Where ancient healing meets modern veterinary science.
At The Animal Doctors of Orange County, we believe the best care for your pet combines the most effective tools available — both conventional and integrative. Veterinary acupuncture is one of the most well-researched complementary therapies in modern veterinary medicine, offering a safe, drug-free path to pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life for dogs and cats at every stage of life.
What is veterinary acupuncture?
Ancient Practice, Modern Science
Veterinary acupuncture involves the precise insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body — called acupoints — to stimulate physiological healing responses. While rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been practiced for more than 2,000 years, today's veterinary acupuncture is also firmly grounded in Western neurophysiology and anatomy. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes modern medical acupuncture as an approach that uses current knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and neuromodulation — not metaphor — to explain how needling works. Our veterinarians use precise, evidence-informed needle placement to trigger measurable changes in your pet's nervous system, immune response, and pain pathways. Veterinary acupuncture training is restricted to licensed veterinarians, requiring over 130 classroom hours and rigorous examinations to earn certification — ensuring every needle placed by our team reflects deep clinical expertise.
"In the hands of a skilled practitioner, acupuncture can be a safe and effective modality for treating pain in companion animals."
— Huntingford & Petty, Veterinary Sciences, 2022How it works
The Neurophysiology Behind the Needles
One of the most common questions we hear is: "But does it actually do something?" The answer is yes — and the science is increasingly clear. When a needle is inserted into an acupoint, it triggers a cascade of measurable physiological responses:
Endorphin Release
Acupoint stimulation activates nerve fibers that carry signals through the spinothalamic tract to the hypothalamus, triggering the release of β-endorphins — the body’s natural pain-blocking chemicals.
Descending Pain Inhibition
Acupuncture activates the descending pain inhibitory pathway, triggering the periaqueductal gray matter to release β-endorphins and the nucleus raphe magnus to release serotonin — suppressing pain signals centrally.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Neurophysiologic effects include inhibition of inflammatory mediators such as COX-2, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 — reducing local inflammation without pharmaceutical side effects.
Improved Circulation
Acupuncture stimulates nerves, increases blood circulation, relieves muscle spasm, and triggers the release of endorphins and cortisol — supporting the body’s own healing capacity.
Neuropathic Pain Relief
Recent evidence suggests inhibition of microglial activation by acupuncture plays a key role in managing neuropathic pain diseases — particularly relevant for pets with spinal conditions.
Immune Modulation
Physiological changes include immune system stimulation and blood pressure regulation, supporting whole-body wellness alongside targeted pain relief.
fMRI studies have confirmed that the limbic system, hypothalamus, and arcuate nucleus are all activated by acupuncture — providing visible, measurable evidence of real neurological activity. This is not placebo. This is physiology.
Conditions we treat
What Veterinary Acupuncture Can Help With
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Pain Council includes acupuncture in its canine and feline pain management guidelines as a recommended non-pharmaceutical treatment. The AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats also describe acupuncture as a helpful adjunct for postoperative pain and intervertebral disc disease.
Osteoarthritis & Joint Disease
Chronic pain and loss of mobility from joint disease is one of the most common reasons pet owners seek acupuncture, and one of its most well-documented applications.
Chronic & Neuropathic Pain
Acupuncture is very effective for analgesia on a local, segmental, and suprasegmental level — making it valuable for complex, multi-site chronic pain in dogs and cats.
Post-Surgical Pain & Recovery
Electroacupuncture has been studied as a perioperative analgesic in dogs undergoing surgery, with acupuncture also shown to reduce post-surgical anxiety.
Cancer-Related Pain & Nausea
Muscle Injuries & Spasm
Acupuncture is commonly used to treat muscle injuries, reduce spasm, and improve range of motion in active and athletic dogs — especially after strains or overexertion.
Neurological Rehabilitation
Integrated acupuncture and electroacupuncture approaches have been shown to alleviate severe pain, improve hindlimb proprioception, and restore normal limb function in dogs recovering from spinal events.
Your pet's first visit
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session
One of the most reassuring things pet owners discover is how calm most dogs and cats become during acupuncture. Most pets require minimal restraint, and many appear to relax or even fall asleep during treatment— especially after the first couple of sessions.
Comprehensive Exam & Intake
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical and neurological exam, review your pet’s history, and identify acupoints appropriate for their specific condition. Each treatment plan is individualized — no two pets receive identical protocols.
Session & Relaxation
A typical treatment lasts between 5 and 30 minutes. Your presence is encouraged — a familiar, calm owner makes a meaningful difference. Treats may be offered, and most pets settle comfortably once the needles are in place.
Follow-Up & Spacing
The effects of acupuncture build over time — treatments are typically weekly at first, then gradually spaced out to four- to six-week maintenance intervals as your pet responds and stabilizes.
Treatment options
Types of Veterinary Acupuncture We Offer
Veterinary acupuncture is not one-size-fits-all. Our certified practitioner will use a variety of evidence-supported modalities, selected based on your pet's condition, temperament, and treatment goals:
- Dry Needle Acupuncture
- Electroacupuncture (EA)
- Aquapuncture
- Laser Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Integrative Multimodal Care
Many forms of acupuncture can be used independently or as part of a balanced multimodal approach for the control of acute and chronic pain. We frequently combine acupuncture with physical rehabilitation, laser therapy, massage, and conventional medical management.
Our Orange County locations
Veterinary Acupuncture Near You
The Animal Doctors of Orange County offers certified veterinary acupuncture for dogs and cats, where your pet is our priority, serving families throughout Buena Park, Anaheim, Mission Viejo, and surrounding communities including Fullerton, Cypress, La Palma, Garden Grove, Orange, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, and Aliso Viejo. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team; our staff would love to talk with you!
Don't forget to follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram.