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The Power of the Pin: How Acupuncture Helps Pets Heal Naturally

SELF-CARE FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND

At Animals Only, we believe true wellness happens when ancient wisdom meets modern medicine. That’s why we offer integrative rehabilitation treatments under the direction of a licensed and certified rehabilitation veterinarian—giving your pet access to a full spectrum of healing options, including one of the most time-tested therapies: acupuncture.


You might think of acupuncture as a human wellness trend, but the truth is, it’s been helping animals heal for thousands of years. And today, with veterinary professionals trained in both Eastern and Western approaches, it’s one of the most gentle, effective, and personalized ways to support your pet’s health—naturally.

❓What Is Pet Acupuncture?


Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to promote natural healing responses. For pets, this ancient technique can:


  • Reduce pain and inflammation

  • Improve mobility in arthritic or injured joints

  • Support post-surgical recovery

  • Regulate digestion and immune function

  • Ease stress and anxiety


Acupuncture blends ancient wisdom with today’s science to support healing in a gentle, targeted way. By placing fine, sterile needles at key points along the body—many located on nerve bundles and blood vessels—we’re able to trigger the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters that help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.


Whether used as a standalone treatment or alongside other therapies, acupuncture offers a natural, low-stress option for managing chronic conditions and promoting whole-body wellness.

Rooted in tradition, refined by evidence—it’s care that honors your pet’s whole health.


Unlike medications that treat symptoms, acupuncture encourages the body to do what it was designed to do: heal itself. It’s low-stress, personalized, and safe when performed by a trained veterinary professional—like the ones you’ll find at Animals Only.

💊How Does Acupuncture Fit into Integrative Veterinary Medicine?


Acupuncture is just one piece of the bigger picture when it comes to integrative veterinary care. At Animals Only, we treat the whole pet, not just the symptoms.


Integrative medicine combines both Western and Eastern medical therapies to create a more comprehensive, personalized approach to healing.


  • Western therapies include: Laser therapy, hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercises, shockwave therapy, diagnostics, and prescription medications.

  • Eastern (or holistic) therapies include: Acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and herbal supplements.


Why choose one when both can work better together? Western medicine can be highly effective at addressing acute issues quickly, while Eastern therapies help restore balance, reduce chronic stress on the body, and support long-term wellness.


By combining both, we open the door to more treatment options, better outcomes, and more compassionate care for your pet.

🐾 Conditions Acupuncture Can Help With


Pet acupuncture is not just for senior dogs or cats with arthritis—though it's amazing for both. It’s also used to support healing from a variety of conditions and imbalances. Some of the most common reasons we recommend acupuncture at Animals Only include:


  • Arthritis and joint pain

  • Hip dysplasia and back pain

  • Neurological conditions, like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

  • Recovery from orthopedic surgery or soft tissue injuries

  • Chronic inflammation and immune imbalances

  • Digestive issues, including nausea, constipation, and diarrhea

  • Anxiety or stress-related behaviors


Whether your pet is slowing down due to age, recovering from an injury, or dealing with ongoing health concerns, acupuncture can be a valuable part of their treatment plan—often helping them return to a more active, comfortable life.

🐶What to Expect During a Session


Your pet’s first acupuncture session starts with an evaluation by our rehab veterinarian. We’ll get to know your pet’s medical history, lifestyle, and specific health concerns so we can create a treatment plan tailored just for them.


Then, we gently place fine needles at carefully selected acupuncture points. Most pets tolerate the process surprisingly well—some even nap during treatment! The needles are so small that many animals don’t even seem to notice them being placed.


A typical session lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, and the number of sessions needed depends on your pet’s condition. While some pets show improvement after just one or two visits, others may benefit from a series of treatments over several weeks to achieve the best results.

We may also combine acupuncture with other integrative therapies—like laser therapy, veterinary medical manipulation (aka chiropractic), or massage—to further support your pet’s healing journey.

🪴Whole-Health Healing in a Calm, Curated Space


Healing shouldn’t feel clinical or chaotic. At Animals Only, we’ve designed our space to be a soothing, pet-friendly environment that supports wellness from the moment you and your pet walk through the door.


Our goal isn’t just to treat symptoms—it’s to help your pet thrive, physically and emotionally. Every detail in our clinic is designed with your pet’s comfort and healing in mind, so they can feel safe, relaxed, and supported every step of the way.

🔦Pet Patient Spotlight: Meet Jiro


Say hello to Jiro — a sweet senior pup who recently had his very first acupuncture session with us! 


Jiro is currently receiving care for an angular deformity in his front leg, a collapsing trachea, and some neurological challenges. While his journey isn’t easy, this brave boy is meeting it all with a gentle spirit and a whole lot of heart.

Acupuncture is one of the powerful tools in our holistic care toolkit. It can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support the nervous system — all while keeping our patients calm, relaxed, and deeply cared for.


We’re honored to walk alongside Jiro as he begins his healing journey.

🔦Pet Patient Spotlight: Meet Koa


Meet Koa — a resilient and calm feline friend who began his acupuncture journey with us recently.

Koa is a double hind limb amputee and lives with front limb bone malformations and persistent muscle tension, conditions that can make everyday movement a challenge. To help ease his discomfort and support his mobility, Koa is receiving a thoughtful combination of holistic therapies. His personalized treatment plan includes regular laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and now, acupuncture.


Acupuncture has long been used in veterinary care as a safe and effective way to support pain relief, muscle relaxation, and overall wellness. By stimulating specific points on the body, it can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system — making it a powerful addition to any integrative treatment approach.

During his first session, Koa was incredibly calm and cooperative — a true testament to his strength and the gentle nature of acupuncture.

🐾 Final Thoughts: Self-Care Isn’t Just for Humans


Self-care for your best friend isn’t just a tagline—it’s our promise. Acupuncture is one of the many holistic tools we use to help your pet live their best life, naturally.


At Animals Only, we believe in treating the whole animal, supporting both short-term relief and long-term wellness. Acupuncture helps us do just that—by working with the body, not against it, to unlock healing from the inside out.

💬 Curious if acupuncture is right for your pet?


We’d love to meet you and your best friend.


Schedule a consultation at Animals Only and discover how integrative rehabilitation can help your pet move better, feel better, and thrive—naturally.

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