Gentle, Effective Relief for Dogs and Cats
For pets dealing with chronic pain, stiff joints, or the lingering effects of injury or illness, sometimes the most powerful tool isn’t a pill — it’s a properly placed needle. Pet acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive therapy that taps into your dog or cat’s natural healing response, and it’s been part of our spectrum of care at Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic for years.
Led by Dr. Spencer Anderson and Dr. Jessica Bienapfl, who hold Veterinary Acupuncture Certifications from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS), our acupuncture program is grounded in real expertise and tailored to each patient. We use it as a standalone therapy or alongside conventional treatments to help pets feel better, move more easily, and live more comfortably.
What Is Pet Acupuncture, and How Does It Work?
Veterinary acupuncture involves the careful placement of fine, sterile needles at specific points on your pet’s body. These points stimulate the nervous system, encourage blood flow, and trigger the release of the body’s own pain-relieving chemicals. The result is real relief — without the side effects that sometimes come with long-term medication.
Acupuncture is commonly used to help pets with:
- Chronic pain from arthritis or hip dysplasia
- Recovery from orthopedic or soft tissue surgery
- Neurological conditions, including nerve injuries
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea or appetite changes
- Mobility challenges in senior dogs and cats
Because it works with your pet’s body rather than against it, acupuncture is well-tolerated by most patients. Many pets relax — and some even doze off — during treatment.
What to Expect at an Acupuncture Appointment
Your pet’s first visit starts with a thorough exam and a conversation about their history, symptoms, and goals for treatment. From there, we’ll build a personalized plan that may include a series of sessions, with progress monitored along the way and adjustments made as your pet responds. Most acupuncture appointments are calm, quiet, and surprisingly low-key — a welcome change of pace for pets who may be used to less pleasant vet visits.
Schedule Your Pet’s Acupuncture Consultation
If you’re curious whether acupuncture could help your dog or cat, we’d love to talk through the possibilities. Call (406) 587-5537 or book an appointment online to schedule a consultation for pet acupuncture at Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic in Bozeman, MT.