Gentle, Science-Based Pain Relief for Pets

Acupuncture is a safe, evidence-supported therapy that uses very fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on your pet’s body.

 

These points are chosen based on detailed anatomical knowledge, targeting nerves, muscles, and connective tissues to create measurable changes in the body.

​

When stimulated, these points send signals through the nervous system to the brain and spinal cord.

 

These signals trigger the desired effects of acupuncture:

​

• Endorphin release: the body’s natural painkillers

• Improved circulation: bringing oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues

• Reduced inflammation: calming down painful or swollen areas

• Muscle relaxation: helping ease stiffness and improve movement

​

At Battersea Square Vets, we use Western veterinary acupuncture, which is grounded in the study of anatomy, physiology, and neurology, rather than traditional energy models.

Acupuncture can be helpful in treating so many conditions such as skin disease, bladder issues, and anxiety, and is especially helpful where pain, inflammation, or reduced mobility are involved.

 

There are too many to list, but here are the most common conditions we can treat: 

​

• Arthritis and degenerative joint disease

• Spinal problems such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

• Muscle injuries and strains

• Nerve injuries or paralysis

• Chronic pain that is not fully relieved by medication alone

• Post-surgical recovery to aid healing and restore function

• Sports and working dogs needing help with performance and injury prevention

​

It can also be valuable as part of palliative care, helping to keep older or unwell pets comfortable for longer.

Phone Consultation

​

Dr Sarah is happy to have a free of charge phone consultation, to talk about your pet and to decide whether acupuncture may be helpful.

 

​

Initial Consultation

Your first acupuncture visit includes a detailed health history, physical examination, and discussion of your pet’s lifestyle, mobility, and comfort levels. This helps Dr Sarah decide which points to treat and how often sessions should be scheduled.

 

​

During the Session

​

• Very fine needles (much much thinner than injection needles) are gently placed into specific sites on the body.

• Most pets tolerate this extremely well, some relax so much they lie down and doze off during treatment.

• A typical session lasts 20–30 minutes.

​

​

Course of Treatment

​

• In many cases, we start with weekly sessions for 3–4 weeks, then gradually reduce frequency based on your pet’s response.​

When performed by a trained veterinary surgeon, acupuncture is extremely safe.

 

Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as brief sleepiness or temporary muscle soreness after treatment.

​

Acupuncture can be used alongside conventional medicine, massage, physiotherapy, laser therapy, or hydrotherapy, it often works best as part of a multi-modal pain management plan.

Acupuncture on animals can only be carried out by a vet.

 

When performed by a trained veterinary surgeon, as Dr Sarah is, acupuncture is extremely safe.

 

Dr Sarah has been treating patients with acupuncture for almost 15 years, and is very experienced.

It's a very valid question, and we occaisionaly see patients who don't suit acupuncture as a treatment option, that's why if you’re curious whether acupuncture could help your pet, we offer a free phone consultation with Dr Sarah to discuss your pet’s condition, and whether this therapy might be beneficial.

​