Not Sold on Acupuncture for Dogs? New Research Says It Might Help Them Walk Again
Let’s be honest—acupuncture for dogs sounds like something straight off the holistic woo-woo shelf.
But what if science is finally catching up to what some rehab vets have been quietly doing for years?
A new veterinary study suggests that acupuncture can make a significant difference in recovery—specifically for dogs who’ve undergone spinal surgery and are struggling to walk again. And the results? They might just convince you to keep an open mind.
The Study: Acupuncture Boosts Mobility Recovery
In this 2025 study published in Animals (MDPI), researchers looked at 41 dogs who had spinal surgery due to disc extrusion (a type of slipped disc). After surgery, all dogs received physiotherapy—but only some received acupuncture or electroacupuncture in addition to rehab.
👉 The outcome? Dogs who received acupuncture were more likely to regain the ability to walk again compared to those who didn’t.
That’s not opinion. That’s data. And it backs up what many veterinary rehab teams have seen in practice for years—acupuncture, when used strategically, can play a real role in healing.
How Acupuncture Works (and Why It Helps)
Acupuncture isn’t just about sticking needles in and hoping for the best. In dogs, it’s believed to:
- Stimulate blood flow and nerve repair
- Reduce pain by triggering the release of endorphins
- Calm the nervous system and reduce inflammation
- Improve overall mobility when paired with physiotherapy
In this study, acupuncture wasn’t used instead of conventional care—it was used alongside it. And that combination made a measurable difference in recovery outcomes.
Not Just for Post-Surgical Dogs
If your dog hasn’t had surgery, don’t tune out. Acupuncture is also being used in dogs with:
- Arthritis and age-related joint pain
- Neurological conditions like degenerative myelopathy
- Chronic soft-tissue injuries
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
And while it won’t reverse damage, it can help support comfort, function, and quality of life—especially when paired with supplements, exercise, and physical therapy.
Is It Right for Your Dog?
Maybe. Maybe not. But it’s worth a conversation.
Acupuncture for dogs is generally considered safe when performed by a trained veterinary professional. Many dogs tolerate it well—and some even seem to relax during treatment.
💬 Here’s what to do:
- Ask your vet if they offer or refer out for veterinary acupuncture.
- Look for a practitioner certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) or similar.
- Be open to several sessions—results are often cumulative and appear over time.
The Big Takeaway: Explore All the Tools
At The Big Damn Dog Co., we believe that giving your dog the best life means exploring all the tools available—traditional, natural, and everything in between.
Supplements can help. Rehab can help. And sometimes? Acupuncture can, too.
You don’t have to pick one path. You just have to be willing to ask the question: “What else might help my dog?”
And now, thanks to this study—you have one more answer.
