Pet Conditions Treated with Acupuncture
Guides to common conditions in dogs, cats and other animals: signs to watch for, when to see a vet, and how acupuncture may fit alongside veterinary care. Start with your animal, then find a clinic near you or explore the acupuncture points atlas.
These guides are educational and do not replace a veterinary diagnosis. Acupuncture is used alongside, not instead of, conventional care, and the evidence differs from condition to condition. See our Medical Disclaimer.
When to see a veterinarian first
Contact a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately, and do not delay care for acupuncture or home treatment, if your animal:
- suddenly cannot walk, drags the hind legs or is in severe pain;
- cannot urinate, strains to urinate or has a swollen, hard abdomen;
- is a rabbit that has stopped eating or passing droppings;
- is a horse showing signs of colic, a hen that is straining to lay, or livestock that cannot stand;
- has trouble breathing, collapses or has a seizure.
This list is not complete. If you are worried, call your veterinarian.
Condition guides by species
Choose an animal to see the conditions covered in 12 species guides, from dogs and cats to horses, livestock, small animals and laboratory species.
Dog
Conditions in dogs, from disc disease and hind leg weakness to joint problems, with notes on when to see a vet. Includes the dog IVDD guide.
Read the dog guideCat
Common feline conditions, signs to watch for and how acupuncture may be used alongside veterinary care in cats.
Read the cat guideHorse
Conditions seen in horses and how equine acupuncture may be used alongside veterinary and rehabilitation care.
Read the horse guideCow
Conditions in dairy and beef cattle and the role acupuncture may play next to veterinary treatment.
Read the cattle guideCamelid
Conditions in camels, alpacas and llamas, including nerve and joint problems, with notes on veterinary care.
Read the camelid guidePig
Conditions in companion and farm pigs and how acupuncture may be discussed with your veterinarian.
Read the pig guideSheep and goat
Conditions in sheep and goats, including nerve and balance problems, and when to call a vet.
Read the sheep and goat guideRabbit
Conditions in pet rabbits, with precautions. Rabbits can become seriously ill quickly, so see a vet first.
Read the rabbit guideChicken
Conditions in backyard chickens and poultry, with notes on avian anatomy and veterinary care.
Read the chicken guideGoose and duck
Conditions in geese and ducks, including lameness and balance problems, and when to see a vet.
Read the goose and duck guideRat
Reference notes on acupuncture points in laboratory rats, mainly for researchers and students. Not for treating a pet at home.
Read the rat guideMouse
Reference notes on acupuncture points in laboratory mice, mainly for researchers and students. Not for treating a pet at home.
Read the mouse guideWhere to go next
Find a vet near me
Browse veterinary acupuncture clinics by country, state and city.
Search the directory →Acupuncture points atlas
Species-specific point charts and reference notes for students and veterinary professionals.
Explore the atlas →Resources
Guides, books and tools for pet owners, clinics and practitioners.
Browse resources →Guides and learning resources
Home-care and learning materials that go with these condition guides.
Recovery guides
Home-care e-books for IVDD recovery and senior pet wellness.
See the guides →Mobility and rehabilitation
Resources for pets with mobility problems, to discuss with your veterinarian or rehabilitation team.
See mobility resources →Pet Insurance for Veterinary Care: Coverage and Cost Guide
What to compare before you choose pet insurance, including cover for rehabilitation and veterinary acupuncture.
Read the insurance guide →Some resources are our own digital products, sold on Gumroad. Links to products from other makers may be affiliate links and are labelled. Mobility aids and rehabilitation exercises should follow your veterinarian’s advice, especially after sudden paralysis or surgery. See our Affiliate and Product Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if my pet has a health problem?
See a veterinarian for an exam and diagnosis. Then use the guide for your animal to understand the condition and to prepare questions about whether acupuncture could be added to the treatment plan.
Can acupuncture help my pet’s condition?
Veterinary acupuncture is used alongside conventional care for some conditions, such as pain and mobility problems. The evidence differs from condition to condition and animal to animal, and results are not guaranteed. Your veterinarian can tell you whether it is suitable.
Does acupuncture replace surgery or medication?
No. Do not stop or delay veterinary treatment in favour of acupuncture. In urgent situations, such as a dog that suddenly cannot walk, see a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.
How do I find a veterinary acupuncturist?
Use our clinic directory to browse clinics by location. Listings are informational and are not endorsements, so check a clinic’s licence and qualifications yourself. See how we label listings.
Which animals are covered?
There are guides for 12 species groups: dogs, cats, horses, cattle, camelids, pigs, sheep and goats, rabbits, chickens, geese and ducks, rats and mice. The rat and mouse guides are research references.