Veterinary acupuncture for dogs & cats in Denver.
A time-honored, non-invasive treatment that helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore internal balance — supporting your pet's overall wellness alongside their regular veterinary care.
Why pet parents choose acupuncture at Sploot.
Acupuncture involves inserting ultra-fine, sterile needles into specific points on your pet's body. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and supported by modern research, here's what it offers.
Non-invasive & well tolerated
A safe, drug-free therapy that's painless and calming for pets of all ages, including seniors. Many pets relax or even nap during treatment.
Holistic support for whole-body wellness
Acupuncture goes beyond symptom relief, helping restore balance across internal systems — supporting mobility, digestion, mood, and overall health.
Versatile for various conditions & treatment plans
From arthritis and nerve pain to chronic kidney disease, acupuncture can stand alone or work alongside other treatments, tailored to your pet's needs.
Trusted expertise from certified Sploot vets
Our in-house veterinary acupuncturists are specially trained and certified in pet acupuncture, providing integrative care you can count on.
What acupuncture does inside the body.
Ultra-fine needles placed at specific points trigger a handful of real physiological effects.
Activating & regulating the nervous system
Needles stimulate sensory nerves under the skin and in muscles, sending signals to the brain and spinal cord — and helping balance functions like digestion, heart rate, and immune response.
Endorphin release — natural painkillers
Treatment promotes the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins and enkephalins, helping manage pain and contributing to your pet's overall sense of well-being.
Improved blood circulation
Acupuncture increases local blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to injured or damaged tissue — promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
Muscle relaxation
Treatment can relieve tension in muscles and fascia, improving range of motion and reducing joint stiffness.
Conditions acupuncture can help with.
Our vets tailor every treatment plan to your pet's specific condition. Here's where acupuncture tends to help most.
Musculoskeletal issues
Pain & mobilityA non-invasive, drug-free way to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and promote tissue healing — often alongside physical therapy or medication.
- Hip dysplasia & arthritis
- General mobility issues in senior pets
- Back pain, neck pain, limping & lameness
- Cruciate ligament injuries (pre- or post-surgical)
- Muscle tension or spasms
- Post-surgical orthopedic recovery
Nerve injuries & neurological issues
Neurological supportUsed alongside rehabilitation techniques to improve coordination, reduce nerve pain, and support nerve regeneration.
- Spinal trauma
- Post-surgical nerve trauma or weakness
- Feline hyperesthesia syndrome
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Degenerative myelopathy (supportive care)
- Facial nerve paralysis & radial nerve paralysis
Chronic medical issues
Whole-body balanceHelps restore internal balance and regulate inflammation for pets living with chronic illness — often alongside conventional treatment, especially for older pets or pets with drug sensitivities.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Urinary incontinence
- Chronic GI issues — IBD, vomiting, diarrhea, low appetite
- Respiratory conditions — asthma, bronchitis
- Endocrine disorders — Cushing's disease, diabetes support
Supportive care for pets with cancer
Comfort & quality of lifeAcupuncture isn't a cure for cancer, but it's often used as a supportive therapy to ease side effects like nausea, fatigue, and pain from tumors or chemotherapy — and can help improve appetite and energy levels.
Your pet's acupuncture visit, start to finish.
From the first consult to ongoing sessions, here's how treatment unfolds.
Pre-treatment evaluation
Your vet examines your pet, assesses their pain level, and — as needed — does a hands-on assessment of the muscles and joints, plus any diagnostics or imaging.
A plan built around your pet
We review any current treatment, talk through combining acupuncture with medication, rehab, or supplements, and check your pet's temperament before recommending a schedule.
The first session
Many pets start the same day as their consult. First-timers begin on gentle, low-sensation points to build comfort. The ultra-fine needles rarely hurt, and a session runs 15 to 30 minutes.
Follow-up & fine-tuning
Your vet watches how your pet responds and adjusts from there. Many pets start with 1–2 sessions a week for 2–4 weeks, then move to maintenance visits every 2–4 weeks or as needed.
Often enough to see real improvement
Kidney, GI, or neurologic conditions may need more time
Some pets feel looser or more comfortable almost right away
Member savings on every acupuncture visit.
SplootPack applies the standard member discount to acupuncture, plus free wellness exams and deep discounts on dental and spay/neuter — so proactive, integrative care costs less all around.
- 10% off acupuncture, bloodwork, meds & vaccines
- 3 free wellness exam visits a year
- 15% off dental care
- 25% off spay/neuter procedures
Currently offered at our RiNo clinic in Denver.
We're working to bring acupuncture to more Sploot locations. For now, book your pet's consult at Sploot Veterinary Care – RiNo in Denver, CO.
Looking for a different kind of care? Browse all additional services.
Veterinary acupuncture FAQs, answered.
What is veterinary acupuncture for pets?
Veterinary acupuncture is a drug-free treatment that uses tiny needles to stimulate nerves, reduce pain, improve circulation, and restore balance in the body. It's a holistic therapy often used to treat conditions like arthritis and joint pain, nerve or spinal injuries, gastrointestinal and kidney issues, and chronic illness in dogs and cats.
Is acupuncture safe and comfortable for dogs and cats?
Yes. Most pets tolerate acupuncture very well. The needles are ultra-fine and typically cause no pain — many pets relax or even nap during treatment.
What conditions can acupuncture treat in pets?
Pet acupuncture can help with arthritis and joint pain, nerve and spinal injuries, back pain, gastrointestinal and kidney disease, respiratory or neurologic conditions, and cancer-related discomfort.
How soon will my pet improve with acupuncture?
Some pets improve within 24–48 hours of the first treatment, especially for pain or mobility issues. Others may need 2–4 sessions before noticeable changes appear. Early improvements can be subtle — better energy, appetite, or movement.
How many acupuncture sessions will my pet need?
Pets with joint or orthopedic pain often show improvement within 1–3 sessions, while those with systemic illnesses such as kidney, gastrointestinal, or neurologic conditions may need 3–6 or more sessions to see significant results. Your veterinarian will tailor the treatment plan to your pet's response.
How does acupuncture differ for joint pain versus systemic illness?
Treatment frequency depends on your pet's condition. The initial phase usually involves 1–2 treatments per week for 2–4 weeks, followed by maintenance sessions every 2–4 weeks or as needed. Chronic conditions often benefit from ongoing periodic treatment for the best long-term results.
Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely. Acupuncture works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medications, rehabilitation, supplements, and post-surgical care. It's especially helpful for senior pets or those with drug sensitivities — your Sploot vet will customize the approach to your pet's specific needs.
Give your pet gentle relief.
Book an acupuncture consult at our RiNo clinic in Denver, CO — open 8am to 8pm, every day of the year.