Tui-na for dogs is a hands-on therapy from Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine that uses pressure, kneading and stretching to support mobility, ease stiffness and aid recovery. It’s one of the holistic treatments we offer at Plus One Vet, alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine. If you’d like the full picture of how these therapies work together, our holistic vet page is a good place to start.
What Is Tui-Na?
Tui-na combines techniques similar to massage, acupressure and light stretching. A trained practitioner works along key points on your dog’s body, adjusting pressure and technique to suit the individual dog, to encourage blood flow and ease tension in muscles and joints.
Unlike acupuncture, tui-na doesn’t use needles. This makes it a good option for dogs who are nervous about needles, or who simply respond well to touch-based therapies.
What Happens During a Session?
A tui-na session starts with a quick check of how your dog is moving and where they’re holding tension. From there, our team uses a combination of pressing, kneading and joint movement to target those areas, with pressure adjusted to your dog’s comfort and condition. Many dogs settle quickly during a session and some doze off part way through.
Tui-na is often used alongside other treatments, including acupuncture, to support a broader recovery or comfort plan.
Conditions Tui-Na Can Support
Tui-na is commonly used to help dogs with:
- Stiff or sore joints, including early arthritis
- Reduced mobility in senior dogs
- Recovery after surgery or injury
- General muscle tension from age or activity
- Stress or anxiety, where hands-on therapy can have a calming effect
It’s a supportive therapy. It works best alongside your dog’s regular veterinary care, not as a replacement for it.
Simple Techniques You Can Try at Home
Between sessions, there are a few gentle techniques owners can safely use at home to help their dog stay comfortable:
- Slow, flat-handed strokes along the back and shoulders to help your dog relax
- Gentle circular pressure on the shoulders or hips, using light pressure only
- Soft kneading along the neck and back for dogs who enjoy touch
Keep sessions short, watch your dog’s reaction, and stop if they seem uncomfortable. These are simple comfort techniques, not a substitute for professional tui-na.
When You Should Book a Session With a Professional
Some situations call for a trained practitioner rather than an at-home technique. Book a session if your dog:
- Has an open wound, recent surgery site, or active injury
- Seems painful to touch in a specific area
- Is frail, elderly, or recovering from illness
- Has a diagnosed condition you haven’t discussed with your vet yet
If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to check with our team first.
Tui-Na for Cats
Cats can benefit from tui-na too, particularly older cats with stiffness or those recovering from injury. Sessions are adapted to suit a cat’s comfort and tolerance, often shorter and gentler than a dog’s session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tui-na hurt my dog?
No. Technique and pressure are adjusted to each dog, so most tolerate it very well.
How many sessions will my pet need?
This depends on your dog’s condition. Some dogs benefit from a single session for general comfort, while ongoing issues like arthritis may need a series of sessions.
Can tui-na be combined with acupuncture?
Yes. Many dogs benefit from a combined approach, and our team can advise whether that’s right for your pet.
Is tui-na only for older pets?
No. While it’s popular for senior pets, tui-na can support dogs of any age, including active dogs recovering from injury or those prone to muscle tension.
Want to find out more? Talk to Plus One Vet
If you think tui-na could help your dog feel more comfortable, book a session with our team at Plus One Vet Sunnybank today.
