If your dog already follows a pain plan from your veterinarian, you may be wondering whether acupuncture, cold laser, or massage could fit alongside it. Integrative pain therapies for dogs are getting a lot of attention, and it is fair to ask which ones have real research behind them.
This week is National Dog Week (September 20 to 26), so it is a good moment to look at the hands-on and technology-supported side of pain care.[1] It also closes our September series for Animal Pain Awareness Month. We began with how to recognize the signs of pain, moved on to natural anti-inflammatory support, and then looked at movement and rehabilitation.
Here I will share what each therapy is and what studies have found, including where the evidence is early or mixed. I will also suggest how to bring these options up with your veterinarian. Nothing here replaces veterinary care. These therapies work best as added layers on a plan your veterinarian guides.
What are integrative pain therapies for dogs? They are hands-on and technology-supported options, such as acupuncture, cold laser therapy, massage, and veterinary chiropractic care, used alongside your veterinarian's plan and not in place of it.[2] Research on each one is still growing, and results vary from dog to dog.
- What Integrative Pain Therapies for Dogs Really Means
- Acupuncture for Pet Pain: The TCVM View and the Research
- Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs
- Massage and Myofascial Release for Pets
- Veterinary Chiropractic Care: Choosing the Right Practitioner
- Other Tools You May Hear About: PEMF and CBD
- How These Therapies Fit With Your Veterinarian's Plan
- A Case From My Practice
- Where to Start This Week
- A Month in Review
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
What Integrative Pain Therapies for Dogs Really Means
The word "integrative" simply means bringing approaches together. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) describes integrative veterinary medicine as a blend of conventional and complementary approaches. It also says every part of veterinary care, these therapies included, should be held to the same professional and ethical standards.[2]
That fits how pain is best managed. The 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines recommend a "multimodal" plan, which means combining medication with non-drug support and tailoring the mix to the type and severity of pain.[3] The non-drug side includes physical therapy, acupuncture, and changes around the home.[3]
So a more useful question is which extra layers might suit your dog, and how to add them safely with your veterinarian in the loop.
The evidence is uneven across these therapies. Some have small controlled studies. Others rest mostly on clinical experience. I will point out which is which as we go.
Most of the studies in this article were done in dogs, often dogs with arthritis (which veterinarians call osteoarthritis). Cats can use many of the same therapies, but research in cats is thinner, so we will note that where it matters.
Acupuncture for Pet Pain: The TCVM View and the Research
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), health depends on the smooth flow of energy (qi) and blood through the body. Pain is often seen as stagnation, a spot where that flow has slowed or become blocked. Acupuncture places very fine needles at specific points, with the goal of encouraging that flow again.
Veterinary teaching hospitals describe acupuncture in practical terms. Washington State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital lists two main techniques. Dry needling means placing needles by hand, and electroacupuncture adds gentle electrical stimulation. The hospital says they are used for conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and back pain.[5] It describes a typical plan as weekly sessions for several weeks, then visits spaced further apart. Some dogs respond quickly, while others need several sessions before changes show up.[5]
WSU also calls acupuncture generally very safe when a veterinarian trained in it performs the sessions, with mild side effects such as temporary soreness or tiredness.[5] (This is educational guidance from a university teaching hospital, not a peer-reviewed study.)
What the studies show
This is where honesty matters. In a 2020 study in BMC Veterinary Research, dogs with arthritis received either real or placebo acupuncture once a week for four weeks. Thirty-two dogs finished. The measures recorded by equipment, such as how much weight each leg carried and daily activity counts, did not improve. One of the owner questionnaires, however, showed improvement during the acupuncture phase compared with the start.[6]
The authors concluded that this protocol did not improve function on the objective measures, although some owner-reported measures showed a response.[6] The AAHA guidelines paint a similar picture. They describe the evidence for acupuncture as limited. It looked promising as an add-on for pain after surgery and for disc-related back problems. It did not show a benefit for arthritis pain in the studies they reviewed.[3]
Acupuncture is a long-established practice in Traditional Chinese medicine, and the controlled research is still catching up. The trials so far give a mixed picture. It is reasonable to ask your veterinarian whether a short trial series makes sense for your dog.
In my practice, I see acupuncture as a supportive layer rather than a stand-alone plan. I like to agree on a set number of sessions up front, so we can decide together whether it is helping your dog.
To find a practitioner, look for a veterinarian with training in veterinary acupuncture. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) offers a "Search for a vet" directory on its website.[7] Our earlier guide, acupuncture for dogs and cats, walks through what to expect at a first visit.
Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs
Cold laser therapy uses low-level light from a handheld device. Its medical name is photobiomodulation, and you may also hear "low-level laser therapy." They all describe the same family of care.
AAHA explains that the body's cells absorb the light. It describes effects such as increased blood flow, release of endorphins (the body's natural comfort chemicals), muscle relaxation, and lower inflammation.[4] Its overview lists chronic arthritis, surgical incisions, and tendon and ligament injuries among the uses. Sessions typically last 15 to 30 minutes, and chronic conditions are often scheduled weekly.[4] (That AAHA page is an educational overview and does not cite individual studies.)
A laser beam aimed at the eye can cause permanent damage, so patients and staff wear protective goggles. Higher-powered devices can also cause burns if used incorrectly.[4] Both points are good reasons to choose a trained practitioner.
What the studies show
A 2023 study in Veterinary Medicine and Science followed 23 dogs with arthritis through six weeks of laser sessions while the dogs wore activity monitors. Daily activity rose significantly over the six weeks. There was no comparison group, so we cannot tell how much came from the laser, from time passing, or from other changes at home.[8]
A small 2025 randomized trial in Animals combined laser with acupuncture points in 19 dogs with arthritis. Over 30 days, the laser acupuncture group showed lower pain scores and better joint mobility than the comparison group. The authors noted the small size, the short follow-up, and the lack of objective gait measurements.[9]
A 2024 review in the Journal of Small Animal Practice sums up the state of play. It concluded that acupuncture and photobiomodulation may play a role in reducing the signs of arthritis, and that more research is needed to understand how well they work.[10]
AAHA notes that laser can be especially useful for pets with limited medication options. That includes cats, who have few pain medications available, and older pets with organ disease.[4] If you have a cat, ask about the practitioner's experience with felines.
Massage and Myofascial Release for Pets
When a joint hurts, the muscles around it often tighten to protect it. Over time, other muscles pick up extra work, and a dog can carry stiffness far from the sore spot. Massage and myofascial release aim to ease that tension so the body can move more comfortably. Myofascial release is gentle work on the fascia, the thin connective tissue that wraps your dog's muscles.
AAHA includes massage and myofascial release among the manual techniques used in rehabilitation, alongside stretching and joint mobilization. Its panel recommends considering rehabilitation as part of a comprehensive plan, while acknowledging a shortage of controlled studies.[3]
A 2021 study in Veterinary Record reviewed the records of 527 dogs seen by canine massage practitioners in the United Kingdom. Pain scores fell across sessions, and quality-of-life ratings improved. There was no comparison group, and the practitioners scored their own work, so the study cannot show that massage caused the changes.[11]
I wrote more about techniques and safety in At-Home Pet Massage: Tips and Techniques for a Happier Animal, published in Natural Awakenings.[12] Two points from it are worth repeating. Massage is generally avoided over fractures, recent surgical sites, active infections, and areas of acute inflammation. And you can stop right away if your pet tenses, pins the ears back, or vocalizes.[12]
Some families also learn simple bodywork from a trained coach. Our conversation on holistic dog bodywork covers what that can look like, and our coach directory lets you filter for Certified Canine Massage Therapists.
If your dog stiffens, pulls away, or seems more sore afterward, pause the massage and tell your veterinarian. A dog with a fresh injury, a recent surgery, or a diagnosed condition should have a veterinarian's go-ahead before any hands-on work.
Veterinary Chiropractic Care: Choosing the Right Practitioner
Veterinary chiropractic care focuses on the spine and joints, using gentle, precise adjustments. Of all the therapies in this article, this is the one where the practitioner's training matters most. Please look for someone certified in animal chiropractic care, and not a chiropractor who works only with people.
The American Kennel Club notes that certification comes through groups such as the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) and the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Licensed veterinarians can earn it too.[13] The AVCA describes its credential as the primary national credential in North America.[14]
Rules differ by state. AVMA News reported that in most states a veterinarian must examine the animal before chiropractic care, and some states require veterinary supervision.[15] That article is from 2010, so please check the current rules where you live and ask your veterinarian for a referral. The same report notes that the AVCA stresses contacting the veterinarian whenever a chiropractor finds anything unusual.[15]
The AKC also advises against chiropractic care for puppies, because their skeletons are still developing.[13]
In my experience, chiropractic care is best viewed as one supportive option among several. It works best when it is chosen with your veterinarian and delivered by someone with the right training.
Before booking, ask three questions. What is your animal chiropractic training and certification? Will you review my dog's veterinary records first? Who will you contact if you find something unexpected?
Other Tools You May Hear About: PEMF and CBD
Two more options come up often when families explore integrative pain therapies for dogs. Both are worth understanding, and both are early in the research.
PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy
PEMF devices, such as pads your dog rests on, send gentle pulsing magnetic fields into the body. A 2025 randomized study in Veterinary Research Communications followed 20 dogs with hip arthritis. Dogs received PEMF sessions twice a week for five weeks, and their results were compared with a group of dogs who received no PEMF sessions. Pain scores improved in the PEMF group. Joint range of motion and thigh size did not differ between the groups.[16]
The picture is not one-sided. A small 2024 crossover study in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica gave 8 dogs a single PEMF session or a placebo session. Owner pain scores did not differ between the two.[17] A single session in a mildly affected group is a limited test, but it is a fair reminder that the evidence is still developing. I use PEMF as one layer of a broader plan, alongside movement and nutrition.
CBD (cannabidiol)
A 2018 study from Cornell University in Frontiers in Veterinary Science gave 16 dogs with arthritis a CBD oil or a placebo for four weeks. Pain scores were lower and activity was higher with CBD. Liver enzyme levels (alkaline phosphatase) also rose in more than half of the dogs, and the authors called for longer safety studies. The study was small, and it was funded by a company that makes CBD products.[18]
A 2023 review in the same journal found some benefit in 5 of 7 pain studies in dogs. It also urged caution because studies were short and methods varied.[19] If you are considering CBD, please talk with your veterinarian first, especially if your dog takes medication or has liver concerns. Look for products that share independent lab results for each batch.
Curious about PEMF or CBD as part of a routine?
Ask your veterinarian first. If they are comfortable with it, you can explore the PetsPEMF Pad that I use in my practice, or CBD from our partner EarthBuddy.
Explore the PetsPEMF Pad Explore EarthBuddy CBDHow These Therapies Fit With Your Veterinarian's Plan
Think of integrative pain therapies for dogs as extra layers on a foundation your veterinarian helps you build. A sensible order for many dogs looks like this:
- Start with an exam. New, sudden, or severe pain needs a veterinary visit before any hands-on therapy.
- Keep the foundations steady. Body weight, gentle movement, and nutrition support everything else.
- Add one therapy at a time. That way you and your veterinarian can tell what is making a difference.
- Share the full picture. Tell every provider about medications, supplements, and other therapies your dog receives.
These therapies are added layers, not substitutes. If your dog takes prescribed pain medication, please keep it in place and speak with your veterinarian before making any changes. The 2022 AAHA guidelines favor a combined approach, in part so that no single drug carries the whole load.[3]
When you meet a new practitioner, a few signals can help you feel confident.
Encouraging signs
- Wants to work with your veterinarian and asks for records
- Explains what to expect and how many sessions to try
- Tracks progress with simple, agreed measures
- Is open about what the research does and does not show
Worth asking more questions
- Promises fast or guaranteed results
- Suggests changing or stopping medication
- Cannot describe their training or certification
- Discourages involving your veterinarian
A Case From My Practice
[EDITOR NOTE: Insert an anonymized case here (breed, age, presenting concern, which of acupuncture, laser, and bodywork were used, how the plan was coordinated with the primary veterinarian, and the documented outcome). No case in the current case file has a confirmed outcome for a combined plan, so none is drafted. Use only what the record supports, then delete this note.]
Every dog's diagnosis, age, and starting point differ, so please view any example as one story rather than a formula for your own dog.
Where to Start This Week
You do not need to try every option. With integrative pain therapies for dogs, one thoughtful step is plenty.
- Book a check-in with your veterinarian. Ask which therapy, if any, fits your dog's situation and whether they can refer you.
- Choose one therapy to explore first. Adding them one at a time makes it easier to see what helps.
- Ask about training. For chiropractic care especially, look for certification in animal chiropractic.
- Agree on a trial window. Decide together how many sessions to try and what "better" would look like for your dog.
- Keep simple notes. Jot down how your dog rises, climbs stairs, and walks. Our guide to the signs of pain in dogs and cats lists what to watch for.
Want a quick reference to take to your appointment?
Our free Integrative Pain Therapy Guide pulls the key questions, safety checks, and practitioner tips from this article into one place. You can also comment RELIEF on our latest social post and we will send it to you.
Download the Free GuideWant a plan shaped around your own pet?
Book a consultation with a Certified Holistic Pet Health Coach. In our coach directory, you can filter by dog or cat and by specialty, including Certified Canine Fitness Coach and Certified Canine Massage Therapist. Coaches work alongside your veterinarian and do not diagnose or replace veterinary care.
Book a Coach ConsultationA Month in Review
Four weeks, one picture. Pain care, including integrative pain therapies for dogs, tends to work best when its pieces support one another:
- Week 1: recognizing the quiet signs of pain
- Week 2: diet, herbs, and supplements, including the gut-pain connection
- Week 3: movement and rehabilitation
- Week 4: integrative therapies, which you just read
This week also included National Cat and Dog Gut Health Awareness Day on September 21.[20] It is a nice reminder that pain rarely lives in one body system. A 2024 review in Animal Frontiers describes gut microbial byproducts as a common thread linking digestion, immune function, and behavior in dogs and cats.[21] That is one reason we looked at the gut in Week 2.
No single therapy carries the whole plan, and you do not have to sort it out alone. Asking good questions, as you are doing now, is already a strong step toward a more comfortable life for your dog.
Keep learning alongside other pet parents.
Pet Guardian Circle offers live Q&A sessions and a community of pet parents working through similar questions, including this month's pain awareness topics.
Join Pet Guardian CircleIs this the kind of work you want to be doing?
In our Holistic Pet Health Coach certification, the musculoskeletal module covers what goes wrong in joints, muscles, and bones, and natural pain and mobility support through a nutrition and TCVM lens. You also learn to work alongside your clients' veterinarians, with weekly live coaching calls, personal mentors, and real case studies before you graduate.
Explore the HPHC CertificationFrequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture help dogs with joint pain?
The research is mixed. In a placebo-controlled trial of 32 dogs with arthritis, owner questionnaires showed some improvement, while gait and activity measures did not change.[6] AAHA describes the evidence as limited.[3] Many practitioners use it as one layer of a plan, so ask your veterinarian whether a short trial series makes sense.
What is cold laser therapy used for in pets?
AAHA lists chronic arthritis, surgical incisions, and tendon and ligament injuries among the uses. Sessions typically last 15 to 30 minutes, and everyone in the room wears protective eyewear.[4] Studies so far are small, so it works best as a supportive layer alongside your veterinarian's plan.[10]
Is chiropractic care safe for dogs?
It depends on the practitioner and the dog. Choose someone certified in animal chiropractic care, check the rules in your state, and ask your veterinarian first. A 2010 AVMA News report found that most states required a veterinary exam beforehand.[15] The AKC advises against it for puppies whose skeletons are still developing.[13]
Can cats have acupuncture, laser, or massage?
Many cats can, and AAHA notes that laser can be especially useful when few pain medications are available, as is the case for cats.[4] Most published studies are in dogs, so look for a practitioner with feline experience and involve your veterinarian.
| [1] | Holiday Today. "National Dog Week (2026)." holidaytoday.org/national-dog-week (Observance calendar page. Used only for the timing and purpose of the week.) |
| [2] | American Veterinary Medical Association. "Integrative veterinary medicine" (AVMA policy). avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/integrative-veterinary-medicine |
| [3] | American Animal Hospital Association. "2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats." Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 2022;58(2):55-76. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35195712 | Online guideline, Nonpharmacologic Modalities section: aaha.org |
| [4] | American Animal Hospital Association. "Veterinary Laser Therapy for Pets: Uses, Benefits & Safety," updated August 21, 2026. aaha.org/resources/laser-therapy (Educational overview from a veterinary association. It does not cite individual studies, so it is used for general description and safety points only.) |
| [5] | Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. "Acupuncture for chronic pain in dogs," March 5, 2026. hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu/2026/03/05/acupuncture-for-chronic-pain-in-dogs (Educational guidance from a university teaching hospital, not a peer-reviewed study. Used as a secondary source for a general description.) |
| [6] | Baker-Meuten A, et al. "Evaluation of acupuncture for the treatment of pain associated with naturally-occurring osteoarthritis in dogs: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded clinical trial." BMC Veterinary Research, 2020. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7517673 |
| [7] | International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Homepage and "Search for a vet" directory. ivas.org |
| [8] | Barale L, Monticelli P, Adami C. "Effects of low-level laser therapy on impaired mobility in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis." Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2023. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10029903 |
| [9] | Gatta et al. "Laser Acupuncture Effects on Chronic Pain, Inflammatory Response, and Biochemical and Oxidative Stress Markers in Osteoarthritic Dogs: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Animals, 2025;15(17):2568. doi.org/10.3390/ani15172568 |
| [10] | Pye C, Clark N, Bruniges N, Peffers M, Comerford E. "Current evidence for non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical treatments of canine osteoarthritis." Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2024 (first published online 2023). doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13670 |
| [11] | Riley LM, Satchell L, Stilwell LM, Lenton NS. "Effect of massage therapy on pain and quality of life in dogs: A cross sectional study." Veterinary Record, 2021. doi.org/10.1002/vetr.586 | Open-access copy: pure.port.ac.uk |
| [12] | Roberts R. "At-Home Pet Massage: Tips and Techniques for a Happier Animal." Natural Awakenings, March 2026. naturalawakenings.com/2026/03/31/at-home-pet-massage-tips-and-techniques-for-a-happier-animal (Published article by the author of this post, used for massage safety cautions.) |
| [13] | Maharaj N. "Chiropractic Care for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know." American Kennel Club, updated May 27, 2025. akc.org/expert-advice/health/chiropractic-care-for-dogs (Secondary source, used for general guidance on certification and puppies.) |
| [14] | American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Homepage. animalchiropractic.org (The association's own description of its certification.) |
| [15] | American Veterinary Medical Association. "Chiropractic, veterinary groups negotiate roles in animal care." JAVMA News, February 18, 2010. avma.org/javma-news/2010-03-01/chiropractic-veterinary-groups-negotiate-roles-animal-care (News report from 2010. State rules may have changed since then.) |
| [16] | Kühl LF, Montiani-Ferreira F, Hummel J, Vicente G, Serighelli-Júnior G, Vilani RGDOC, de Souza SF. "Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Pain Control in Dogs with Hip Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Study." Veterinary Research Communications, 2025;49:360. link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11259-025-10939-x |
| [17] | Leung G, Junnila J, Björkenheim T, et al. "A prospective, randomised, controlled, double blinded, cross-over study on the effect of a single session of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on signs of hip osteoarthritis in dogs." Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 2024. actavetscand.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13028-024-00754-w |
| [18] | Gamble LJ, Boesch JM, et al. "Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2018. frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165 (The study received funding from ElleVet Sciences.) |
| [19] | Di Salvo A, Conti MB, della Rocca G. "Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of cannabidiol in dogs: an update of current knowledge." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2023. frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1204526 |
| [20] | National Today. "National Cat & Dog Gut Health Awareness Day, September 21, 2026." nationaltoday.com/national-cat-dog-gut-health-awareness-day |
| [21] | Rindels JE, Loman BR. "Gut microbiome, the key to our pets' health and happiness?" Animal Frontiers, 2024;14(3):46-53. doi.org/10.1093/af/vfae015 |
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's health routine. Natural remedies are not automatically risk-free, and any new therapy is best introduced gradually and with your veterinarian's guidance.
