful for senior cats and dogs?

Very helpful! Senior pets often have joint pain and mobility issues. Dog acupuncture and cat acupuncture can effectively relieve pain and improve mobility without the burden of drug side effects.

Q3: How long does each acupuncture treatment take?

The initial consultation takes about 45–60 minutes (including assessment). Subsequent treatments take about 30–45 minutes. Needle retention time is usually 15–30 minutes.

Q4: How much does acupuncture treatment cost approximately?

Costs vary by clinic and treatment complexity, generally around $500–$1,200 per session. Initial consultations with assessments may cost more. Contact the clinic for detailed pricing.

Q5: Can nervous pets have acupuncture?

Most pets can relax and cooperate once they become familiar with the environment. Extremely nervous animals can start with fewer needles or shorter sessions to gradually adapt. Owner presence can also help reduce anxiety.

Petcore Veterinary Clinic Pet Acupuncture Services

Petcore Veterinary Clinic provides professional pet acupuncture and veterinary TCM services:

  • Acupuncture Treatment: Performed by trained veterinarians
  • Joint Pain Management: Enhanced results when combined with physiotherapy
  • Neurological Problem Treatment: Paralysis, intervertebral disc problems
  • Chronic Disease Support: Gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory issues
  • Senior Pet Care: Improving quality of life
  • Post-Surgical Recovery: Accelerating healing

Contact Us

  • Yuen Long Clinic: G/F, 30A Fuk Tak Street, Yuen Long, N.T. | Phone: 2394-7300
  • Sai Kung Clinic: Shop 2, 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, N.T. | Phone: 2394-4228
  • WhatsApp: 9889-5518
  • Website: www.petcore-vet.com

If your pet is suffering from joint pain, neurological problems, or chronic diseases, dog acupuncture and cat acupuncture may be an ideal complementary treatment option. Contact Petcore Veterinary Clinic today to learn how pet acupuncture can help your pet reduce pain and improve quality of life!