"Herbal Medicine and Bee Venom Therapy for Dogs"... Traditional Medicine Treatments for Senior Pets Spread in China

Growing Interest in Traditional Medicine for Pets in China

A Variety of Treatments Including Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Bee Venom Therapy

"Tranquility Can Be Offered Even If Full Recovery Isn't Guaranteed"

In China, a growing number of pet owners are seeking traditional medicine to manage the health of their aging companion animals. The demand is expanding as treatments such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, and even bee venom therapy become available for pets.

Traditional Medicine Prescriptions for Dogs..."Condition Improved"

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According to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) on September 7 (local time), the hashtag "#petTCM"—referring to traditional Chinese medicine treatments for pets—has surpassed 5 million views on a social media platform in China. This indicates a rise in the number of pet owners seeking traditional medicine for their animals.

A pet owner in Beijing initially brought her seven-year-old dog, who was suffering from a severe gastrointestinal illness, to a conventional veterinary clinic. Although the veterinarian diagnosed the dog with inflammatory bowel disease and prescribed medication, the dog's condition did not improve.

Eventually, the owner turned to traditional medicine. The traditional medicine doctor checked the dog's leg pulse, examined the tongue, eyes, and mental state, and considered the dog's medical history, previous treatments, diet, and activity levels. Following this comprehensive assessment, the doctor prescribed herbal medicine and a special diet. The owner reported that the dog's condition noticeably improved just three days after starting the treatment.

"Even If Not Cured, Quality of Life Can Improve"

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There are also cases where traditional medicine is used specifically to manage the health of elderly pets. Zhang, the owner of a 17-year-old Chinese native dog, noticed his pet's declining energy and physical functions and fed her meat mixed with powdered Chinese herbs. After a month of this regimen, Zhang reported a significant improvement in the dog's energy and stamina. Zhang said, "I know this method won't make my dog young again," but emphasized, "It can certainly improve her quality of life."

In Guangzhou, a 17-year-old poodle diagnosed with cancer received bee venom therapy. The veterinarian explained that this is a traditional treatment aimed at relieving pain and swelling, and that the pet owner chose this relatively gentle approach considering the dog's age. Other popular treatments for pets include massage, moxibustion, and acupuncture.

Rising Interest in Traditional Medicine Amid a Growing Senior Pet Population

Analysts say that the increasing number of aging companion animals is a key factor behind the rising interest in traditional medicine for pets. According to statistics released at this year’s Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai, there are about 20 million dogs and cats aged seven years or older in China. Given that the urban population of companion dogs and cats stood at 126 million last year, about one in six is now a senior pet.

A veterinarian in Beijing who uses traditional medicine to treat pets described his clinic as a "nursing home." He said, "I can't guarantee a full recovery for the animals, but I can provide tranquility and dignity in their final days."

Meanwhile, the China Veterinary Medical Association this year issued its first guidelines for acupuncture in dogs and cats and announced plans to promote the development of traditional medicine over the next three years.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.