Puppy With Toy — San Diego, CA — South San Diego Veterinary Hospital

A Point of Relief: Acupuncture’s Role in Veterinary Healing

South San Diego Veterinary Hospital offers acupuncture as a valuable treatment option for pets in the San Diego, CA, area. Acupuncture is rooted in ancient Chinese medicine and performed by our licensed veterinarians. Acupuncture aids in treating various functional issues, such as pain and inflammation. Speak with our veterinary care team about the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture today by calling 619-423-7121.

Licensed & Experienced Veterinary Acupuncturists

In most regions of the world, veterinary acupuncture is considered a surgical procedure that legally must be performed by licensed veterinarians. A veterinarian is best positioned to diagnose an animal's health problems and determine whether it is likely to benefit from an acupuncture treatment or whether its problems require chemical, surgical, or no intervention.

Ask your veterinarian about her or his training. The more your veterinarian knows about acupuncture, the more confident you can feel that your animal will be treated with the proper care.

What To Expect from Your Pet's Acupuncture Session

During a pet acupuncture session, a trained veterinarian will insert needles into points on the body to trigger a self-healing effect. Acupuncture is a widely used practice worldwide. Many people in modern Western countries receive acupuncture in conjunction with traditional medicine to treat a wide range of problems. It is also used on domestic animals. While acupuncture is not a cure-all, it can help with some conditions or symptoms.

Improving Pet Health Through Acupuncture

Acupuncture is indicated mainly for functional problems, such as pain and paralysis, allergies, and other inflammation caused by something other than an infection. For pets, acupuncture is an option for the following conditions:
  • Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis or vertebral disc pathology
  • Skin problems, such as acral lick granulomas
  • Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma
  • Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea
  • Some reproductive problems
Regular acupuncture treatments can also be part of a regimen to treat or prevent minor athletic injuries for animals and humans.

History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture had its roots in ancient Chinese practice when it was believed that all disease was caused by a body's imbalance of energy. Modern practitioners use needles to stimulate physiological changes such as muscle relaxation, better blood circulation, cortisol release (for healing), and endorphin release (to relieve pain).

Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture for Pets

  • Is Acupuncture Therapy Painful?

    Inserting the needles is nearly painless for your pet. Most nerve endings are near the skin's surface, so the needles can remain in place without pain or irritation. Many animals even become relaxed or sleepy during a session.

  • Is Acupuncture Safe for My Cat or Dog?

    Acupuncture is very safe when administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Sometimes, an animal's condition will worsen for a day or two after the initial treatment, or it will be more lethargic than usual as its body adjusts to the new stimuli. Other side effects are rare.

  • How Long is a Typical Acupuncture Session?

    The length of a pet acupuncture session will vary, as will the recommended frequency, depending on the condition being treated. Simple, acute problems may only require a single session; chronic or severe issues may benefit from several or even dozens of sessions.

  • How Often Does My Pet Need an Acupuncture Session?

    A series of treatments will usually start with greater frequency – one to three treatments per week for four to six weeks, typically – and taper off as the condition becomes manageable. Therapeutic effects, if any, will usually be seen within the first three sessions.


    Animals undergoing athletic training might benefit from acupuncture as often as twice a week. A monthly regimen might be more appropriate for animals in less intense training.

  • Do You Have Any Tips for Finding a Qualified Veterinary Acupuncturist?

    There are two important criteria you should look for in a veterinary acupuncturist:

    1. Your veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian.
    2. Your veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in practicing acupuncture for animals. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society is the only accredited certification program for veterinary acupuncture.

Secure your pet's acupuncture session by calling 619-423-7121.