Veterinary Acupuncture: Gentle Support for Pain and Mobility

Veterinary acupuncture involves placing very fine, sterile needles into muscles at specific points on the body. These needles stimulate sensory nerves, which encourages the body to release its own natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins. It can also help relax tight, painful muscles and change how pain signals are processed by the nervous system.

The approach used is Western medical acupuncture, which is based on modern understanding of anatomy and how the nervous system works. In the UK, acupuncture on animals may only be carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon, so your pet is always in the hands of a vet.

Carolyn Smith MSc MA VetMB CertAVP(SAM) MRCVS qualified as a vet from the University of Cambridge in 2011 and founded London Veterinary Acupuncture in 2021. She is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA).

Alongside her acupuncture work, Carolyn holds a postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine, CertAVP(SAM). That means she brings a detailed understanding of the medical conditions behind your pet’s pain, and she works closely with our own vets, led by Jason Way BVetMed CertSAM MRCVS, so acupuncture fits seamlessly into your pet’s wider treatment plan.

Carolyn treats dogs and cats at partner clinics and in their own homes across London. We’re delighted that Whisker & Woof is one of her partner clinics.

Pain is the most common reason pets are referred for acupuncture. It may be helpful for:

• Arthritis in the hips, elbows, knees, back and other joints
• Back and neck pain, including disc disease and muscle pain
• Joint injuries, such as cruciate ligament rupture
• Recovery after surgery, as part of a wider pain relief plan
• Nerve problems affecting the legs (peripheral nerve conditions)
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), a recurring bladder problem in cats

Acupuncture can be especially helpful for older pets with several conditions at once, and for pets who don’t tolerate certain medications well, such as those with kidney or liver disease. Every pet responds differently, and we’ll always give you an honest view of whether it’s likely to help yours.

As London’s first accredited Zero Pain Practice, we believe no pet should live with pain that could be managed. We use validated pain scoring tools to assess comfort, and we “score, treat and recheck — never guess”.

Acupuncture is one of several tools we use to build a multimodal pain management plan. That plan combines different treatments so each one works better, and may include:

• Modern anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication
• Weight management through our nurse-led weight clinic
• Joint supplements and diet
• Gentle exercise and physiotherapy advice
• Simple changes at home, such as rugs and ramps

For many arthritic and senior pets, adding acupuncture to the plan makes a real difference to how comfortably they move and how much they enjoy life.

Before the first session, Carolyn will review your pet’s clinical history with our vets to make sure acupuncture is appropriate and safe for them.

The first session lasts around 45–60 minutes. Carolyn will talk to you about your pet’s history and how their pain affects daily life, then gently examine them before starting treatment. The needles usually stay in for up to 20 minutes. Follow-up sessions last around 30–45 minutes.

A typical course starts with four sessions at weekly intervals. Many pets show a noticeable improvement by the third or fourth week. After that, sessions are usually spaced out gradually to find the longest interval that keeps your pet comfortable.

Most pets relax during treatment, and many become sleepy. You can stay with your pet throughout, and we’ll let them settle on a comfy bed, a mat or your lap, wherever they feel happiest. As an ISFM Silver Cat Friendly Clinic and an accredited Dog Friendly Clinic, we’ll make sure the visit is calm and unhurried. Our Head Veterinary Nurse Melissa Barnett, our cat advocate, and RVN Amy McHale, our dog advocate, are always on hand to help nervous patients feel at home.

When carried out by a trained vet, acupuncture is a very safe treatment. The needles are fine, sterile and used only once, and most pets barely notice them going in.

Side effects are uncommon and usually mild. Some pets are a little sleepy or more relaxed after a session, and occasionally a pet may seem slightly stiffer for a day or so before improving. Carolyn will let you know what to look out for.

Acupuncture isn’t suitable for every pet, so Carolyn will always check your pet’s history first. Some conditions need extra care or a different approach, such as certain tumours, bleeding problems, pregnancy, skin infections at the needle sites, or pets who are very anxious about being handled.

Carolyn holds acupuncture clinics at Whisker & Woof on Tuesdays, between 11.30am and 3.30pm.

• Already a Whisker & Woof client? Just let us know you’re interested, or book directly with London Veterinary Acupuncture. We’ll share your pet’s history with Carolyn and complete the consent form, so there’s nothing more for you to do.
• Registered with another vet? You’re very welcome too. Book with London Veterinary Acupuncture, and Carolyn will contact your vet for your pet’s history and consent to treat.

Cost: £100 per session at Whisker & Woof.

Many pet insurance policies cover acupuncture when it’s carried out by a vet, often under a complementary therapy allowance. Check your policy or contact your insurer before starting, and we’re happy to help with any claim paperwork.

London Veterinary Acupuncture Email: [email protected] Phone/WhatsApp: 07500 854246 Website: londonveterinaryacupuncture.co.uk