How Veterinary Acupuncture Works and Why It May Help Your Pet Live Better

Did you know that acupuncture has been practiced on animals—especially horses—for nearly as long as it’s been practiced on humans? That’s right—veterinary acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, and in recent decades, it’s become increasingly recognized as a valuable treatment option for our furry companions.

At Valentine Vet in Raleigh, NC, we specialize in providing personalized, in-home veterinary acupuncture for geriatric pets and canine athletes. But what exactly is acupuncture, and how does it work in pets?

Let’s dive in.

The Science and Challenges of Studying Acupuncture

While many scientific studies support acupuncture’s effectiveness, interpreting the data requires some context. Acupuncture is highly individualized, tailored to the specific needs, personality, and medical history of each patient. This individualized nature makes it difficult to apply standard scientific protocols, which often rely on controlling variables—something that’s hard to do when each patient’s treatment is unique.

In most studies, a standardized point selection is used to measure results, but this doesn’t always reflect real-world clinical practice. Additionally, acupuncturists may use different methodologies to choose points based on their training and patient variation.

If you’re interested in exploring peer-reviewed veterinary acupuncture studies, a great place to start is the American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.

How Veterinary Acupuncture Works: Western vs. Eastern Understanding

So what actually happens when a needle is placed at an acupuncture point?

Western Explanation:

From a conventional or Western medical perspective, acupuncture:

• Stimulates nerves

• Promotes a controlled inflammatory response

• Encourages microcirculation (growth of tiny blood vessels)

• Modulates pain through neurological and chemical pathways

Pain management is one of the most studied—and most effective—applications of acupuncture in pets.

TCVM Explanation:

In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), each acupuncture point is connected to an organ system. Stimulating specific points helps restore balance within the body. TCVM views the body through the lens of interconnected systems, focusing on relationships and overall harmony, whereas Western medicine often focuses on individual organ function and symptom management.

Both systems have their value, and at Valentine Vet, Dr. Priya is trained in both, using them to create personalized, evidence-informed treatment plans.

What Conditions Can Acupuncture Help Treat in Pets?

Acupuncture isn’t a magic cure-all, but it is a powerful tool in the toolbox of integrative veterinary care. It is especially beneficial for pets who:

• Don’t tolerate medications well

• Aren’t good surgical candidates

• Have conditions that are hard to treat with conventional care

Common Conditions Treated with Acupuncture:

• Arthritis and chronic pain

• Cruciate ligament tears (as an alternative or supplement to surgery)

• Seizures and neurologic conditions

• Paralysis or post-operative recovery

• Allergies and chronic skin issues

• Cancer support

• Behavioral concerns (when combined with training and environmental changes)

• Nonspecific issues like low energy, vague discomfort, or recurrent digestive problems

Acupuncture for Every Stage of Life

Whether you have a senior pet dealing with aging-related issues or a competitive athlete experiencing performance dips, acupuncture can help your pet feel better, move better, and live more fully.

At Valentine Vet, we believe your pet’s health is more than the sum of its symptoms. Health is about balance, and acupuncture helps restore that balance naturally and safely.

Interested in exploring how acupuncture could help your pet? We offer in-home veterinary acupuncture throughout the Raleigh, NC area, making care convenient and stress-free for both pets and owners.

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