Veterinary Acupuncture for Pain Relief in
Dogs and Cats

When a dog or cat is living with arthritis, an injury, or another source of chronic pain, keeping
them comfortable can sometimes be challenging. Medications are an important part of pain
management, but they aren’t always enough—or appropriate for every patient.

Veterinary acupuncture can be a valuable addition to an integrative pain-management
plan, helping reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and support quality of life.

How Does Acupuncture Help Pets With Pain?

Acupuncture uses very thin needles placed at specific points on the body to stimulate the
nervous system and influence the body’s natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory pathways.

At Burns Court Veterinary Care, we use acupuncture as part of a multimodal approach to
pain management, combining it with conventional medicine and other therapies when
appropriate.

Acupuncture may help pets with:

● Osteoarthritis and chronic joint pain
● Hip dysplasia and other orthopedic conditions
● Back and spinal pain
● Muscle and soft-tissue injuries
● Post-surgical recovery
● Chronic neurologic conditions
● Age-related stiffness and mobility changes

For some pets, acupuncture may also allow us to reduce their reliance on certain pain
medications.

Is Acupuncture Stressful for Dogs and Cats?

For many pets, surprisingly, no. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, and most patients
tolerate their placement very well.

Because we believe Fear Free® veterinary care is an important part of good medicine, we take
a gentle, low-stress approach. Pets can remain in a comfortable position, and we minimize
restraint while using positive reinforcement, tasty treats, and plenty of patience.

Many pets become visibly relaxed or sleepy during their acupuncture sessions.

A Personalized Approach to Pain Management

Acupuncture isn’t intended to replace conventional veterinary medicine. Instead, it can
complement treatments such as prescription medications, rehabilitation, weight management,
nutritional support, laser therapy, and environmental modifications.

Every pet is different. Our goal is to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses the
underlying cause of pain while helping your dog or cat move more comfortably, enjoy their
favorite activities, and maintain a good quality of life.

If your dog or cat is showing signs of arthritis, stiffness, chronic pain, or decreased mobility, ask
your veterinarian whether veterinary acupuncture in Sarasota, FL may be an appropriate part
of their treatment plan.