Veterinary Acupuncture

Understanding Veterinary Acupuncture: A Natural Way to Support Pet Health

What Is Veterinary Acupuncture?

Veterinary acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice that helps prevent and treat a wide range of health conditions in pets. It works by inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points.

Your pet’s body contains thousands of these points, but about 200 are commonly used in veterinary acupuncture. Each point is located along one of 12 main energy pathways—called meridians—that connect to different organs and systems within the body.

Stimulating these points helps improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and release natural hormones such as endorphins (for pain control) and cortisol (to reduce inflammation). Often, veterinarians use combinations of points to create a synergistic healing response that promotes overall wellness.

How Acupuncture Supports Pets

Acupuncture can be used alone or alongside conventional veterinary treatments to relieve pain and improve quality of life. For pets, acupuncture is commonly used to treat:

• Musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis, back pain, or nerve injuries

• Respiratory conditions like asthma

• Skin problems including hot spots, allergies, or lick granulomas

• Digestive issues such as diarrhea or chronic gastrointestinal upset

• Reproductive or hormonal imbalances

For active or athletic pets, such as those in agility or flyball sports, acupuncture helps enhance performance, prevent injury, and support faster recovery after strenuous activity or surgery.

The success of treatment depends on the experience of the veterinary acupuncturist, the condition being treated, and how early therapy begins. Chronic health issues respond best when acupuncture is started sooner rather than later.

Acupuncture and Pet Cancer Support

Acupuncture can play a valuable role in supporting pets with cancer. While it does not cure cancer, it can:

• Help manage pain

• Reduce nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy

• Support mobility and comfort during treatment

• Enhance overall well-being

However, acupuncture should always be used under veterinary supervision. If the cancer lies along a specific meridian, stimulating that area may be counterproductive. Always consult your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist before starting acupuncture or any new complementary therapy.

Are There Any Side Effects?

When performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist, acupuncture is very safe. Mild side effects may occasionally occur, such as:

• Temporary bruising or swelling at the needle site

• Short-term fatigue or mild symptom flare-ups

• Muscle tension that makes needles harder to remove

Severe side effects are rare, but it’s important to ensure your pet’s condition is properly diagnosed before starting treatment to avoid masking symptoms of underlying disease.

Cost and Treatment Schedule

Costs vary by clinic and location, but typically:

• Initial consultations range by practitioner

• Follow-up sessions average around $75 per treatment

Acute conditions may require 1–3 sessions per week, while chronic problems like arthritis or skin issues often improve after a series of four or more treatments, spaced one to two weeks apart.

Finding a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Always choose a licensed veterinarian certified in veterinary acupuncture. In Canada, for example, Dr. Kären Marsden from Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic is certified in this specialized practice and has extensive experience helping pets through holistic care approaches.

The Takeaway

Veterinary acupuncture is a gentle, effective way to support your pet’s health, ease discomfort, and enhance overall well-being—especially when used alongside conventional veterinary care.

If your pet is living with cancer, chronic pain, or inflammation, acupuncture can be a valuable addition to their pet cancer support plan.

Before starting, always discuss your options with your veterinarian to ensure it’s the right approach for your pet’s individual needs.