Your Pet May Also Benefit from Acupuncture

Acupuncture for pets is growing in popularity, although still not widely used. Research shows it can reduce pain and inflammation, and some vets recommend this traditional Chinese practice for disorders like arthritis, allergies, digestive issues, hip dysplasia, and some neurological conditions.

According to Amelia Munsterman, DVM, a veterinary acupuncturist and clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin, the treatment can be used as a complement to the conventional treatments of medication and surgery. A thin needle inserted into muscles, tendons, fascia, and nerve fibers can stimulate neurotransmitters in the brain and alter the perception of pain. The treatment is most effective for pets with orthopedic conditions and may not be appropriate for pets with serious injury or illness, says Munsterman.

Sessions are about 20 minutes, but some pets may not take kindly to the procedure, especially if their condition is acute and painful such as an infection. In this case, Munsterman advises considering noninvasive treatments such as acupressure—massaging trigger points—or laser therapy, which can improve blood circulation and regenerate cells.

Side effects such as infection at the injection site are rare. The number of sessions needed depends on the diagnosis but generally improvement will be seen after three or four treatments.  

Some veterinary acupuncturists may recommend electro-acupuncture, where electric currents are transmitted through the needle for additional stimulation. Herbal supplements can also be used as a complement to standard acupuncture for quicker healing. 

The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society maintains a list of certified veterinary acupuncturists, who are fully trained vets who have had additional training in acupuncture.