Woo-Woo or Bow-Wow? The Surprising Science Behind Pet Acupuncture

Content reviewed by Nell Ostermeier, D.V.M., CVA, FAAVA.

You've probably seen it on TikTok: a zen-looking frenchie lying still as a stone, covered in tiny needles like some kind of canine Hellraiser cosplay. Welcome to the world of pet acupuncture, where your soulful sidekick's chi is just a poke away from perfect harmony. But is this ancient practice actually legit, or just another way for Fido to flex on his less enlightened dog park pals?

We caught up with licensed vet, Figo spokesperson, and holistic care enthusiast Nell Ostermeier, DVM, CVA, FAAVA to get the lowdown on this trending treatment.

Spoiler alert: it's not just for "woo-woo" pet parents anymore.

What the heck is pet acupuncture?

Before your pup was getting poked, humans were the original acupuncture guinea pigs. This ancient practice has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, dating back over 2,000 years.

Various legends and stories attempt to explain the treatment's origin, from soldiers noticing improvement after being struck by arrows, to tattoo-covered warriors reporting medical benefits. Whatever sparked its widespread practice, it's clear that if you fast forward a couple millennia, acupuncture has evolved from a purported battlefield accident to a widely recognized therapeutic technique.

Needling made its way to the West in the 20th century, and somewhere along the line, someone thought, "Hey, if it works for us, why not for Fluffy?" Thus, the world of pet acupuncture was born, bringing a touch of Eastern wisdom to our dog and cat's health regimens.

Let's be clear, acupuncture isn't about sticking needles in your pet willy-nilly. Our expert breaks it down: "Traditionally, acupuncture is performed by placing small, thin needles into acupuncture points."However, needling is not the only way veterinarians can perform acupuncture to help your pet."

Turns out, there's a whole menu of options, including massage, lasers, and even injecting sterile liquid into acupuncture points. It's like a spa day for Sparky, minus the cucumber eye patches.

Ostermeier continues, "From an evidence-based perspective, when the point is stimulated, it generates an impulse and triggers a cascade of effects locally that may also result in positive effects at distant locations on the body. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, treating the acupuncture point manipulates "Qi" to achieve local effects, deep internal effects, and distant effects on that acupuncture channel."

Does acupuncture for pets actually work?

According to our vet, acupuncture isn't just some new-age nonsense. "Acupuncture has been utilized effectively for thousands of years and over the past decade, the body of research to prove the positive effects has grown immensely."

The purported benefits are extensive, but most of the evidence available suggests it can:

• Relieve pain

• Modulate the immune response

• Facilitate healing

And it isn't just for achy joints. Our expert outlined the most common pet conditions that acupuncture can treat:

• Arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems

• Allergies

• Asthma

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Kidney disease

• Cancer

Studies have even found positive benefits extending to pets suffering from cushing's syndrome, spinal injuries, and liver damage.

Before you start picturing your cat in a full-body needle suit, relax. Most animals actually dig it. "Most people are pleasantly surprised to see how much their pet likes (or at least tolerates) acupuncture!" our expert reassures us.

But don't expect miracles overnight. "Some pets experience the positive effects of acupuncture immediately while others take longer to respond. Almost all conditions will require more than one visit for optimum results."

What about pet acupuncture side effects?

Now, you might be thinking, 'Sure, but what about averse effects? Is my kitty going to start craving herbal tea and criticizing my chakra alignment?' Fear not. "There are no dangerous side effects with acupuncture," Dr. Ostermeier confirms. The worst that might happen is your pet gets extra sleepy or oddly energized post-treatment. It's basically like a really good cat nap or a shot of espresso, depending on your pet's personal reaction.

Don't let just anyone treat your pet

Before you let someone turn your dog or cat into a living pincushion, make sure they've got the chops to back it up. When it comes to any veterinary treatment, we can't overstate the importance of seeking out a qualified professional.

You're not looking for a weekend workshop warrior here. Ideally, you want a vet versed in both Western medicine and either Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or holistic treatments in general.

A qualified practitioner will conduct a thorough examination, ask detailed questions about your pet's health history, and develop a tailored treatment plan. Dr. Ostemeier elaborates, "In most cases, acupuncture is integrated alongside conventional medical options to enhance the treatment plan and improve overall patient comfort and wellbeing."

So, before you book that needling sesh for Fido or Felix, do your homework. Look for a certified veterinary provider who can tell their 'chi' from their elbow. Your pet's health (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

Still skeptical?

You're not alone. But our expert has seen some pretty wild success stories. Take the case of the itchy Boston terrier: "I chose and treated acupuncture points to balance the immune system and reduce inflammation or Heat in TCM. Within minutes after placing the needles, her hives resolved, her skin wasn't red and she was no longer hot to the touch." Talk about instant relief.

Believe it or not, acupuncture might just be a brick in the fountain of youth for your curious copilot. Nell shared another story about a large breed dog who started acupuncture at the ripe old age of 14. "We began an acupuncture maintenance plan and this dog lived happily, with a better quality of life for over 2 years," she says. "He was more comfortable, his mobility improved, and he was able to sleep. This meant his person was able to sleep better too!"

The bottom line

Pet acupuncture isn't just some bougie trend for crystal-obsessed pet parents. It's a legitimate treatment option gaining serious cred in the veterinary world. Whether your pet is dealing with chronic pain, allergies, or just needs a tune-up, acupuncture might be worth a shot (pun intended).

Just don't be surprised if your cat starts demanding organic, locally sourced catnip after their first session. That's on you.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.