Pins in pets: Beijing clinic offers acupuncture for dogs - in pictures

Growing number of animal owners turning to traditional medicine in China

A dog is about to be given acupuncture at a clinic in Beijing. All photos: AFP

A growing number of animals are being signed up for traditional medicine in China.

Their masters say it is less invasive and comes with fewer side effects than conventional treatments.

This dog also had infrared therapy.

Vets in Beijing prepare a dog for treatment.

Acupuncture can be used for ailments when no other treatment is available.

Animal acupuncture is centuries old in China.

Before starting the treatment, the vet checks the animal's body, examines its eyesight and the colour of its tongue, takes its pulse and asks its owner questions.

Recordings of soft bamboo flute music and the chirping of birds are played to help the animals relax.

In one Beijing practice, pets of all shapes and sizes come for treatments.

The acupuncture market for animals remains limited in China but the practice is gaining popularity.

More from the National:

The four-day week: a boon for employers and staff alike - or neither?

Shaun Killa: the architect who dreamt up the design of Dubai's Museum of the Future

UAE-registered sailboat to embark on 48,000km race around the world

WWE's Clash at the Castle: meet the fans who travelled from around the world to Cardiff