Acupuncture for Arthritis: Helping Senior Pets Move Comfortably
Cooler weather can make stiff joints worse. Learn how acupuncture can help arthritic and senior dogs and cats stay comfortable and mobile.
Key takeaways
- Arthritis pain often looks like slowing down, not limping.
- Acupuncture can be added to a pain plan to improve comfort and mobility.
- Many pets show improvement within a few sessions.
Northwest Animal Clinic & Hospital
Veterinary Care Team
As temperatures drop in the fall, many owners notice their older pets moving a little more stiffly. Arthritis is extremely common in senior dogs and cats, and it is often mistaken for normal aging.
Signs of Arthritis Pain
Look for trouble getting up, hesitation on stairs or jumping, shorter walks, licking at joints, irritability when touched, or a cat who no longer uses favorite high perches.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture can help reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and improve circulation around affected joints. Dr. Samantha Lopez often combines it with other therapies as part of a senior mobility plan. Many pets show improvement within a few sessions, and treatments are then spaced out for maintenance.
A Team Approach to Comfort
Acupuncture works well alongside weight management, joint-supporting diets, appropriate pain medications, and gentle exercise. For pets who cannot tolerate certain medications, it can be an especially valuable option.
Your senior pet deserves to feel their best. Call 505-898-1491 to ask whether acupuncture with Dr. Lopez is a good fit.
When to call us: If your pet shows signs of illness, call Northwest Animal Clinic at 505-898-1491.
Reviewed by the veterinary team at Northwest Animal Clinic & Hospital on September 24, 2026.
Have a question about your pet's health?
Our doctors see patients by appointment Monday through Friday. Call our pet care team to schedule a visit.
