Animal Acupuncture
A proven way to relieve pain and boost your pet's vitality.
Balancing Science & Ancient Wisdom
Acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat both people and animals. Acupuncture was developed as a way to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Today, it is fully recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as a powerful, scientifically validated medical therapy. At Bayside, we use acupuncture as part of an integrative approach to help manage pain, improve mobility, support recovery, and enhance our patients’ overall comfort and quality of life.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Modern research has found that acupuncture points are located in areas rich in nerve endings, blood vessels, and other tissues involved in the body’s neurological and inflammatory responses. Stimulating these points with very fine needles triggers the release of naturally occurring substances such as endorphins and other neurotransmitters. Depending on the patient and condition, acupuncture points may be stimulated with very fine needles alone or with gentle electrical stimulation.
Who is Qualified to Perform Veterinary Acupuncture?
Acupuncture should be performed by a licensed veterinarian with appropriate training in veterinary acupuncture. A veterinarian can evaluate the animal’s overall medical condition, determine whether acupuncture is appropriate, and integrate treatment safely with medications, surgery, rehabilitation, and other forms of veterinary care.
What We Can Treat
Acupuncture can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a wide variety of conditions, including:
The goal of acupuncture varies with each patient. In some cases, it may help relieve pain or improve mobility; in others, it may be used to provide supportive care and improve comfort alongside conventional treatment.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
Most small animals tolerate acupuncture extremely well. The needles are very thin, and insertion typically causes little or no discomfort. Once the needles are in place, many pets become noticeably relaxed—and some even fall asleep during their treatment.
How Long Do Acupuncture Treatments Last?
Treatment plans are tailored to each animal and depend on the condition being treated and the patient’s response. A typical acupuncture session lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Some acute conditions may require only a few treatments, while chronic conditions often benefit from a series of treatments followed by periodic maintenance sessions. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s individual needs.