Canine Dry Needling

Benefits of Dry Needling for Dogs

Safe, targeted pain relief and improved mobility for your dog

Dry needling is an advanced physiotherapy technique used to treat muscle pain, trigger points, and mobility issues in dogs. At Aquapaws, we use dry needling as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to help dogs move better, recover faster and live more comfortably.

What Is Dry Needling for Dogs?

Dry needling involves the gentle insertion of fine, sterile needles into tight or irritated muscles. These needles release trigger points, improve circulation and help reset dysfunctional muscle fibres—making it an effective treatment for dogs with pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility.

Key Benefits of Dry Needling for Dogs

1. Relieves Muscle Tension and Trigger Points

Dry needling releases tight, overworked muscles that cause pain and limit movement.
Benefits include:

  • Relaxed muscles

  • Reduced compensatory tension

  • Improved comfort during daily activities

2. Reduces Pain Naturally

By interrupting pain signals and increasing blood flow, dry needling offers fast and effective relief for many conditions, including:

  • Arthritis

  • Back or neck pain

  • Soft-tissue injuries

  • Postural strain

3. Improves Mobility and Flexibility

Releasing muscle tightness helps your dog move with greater ease.
You may notice:

  • Better range of motion

  • Smoother gait

  • Increased willingness to exercise or play

4. Enhances Muscle Activation and Strength

When muscles are tight or protective, they often weaken or “switch off.”
Dry needling helps:

  • Reactivate inhibited muscles

  • Improve strength and stability

  • Support proper posture and movement patterns

5. Speeds Up Recovery After Injury or Surgery

Dry needling boosts circulation, reduces muscle guarding and supports faster healing. It’s particularly beneficial for dogs recovering from:

  • Orthopaedic surgery

  • Spinal surgery

  • Soft tissue injuries

  • Chronic compensatory issues

6. Ideal for Sporting and Working Dogs

Performance dogs often develop tight, overused muscles. Dry needling helps them:

  • Recover quickly

  • Reduce fatigue

  • Maintain optimal performance

  • Prevent future injuries

Why Choose Aquapaws for Canine Dry Needling?

Our qualified canine physiotherapists use dry needling only when appropriate and always as part of a tailored treatment plan. We combine physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, laser and strength conditioning to achieve the best results for your dog.

Is Dry Needling Safe for Dogs?

Yes. When performed by a trained canine physiotherapist, dry needling is a safe, gentle and effective treatment for dogs of all ages and activity levels.

Help Your Dog Move Better and Feel Better

If your dog is showing signs of tightness, stiffness, pain or decreased mobility, dry needling may be an excellent addition to their rehabilitation program.

📞 Contact Aquapaws to book an assessment or learn more about how dry needling can help your dog.

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