Veterinary acupuncture, evidence-based, gentle, and effective.
Veterinary acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive treatment with a strong evidence base for pain management, neurological conditions, and chronic disease. It's one of the integrative services now available at Jordan Bay under Dr. Doucette's care.
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Gentle, targeted treatment for pain, recovery, and whole-body health.
Acupuncture involves the precise placement of fine needles at specific anatomical points to stimulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Most animals tolerate it well, many become visibly relaxed during treatment as endorphins are released.
Veterinary acupuncture works best as part of a comprehensive care plan, often alongside canine chiropractic care, cold laser therapy, or conventional medication, to provide outcomes that no single approach achieves alone.
"Dr. Sarah was by far the best veterinarian I have ever used. She took time and worked through every issue he has been having. She cares and it shows. She also did acupuncture on him, and I can already see a positive improvement."
, Kelly Pond
What we treat
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain and arthritis
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Post-surgical recovery and healing
- Neurological conditions
- Gastrointestinal conditions
- Respiratory and immune support
- Geriatric wellness and quality of life
- Conditions where conventional options have not provided adequate relief
Acupuncture helps a wide range of patients.
Dogs with chronic pain
Arthritis, disc disease, and musculoskeletal conditions respond well to regular acupuncture.
Post-surgical recovery
Acupuncture accelerates healing and reduces post-operative inflammation.
Neurological conditions
Wobbler syndrome, IVDD, and nerve damage can benefit significantly.
Pets on long-term medication
Acupuncture may reduce reliance on medications with unwanted side effects.
Senior animals
Quality-of-life support for aging pets who struggle with conventional treatment alone.
Performance and working dogs
Supports recovery and helps canine athletes maintain peak physical condition.
Common questions
Does veterinary acupuncture hurt dogs or cats?
Veterinary acupuncture uses very fine needles and is well tolerated by most animals. Many dogs and cats become relaxed or even drowsy during treatment as their bodies release endorphins. Mild sensitivity at needle insertion points is possible but typically brief. Dr. Doucette monitors your pet throughout every session.
What conditions does veterinary acupuncture treat?
Veterinary acupuncture is most commonly used for chronic pain, arthritis, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), post-surgical recovery, neurological conditions, gastrointestinal issues, and geriatric quality-of-life support. It is often most effective as part of a multimodal care plan alongside conventional veterinary treatment.
How many acupuncture sessions does my dog need?
The number of sessions varies by condition and individual response. Many patients show improvement within 3 to 6 sessions. Chronic conditions typically benefit from ongoing maintenance treatments every 4 to 8 weeks. Dr. Doucette will assess your pet's response and recommend a plan specific to their needs.
Can acupuncture be combined with other veterinary treatments?
Yes. Veterinary acupuncture integrates well with conventional medication, canine chiropractic care, cold laser therapy, and surgery. Jordan Bay specializes in multimodal care plans that combine these approaches for better outcomes than any single treatment provides alone.
Is veterinary acupuncture covered by pet insurance?
Many pet insurance plans now cover veterinary acupuncture, particularly for documented chronic conditions. Coverage varies widely by plan and provider. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly and requesting a pre-authorization if needed. Our team can provide documentation to support your claim.
Related Services
Your pet deserves care that feels personal. We're ready when you are.
Call us to schedule an appointment or ask a question. We're here Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and Wednesday mornings.
1242 Roosevelt Trail, Raymond, ME · Mon/Tue/Thu 8-5:30 · Wed 8-4 · Fri-Sun Closed