Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats in Duluth, MN
A Gentle Way to Help Pets Feel Better
Pain management is an important part of lifelong care, whether your pet is recovering from surgery, living with arthritis or other chronic diseases, or just showing signs of slowing down. For many dogs and cats, acupuncture offers meaningful relief—without medication or invasive procedures.
Veterinary acupuncture uses fine, sterile needles to stimulate specific points on your pet’s body. This simple but effective technique can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, relax muscles, and trigger the body’s natural healing responses. It’s a calm, drug-free option that complements the science behind modern veterinary care, and we’re proud to offer it to pets in Duluth and nearby communities.
Conditions That Benefit from Acupuncture
Many pet owners first hear about acupuncture while exploring options for arthritis or post-operative care. But this therapy supports a broad range of conditions affecting comfort, movement, and quality of life.
We commonly recommend acupuncture for:
It’s often especially helpful for senior pets who may not tolerate some medications well, or for families seeking non-pharmaceutical options as part of a balanced care plan.
What to Expect During a Treatment
Quiet sessions, thoughtful care, and pets who often leave more relaxed than they came.
Every acupuncture visit begins with a conversation. We take time to review your pet’s medical history, current health, and comfort levels. A thorough myofascial palpation exam is then performed to identify problem areas in your pet. Once we understand their needs, we gently place fine acupuncture needles at targeted points based on your pet’s symptoms and overall health.
Most dogs and cats tolerate acupuncture remarkably well. The needles are much finer than those used for vaccines or blood draws, and the process is surprisingly relaxing for many pets. Some will shift slightly or stretch during treatment; others settle in and nap.
An initial consultation is an hour long with the treatment sessions lasting between 20-30 minutes.
Why Duluth Families Choose Our Team
Compassionate, holistic care for your pet
Dr. Scott Beeman is a certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist (cVMA) with nearly a decade of experience performing acupuncture on dogs and cats. He uses a calm, fear-free approach with each patient he treats, making acupuncture treatments less stressful for you and your pet. In addition to acupuncture, Dr. Beeman has had training in veterinary medical massage and laser therapy (also known as photobiomodulation). This allows Duluth Veterinary Hospital to provide multiple holistic treatment options for your pet’s needs.
Acupuncture is a holistic practice, meaning that it addresses your pet’s whole body (with all its interconnected systems) rather than just treating individual symptoms. Most conditions require multiple treatments, which allows our team to build a stronger relationship with you and your pet.
From day one, we’ve believed that better veterinary medicine starts with relationships—between pets, people, and the team they trust.
