Veterinary Acupuncture
Gentle, Certified Vet Acupuncture for Dogs & Cats in Brisbane
What Is Veterinary Acupuncture?
Veterinary acupuncture is the practice of stimulating specific points on your pet’s body with fine needles to encourage healing, ease pain and restore balance. It’s one of the most established forms of acupuncture in veterinary medicine, used alongside conventional treatment rather than instead of it.
At Plus One Vet, pet acupuncture is offered by our certified veterinary acupuncturists, so you can be confident every session is safe, considered and tailored to your individual dog or cat.
Book a vet acupuncture session online, or call our Sunnybank clinic to find out if it’s right for your pet.
How Vet Acupuncture Works
Fine, hair-thin needles are placed at targeted points to stimulate nerves, blood flow and your pet’s natural energy pathways. This can help to:
Improve circulation and support faster healing
Reduce inflammation in sore or stiff areas
Trigger the release of natural pain-relieving endorphins
Encourage relaxation in stressed or anxious pets
Most pets find the process completely comfortable. The needles are very fine, and many animals relax or fall asleep during a session.
Our Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists
Acupuncture should always be carried out by someone trained in both veterinary medicine and acupuncture technique. Our clinic’s certified veterinary acupuncturists, including senior vet Dr Patty, bring years of experience combining modern veterinary science with traditional Chinese medicine, so treatment is safe, effective and genuinely tailored to your pet.
This means you don’t have to choose between conventional veterinary care and a more holistic approach. At Plus One Vet, your pet can benefit from both.
Exceptional Pet Care
Why Pet Owners Choose Our Holistic Vet Brisbane Clinic
Maria Martins
Customer
“Really friendly, helpful and caring staff, my dogs always feels comfortable coming to the vet and doesn’t get scared. Would definitely recommend.“
Dylan Fewings
Customer
“The practice were very kind and helpful, Dr Leo is a professional and helped me understand what was going on with my little fella”
Miranda Huang
Customer
“Best Vet in Brisbane. Dr Leo always asked me about my cats situation. And also congratulations about Leo’s second baby born.”
Dido Woo
Customer
“Best vet ever! Staff are very caring and friendly, Dr Leo is super professional. Thx for looking after my senior boi Million, definitely will come back for next year’s vaccination.”
Acupuncture for Dogs
Dogs dealing with arthritis, hip dysplasia, back pain or recovery after surgery can benefit from targeted vet acupuncture. Many owners notice their dog moving more freely and comfortably after just a few sessions, particularly for:
- Arthritis and joint stiffness
- Recovery after orthopaedic surgery
- Sports injuries in active breeds
- Nerve problems affecting movement
If you’re searching for dog acupuncture near me in Brisbane, our Sunnybank clinic offers sessions tailored to your dog’s age, condition and temperament.
Acupuncture for Cats
Cats are known for hiding discomfort, which makes gentle, low-stress treatment options especially valuable. Feline acupuncture is well tolerated by most cats, and can help with:
- Arthritis in older cats
- Chronic digestive or urinary issues
- Stress-related behaviours
- Recovery after injury or surgery
Sessions are kept short and calm, with needles placed gently to help your cat feel more settled, comfortable and like themselves again.
Is Acupuncture Right for Your Pet?
You might consider vet acupuncture if your dog or cat is dealing with ongoing joint or muscle pain, recovering slowly from surgery or injury, showing stiffness or reluctance to exercise, or seems stressed and unsettled. It’s also used preventatively by many pet owners to support long-term health, particularly in ageing pets.
Beyond mobility and pain, acupuncture is also used to support pets with digestive upset, skin conditions and allergies, and as part of a broader care plan for senior pets managing multiple age-related conditions.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s First Acupuncture Session
Your pet’s first visit starts with a thorough examination and a detailed history, so our certified veterinary acupuncturist can build a treatment plan around their specific condition rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. From there, fine needles are placed at targeted points, and the session is kept calm and unhurried throughout.
Most pets settle quickly once they realise the process doesn’t hurt, and many relax fully or fall asleep. You’ll be talked through what to expect afterwards, including how your pet might feel over the following day or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vet acupuncture hurt?
No. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and flexible, nothing like the needles used for vaccinations or blood tests. Most pets barely react to them, and many find the sensation calming rather than uncomfortable. If your pet is particularly sensitive, our acupuncturist will work slowly and adjust the approach to keep them at ease.
How many sessions will my pet need?
This depends on what’s being treated. Acute issues, like recovery after an injury, often need only a few sessions. Chronic conditions such as arthritis usually start with more frequent visits, then space out as your pet improves. Your acupuncturist will keep you updated on progress and adjust the plan as needed, rather than locking you into a fixed course upfront.
Is vet acupuncture safe?
Yes. When performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist, acupuncture is a very safe, low-risk treatment with minimal side effects. We follow strict clinical and hygiene protocols for every session, and acupuncture can be used safely alongside most conventional treatments and medications your pet may already be on.
What conditions can vet acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture is commonly used for arthritis, chronic pain, mobility issues, anxiety, digestive upset and skin conditions in dogs and cats. It’s often used alongside conventional treatment rather than as a replacement for it.
Will my pet need ongoing treatment?
Some pets respond well to a short course, while others, particularly those with chronic conditions, benefit from ongoing sessions spaced further apart over time. This is something your acupuncturist will discuss with you as treatment progresses.
Can acupuncture be combined with other holistic treatments?
Yes. Acupuncture is often used alongside herbal medicine, food therapy and Tui-Na as part of a broader holistic care plan. Visit our Holistic Vet page to see how these treatments work together.
Do I need a referral to book an acupuncture session?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with our certified veterinary acupuncturists, whether or not your pet is already a Plus One Vet patient.
