Pet acupuncture is a complementary veterinary medical treatment that involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on a pet's body. It can be performed alone or in conjuction with other treatments, such as conventional veterinary medicine and physical therapy.

Yes, pet acupuncture is safe when performed by a qualified and licensed veterinarian who has received proper training in the practice. To determine if a vet is qualified to perform acupuncture, look for the letters "CVA" behind the vet's name.

A pet acupuncture session typically lasts 30-60 minutes. The number of sessions required will depend on the individual animal and the condition being treated.

Most commonly, we use acupuncture in ​musculoskeletal diseases and neurological problems, such as:​ ​ Arthritis Hip dysplasia Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD or "slipped disc") Patellar luxation ("slipping kneecaps") Cruciate ligament tears Muscle and ligament injuries Spinal disease Nerve injuries Degenerative myelopathy Paralysis Vestibular syndrome And more​ ​ Acupuncture can also be used as an adjunct treatment for: Kidney disease Gastrointestinal problems Urinary tract disorders Pain management and palliative care (eg. in cancer) And more​ We always recommend that we come to a diagnosis for your pet before starting acupuncture treatment, because acupuncture may mask the signs of your pet's condition.

Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the body's natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory mechanisms through the following mechanisms: 1. Release of endorphins: Endorphins are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the release of endorphins, which can help to reduce pain and improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis 2. Regulation of cytokines: Cytokines are small proteins that play a role in inflammation and the immune response. Acupuncture is thought to regulate the production and release of cytokines, helping to reduce inflammation and pain. 3. Stimulation of nerve fibers: Acupuncture may stimulate nerve fibers, leading to the release of various neurotransmitters that modulate pain perception and immune function. 4. Changes in blood flow: Acupuncture may also alter blood flow, leading to increased oxygen and nutrient delivery to the affected areas, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

Acupuncture is practically painless, as the needles are extremely thin. Sometimes, animals even fall asleep during acupuncture! In some animals, there may be a feeling of tingling or numbness, which might be uncomfortable. In the rare case where acupuncture is really not tolerated, there are alternative treatments we can use. There is something to help every animal.

Because acupuncture stimulates the body's own natural healing mechanisms and does not make use of drugs, it is one of the safest forms of treatments. However, there may be occasional side effects: ​ An animal may seem worse, more sore or stiff for up to 48 hours. Some animals may be lethargic for up to 24 hours. ​ These signs actually indicate that changes are starting to take place in your pet's body - in fact, they are most commonly followed by an improvement.