As holistic and integrative veterinary care gain popularity, acupuncture has become an increasingly sought-after option for pets experiencing a variety of conditions—from chronic pain to anxiety, arthritis, and mobility issues. However, as with any procedure, one of the first questions pet owners often ask is: “Are there any side effects or risks?”
While veterinary acupuncture is widely considered safe and relatively low-risk, it’s important to understand the potential side effects, how to minimize risks, and what to expect from a reputable practitioner. This article will explore common experiences during and after acupuncture sessions, address potential complications, and provide guidance for choosing a qualified veterinary acupuncturist to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.
Before diving into side effects, it helps to understand how veterinary acupuncture works. Originating in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body—called acupuncture points or meridians. These points correspond to pathways of energy flow (Qi), which, when stimulated, can help rebalance the body and promote natural healing.
From a Western veterinary perspective, acupuncture is believed to:
Because the needles are so fine and the insertion shallow, most pets tolerate acupuncture sessions extremely well. In fact, many become relaxed or even drowsy during the procedure. Nonetheless, understanding the potential side effects is crucial for any pet owner considering this therapy.
What Happens: As the vet inserts or manipulates the needles, a pet may flinch or show brief signs of discomfort. Some animals seem completely unbothered, while others might react if they’re particularly sensitive in certain areas.
Why It Occurs: Nerves are being stimulated, and even gentle pressure can feel unusual. Additionally, if a pet is already in pain—such as from an arthritic joint—touching that area might temporarily increase sensitivity.
What to Do: If you notice your pet expressing discomfort, let the veterinarian know so they can adjust the needle placement or technique accordingly. A short moment of mild discomfort is usually followed by relaxation as endorphins begin to circulate.
What Happens: Occasionally, a drop or two of blood may appear at the needle insertion site, especially if the vet has placed a needle near a small capillary.
Why It Occurs: Very thin blood vessels under the skin may be nicked by the needle.
What to Do: This minor bleeding usually stops quickly on its own and doesn’t cause lasting harm. A gentle dab with a sterile gauze or cotton pad is often sufficient.
What Happens: Light bruising or swelling can occasionally appear around the needle site.
Why It Occurs: Similar to bleeding, small blood vessels may be irritated or broken, causing localized bruising.
What to Do: If bruising appears, monitor the area to ensure it does not become infected or overly painful. Bruising typically resolves within a few days.
What Happens: Some pets may appear sleepy or lethargic for several hours or even a day after a session.
Why It Occurs: Acupuncture can stimulate the body to release endorphins, promoting a sense of relaxation that may extend beyond the session. Also, if the therapy triggers a healing response, the body may need additional rest.
What to Do: Allow your pet a calm, quiet space to rest. As long as appetite and hydration remain normal, this post-acupuncture lethargy is generally nothing to worry about and often indicates the therapy is working.
Risk Factor: The most significant concern with any procedure involving needles is the risk of infection. However, infections from veterinary acupuncture are extremely rare.
Why: Qualified veterinary acupuncturists use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols. If a pet’s skin is already infected or injured, the vet may avoid that area or postpone acupuncture until the issue is resolved.
How to Avoid: Always ensure your veterinarian is properly certified, maintains a clean environment, and practices rigorous sterilization.
Risk Factor: In some cases, pets might initially experience a temporary increase in pain or discomfort in the days following acupuncture.
Why: This is sometimes referred to as a “healing crisis,” where the body reacts to the energy shift or nerve stimulation. It can be part of the healing process in certain conditions but should be monitored carefully.
How to Manage: Stay in close communication with your vet. If the discomfort is severe or lasts more than a day or two, schedule a recheck to ensure there’s no underlying complication.
Risk Factor: If the acupuncturist lacks proper training or certification, there’s a higher chance of improper needle placement that could result in pain, nerve damage, or other complications.
How to Avoid: This underscores the importance of choosing a credentialed veterinary acupuncturist. Look for certifications from reputable organizations, such as the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) or the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA).
Before beginning acupuncture, your pet should undergo a comprehensive exam. This may include:
Acupuncture often works best when combined with other treatments, such as:
Making sure all treatments are coordinated helps ensure your pet’s health is approached holistically and reduces the chance of adverse interactions.
Regular communication with your veterinarian or veterinary acupuncturist is key:
When performed by a qualified professional, veterinary acupuncture has relatively few and minor side effects. Most pets tolerate sessions well, often finding them relaxing or even enjoyable. The most common side effects—such as mild discomfort, minimal bleeding, and temporary fatigue—are generally short-lived and non-serious. Serious risks, like infection or nerve damage, are exceedingly rare and largely prevented by proper training, sterile equipment, and careful technique.
With a competent veterinary acupuncturist, you can feel confident that the therapy supports your pet’s well-being. As with any medical procedure, keeping an eye on your pet’s response, communicating regularly with your vet, and committing to an individualized treatment plan will help you minimize risk and ensure the best outcomes. Ultimately, acupuncture can serve as a valuable addition to a multimodal, holistic approach—one that encourages the body’s natural healing processes and fosters a healthier, happier life for your beloved companion.
