Just like in people, acupuncture is used for pain relief in certain dogs — especially those for whom other treatments might not be recommended or haven’t been effective.
Acupuncture works in several ways to ease a dog’s discomfort. First, needle insertion at specified sites bolsters blood circulation, causing muscles to relax, both locally and elsewhere in the body. The process also stimulates the nervous system, prompting the release of natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substances.
Acupuncture is most often used in dogs to treat arthritis and various musculoskeletal or neurologic conditions, usually in combination with other treatments. It’s performed while dogs are awake, and since they often relax quickly and there are no systemic side effects, most soon learn that it’s a feel-good thing.