Dog Acupuncture Conditions
Guides to common dog conditions: signs to watch for, when to see a veterinarian, how acupuncture may fit alongside veterinary care, and the acupuncture points commonly discussed.
This guide is educational and does 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.
Emergency signs
See a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately, and do not delay care for acupuncture, if your dog:
- suddenly cannot walk, drags the back legs or is in severe pain;
- cannot urinate, has a swollen hard belly or is retching without vomiting;
- has trouble breathing, blue gums, collapses or has a seizure lasting over 5 minutes;
- has repeated vomiting, bloody vomit or stool, or may have eaten a toxin.
This list is not complete. If you are worried, call your veterinarian.
Dog condition guides
Choose a condition to read the full guide. Each guide links to the acupuncture points commonly discussed for it, and each point guide links back to the conditions that mention it.
Neurologic and spine
IVDD and spinal cord compression
Sudden inability to walk is an emergency.
Signs of disc disease, emergency warnings, veterinary treatment and the acupuncture points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Hind leg weakness and ataxia
Sudden weakness needs a vet the same day.
Wobbly or weak back legs have many causes. Learn the warning signs, vet care and points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Seizures and epilepsy
A seizure lasting over 5 minutes is an emergency.
When a seizure is an emergency, veterinary treatment, and the points commonly discussed as an add-on.
Read the guide →Facial paralysis and vestibular disease
Sudden collapse or inability to stand is an emergency.
Drooping face, head tilt and loss of balance: warning signs, vet care and points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Orthopedic and mobility
Osteoarthritis
Joint pain and stiffness in older dogs, veterinary management and the acupuncture points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Hip dysplasia
Hip malformation and secondary arthritis: signs, treatment options and points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Cruciate ligament (CCL/ACL) injuries
Knee ligament tears: signs, treatment options and where acupuncture may fit in rehabilitation.
Read the guide →Post-surgical recovery and muscle strain
Recovery after TPLO, FHO or spinal surgery, and soft-tissue strains: warning signs and points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Internal medicine and cancer care
Cancer pain and palliative care
Comfort-focused care for dogs with cancer. Acupuncture is discussed as support, not as cancer treatment.
Read the guide →Chemotherapy side effects
Report fever, bleeding or repeated vomiting right away.
Nausea, poor appetite and tiredness during chemotherapy: warning signs and points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Chronic kidney disease
Not urinating or repeated vomiting is an emergency.
Signs of kidney disease, veterinary management and the supportive points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →IBD, liver and digestive disease
A hard, swollen belly or bloody vomit is an emergency.
Chronic vomiting, diarrhea and liver problems: warning signs, vet care and points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Respiratory and skin
Collapsing trachea and chronic cough
Blue gums or trouble breathing is an emergency.
Honking cough in small breeds: warning signs, vet care and points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Skin allergies and atopic dermatitis
Facial swelling or hives with breathing trouble is an emergency.
Itching, hot spots and ear flare-ups: vet care and the limited points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Behavior and stress
Separation anxiety and noise phobias
Fear of fireworks, storms or being alone: behavior care and calming points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Stress and compulsive behaviors
Tail chasing, excessive licking and spinning: check for medical causes first. Points commonly discussed.
Read the guide →Explore more
Dog acupuncture points chart
Browse dog acupuncture points by meridian with locations and traditional indications.
Open the chart →Find a veterinary acupuncturist
Browse clinics and mobile vets by country, state and city.
Search the directory →PetAcu productRecovery guides
Home-care e-books for IVDD recovery and senior pet wellness.
See the guides →Books and learning
Acupuncture books, courses and learning resources.
See books and courses →Some resources are our own digital products, sold on Gumroad. Links to products from other makers may be affiliate links and are labelled. See our Affiliate and Product Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which dog conditions is acupuncture used for?
Veterinary acupuncture is used by some practitioners as an add-on for pain, mobility problems, nausea and appetite, and stress. Evidence differs from condition to condition, and it does not replace diagnosis or conventional treatment.
Is acupuncture safe for senior dogs?
When performed by a trained veterinary professional it is generally well tolerated, but risks depend on the dog’s health and the points used. Ask your veterinarian whether it suits your dog.
Can acupuncture be combined with surgery or medication?
It is often used alongside conventional care, so tell the practitioner about all medicines and recent surgery, and follow your surgeon’s advice.
How do I find a veterinary acupuncturist?
Use our clinic directory, and check who performs the treatment and what training they have. Listings are informational and are not endorsements.