At Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital, we are always looking for new ways to provide complete, compassionate care for your pets. As part of our commitment to integrative medicine, we are proud to now offer veterinary acupuncture for dogs and cats.
Dr. Davidson has completed advanced training at the renowned Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida, allowing her to bring this safe, holistic therapy to our patients. Acupuncture can complement traditional veterinary treatments, helping pets manage pain, recover from injury, and improve their overall quality of life.
Whether your pet is struggling with arthritis, mobility issues, chronic conditions, or simply needs extra support as they age, acupuncture offers a natural way to encourage healing and comfort, without relying solely on medications.
What Is Veterinary Acupuncture?
Veterinary acupuncture is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that has been used for centuries to support healing and balance within the body. It involves placing very fine, sterile needles into specific points on your pet’s body, known as acupoints.
These points are carefully chosen based on your pet’s unique needs. Stimulating acupoints helps improve blood flow, release natural pain-relieving endorphins, reduce inflammation, and restore balance to the body’s systems.
Unlike a one-size-fits-all treatment, each acupuncture session is tailored to your dog or cat. Dr. Davidson creates a “point prescription” designed to address your pet’s specific symptoms, whether it’s joint stiffness, digestive issues, or chronic pain.
Most pets tolerate acupuncture very well – many even become so relaxed during a session that they fall asleep.
Conditions That Veterinary Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture can be used on its own or alongside traditional veterinary medicine to help manage a wide range of health issues in dogs and cats. Some of the most common conditions we treat with acupuncture include:
- Arthritis and osteoarthritis
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- Hip dysplasia and joint stiffness
- Back pain or sore muscles
- Degenerative joint disease
- Recovery support after orthopedic surgery
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- Neurological Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Problems
- Digestive and Gastrointestinal Issues
- Senior Pet Support and Quality of Life
- Pain management for aging pets
- Increasing mobility and flexibility
- Reducing reliance on medications with side effects
- Enhancing comfort and overall well-being in hospice care
Because acupuncture works to restore balance in the body, it can also benefit pets with behavioral changes, stress, or anxiety, making it a versatile addition to your pet’s wellness plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Acupuncture
Is acupuncture safe for pets?
Yes. When performed by a trained veterinarian, acupuncture is very safe. The needles are extremely thin and sterile, and most pets tolerate them very well. Many animals even become relaxed or sleepy during treatment.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most dogs and cats barely notice the needles being placed. Unlike injections or blood draws, the needles used for acupuncture are much finer. In fact, many pets seem to enjoy their sessions because they feel more comfortable afterward.
How long does an acupuncture session take?
A typical session lasts about 20–30 minutes. The initial visit may take a little longer because Dr. Davidson will perform a full evaluation and discuss your pet’s health history and goals.
How many sessions will my pet need?
Every pet is different. Some pets respond quickly and show improvement after just one or two sessions, while others with chronic conditions may need a series of treatments to see the best results. Dr. Davidson will recommend a treatment schedule tailored to your pet.
Can acupuncture replace medications or surgery?
Acupuncture can often reduce the need for medications and help improve recovery, but it does not replace surgery or conventional veterinary medicine when those are necessary. We use acupuncture as a complementary therapy to support overall health.
What types of conditions respond best to acupuncture?
Pets with arthritis, back pain, hip dysplasia, nerve injuries, digestive issues, chronic illnesses, and senior pets with mobility challenges often benefit the most from acupuncture.
Will my pet need to be sedated for acupuncture?
No sedation is required. In fact, the experience is calming for most pets. It’s not uncommon for them to lie down and nap during the session.
Below is a link to the acupuncture page on the website for the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, which includes frequently asked questions and an article written by clinicians at the university describing the value of acupuncture in animal medicine.
Read MorePlease let us know if you have questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Davidson.
