10 Pet Acupressure Points You Can Do at Home

Imagine being able to calm your anxious pet, ease their aches, or boost their immune system—all with your fingertips. That’s the power of acupressure.

Acupressure is the needle-free cousin of acupuncture. Instead of needles, you use gentle pressure on specific points to influence your pet’s Qi (vital energy) and promote healing.

The best part? You can learn to do it at home. This guide will teach you 10 essential acupressure points that can help your dog or cat feel better.

How Acupressure Works

Acupressure points (called “acupoints”) lie along energy channels called meridians. By pressing these points, you:

Release blocked energy (Qi)
Stimulate the body’s healing response
Influence connected organs and systems
Promote relaxation and reduce pain

It’s been used for thousands of years on humans and animals alike.

Before You Begin: The Basics

What You Need

A quiet, comfortable space
Your pet in a relaxed state
Clean hands
5-15 minutes

The Right Pressure

Light but firm—like you’re pressing on a ripe tomato without breaking the skin. You should see the tissue move slightly but not cause discomfort.

For cats and small dogs: Use your fingertip or thumb pad For larger dogs: Use your thumb or two fingers together

How Long to Hold

Hold each point for 30 seconds to 2 minutes
Apply steady pressure, or gentle circular motion
Breathe slowly—your pet will mirror your calm

Signs Your Pet Is Responding

Positive signs:

Sighing or deep breathing
Relaxed muscles
Soft eyes, licking lips
Leaning into the pressure
Falling asleep

Signs to stop:

Pulling away
Tensing up
Growling or hissing
Signs of discomfort

Always respect your pet’s boundaries. If they don’t want it, don’t force it.

The 10 Essential Acupressure Points

1. Yin Tang (Third Eye Point)

Location: Center of the forehead, between the eyebrows

What it does:

Calms the mind
Reduces anxiety
Helps with sleep issues
Relieves headaches

Best for: Anxious pets, dogs during thunderstorms, cats who startle easily

How to do it: Place your fingertip between the eyes and apply gentle pressure. Most pets love this spot and will lean into it.

2. GV 20 (Bai Hui - Hundred Meetings)

Location: Top of the head, at the highest point of the skull (between the ears on dogs, slightly behind them on cats)

What it does:

“Master calming point”
Lifts yang energy
Helps with lethargy and depression
Good for seizures (preventive)

Best for: Overall wellness, calming, mental clarity

How to do it: Light pressure with one fingertip. Hold for 1-2 minutes. Great for starting any acupressure session.

3. LI 4 (Large Intestine 4 - He Gu)

Location: On the front paw, in the webbing between the dewclaw (thumb) and the first toe. If no dewclaw, between first and second toes.

What it does:

Powerful pain relief
Boosts immune function
Helps with facial and dental issues
Relieves constipation

Best for: Pain anywhere in the body, illness recovery, dental issues

How to do it: Gentle squeeze between your thumb and forefinger. Hold for 30-60 seconds per paw.

Caution: Avoid during pregnancy as this point can stimulate labor.

4. ST 36 (Stomach 36 - Zu San Li)

Location: On the outside of the back leg, just below the knee (stifle), in the muscle beside the shinbone

What it does:

“The point of 1,000 uses”
Boosts energy and immunity
Supports digestion
Tonifies overall health

Best for: Weak or elderly pets, digestive issues, recovery from illness

How to do it: Press with your thumb while supporting the leg with your other hand. This point can be a little sensitive—start gently.

5. SP 6 (Spleen 6 - San Yin Jiao)

Location: On the inside of the back leg, about three finger-widths above the ankle bone

What it does:

Supports blood and yin
Helps with hormonal issues
Good for urinary problems
Calms the spirit

Best for: Female pets, urinary issues, anxiety with weakness

How to do it: Light pressure with your fingertip, 30-60 seconds per leg.

Caution: Avoid during pregnancy.

6. BL 23 (Bladder 23 - Kidney Shu)

Location: On the back, at the level of the last rib, about two finger-widths from the spine

What it does:

Tonifies the kidneys
Helps with back pain
Supports bones and joints
Good for aging pets

Best for: Senior pets, kidney issues, back pain, overall vitality

How to do it: Use both thumbs, one on each side of the spine. Gentle circular pressure for 1-2 minutes.

7. BL 40 (Bladder 40 - Wei Zhong)

Location: Back of the back leg, in the crease behind the knee (the “popliteal fossa”)

What it does:

Relieves back and hip pain
Helps with hind leg weakness
Cools heat conditions
Good for skin issues

Best for: Arthritis in hips/back, older dogs with mobility issues

How to do it: Very gentle pressure—this area can be sensitive. Hold for 30 seconds.

8. PC 6 (Pericardium 6 - Nei Guan)

Location: On the inside of the front leg, about two finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons

What it does:

Calms the heart and mind
Relieves nausea
Helps with chest tightness
Good for motion sickness

Best for: Car sickness, anxiety, nausea from kidney disease or chemotherapy

How to do it: Gentle pressure between the tendons. Can be done before car rides to prevent nausea.

9. GB 20 (Gallbladder 20 - Feng Chi)

Location: At the base of the skull, in the depression between the two large neck muscles

What it does:

Relieves neck and head pain
Clears wind (helpful for seizures)
Brightens the eyes
Calms the spirit

Best for: Neck pain, headaches, eye issues, calming

How to do it: Use both hands, pressing into the depressions at the skull base. Most pets find this very relaxing.

10. LV 3 (Liver 3 - Tai Chong)

Location: On top of the back paw, in the depression between the second and third toes, about an inch up from the toes

What it does:

Moves stuck liver Qi
Helps with irritability and frustration
Relieves muscle spasms
Good for eye issues

Best for: Frustrated or irritable pets, muscle tension, liver support

How to do it: Light pressure with your fingertip. This point can be sensitive in pets with a lot of “stuck” energy.

Acupressure Protocols for Common Issues

For Anxiety and Calming

Points to use: Yin Tang → GV 20 → PC 6 → GB 20

Protocol:

Start with Yin Tang (1 minute)
Move to GV 20 (1 minute)
Hold PC 6 on both front legs (30 seconds each)
Finish with GB 20 (1 minute)

When to use: Before stressful events, during thunderstorms, for general calming

For Pain Relief

Points to use: LI 4 → ST 36 → Local points near pain

Protocol:

Start with LI 4 on both front paws (30 seconds each)
Move to ST 36 on both back legs (30 seconds each)
Add points near the painful area

When to use: Chronic pain, arthritis, injury recovery

For Digestive Support

Points to use: ST 36 → SP 6 → BL 23

Protocol:

ST 36 on both legs (1 minute each)
SP 6 on both legs (30 seconds each)
BL 23 on both sides of spine (1 minute)

When to use: Poor appetite, digestive issues, nausea

For Senior Pet Vitality

Points to use: GV 20 → ST 36 → BL 23 → LI 4

Protocol:

GV 20 (1 minute)
ST 36 (1 minute each leg)
BL 23 (1 minute)
LI 4 (30 seconds each paw)

When to use: Daily or several times weekly for elderly pets

Tips for Success

Build Up Gradually

Start with just one or two points until your pet is comfortable. Over time, you can add more.

Make It a Routine

Regular short sessions are better than occasional long ones. Try 5 minutes daily.

Watch the Response

Your pet will tell you what they like. Some points may be favorites; others may be refused. That’s okay.

Combine with Other Relaxation

Speak softly
Play calming music
Use gentle massage between points
Choose a time when your pet is already calm

Know When to Seek Professional Help

Acupressure is supportive, not curative. If your pet has:

Acute injury or illness
Worsening symptoms
Severe pain
Any emergency

See your veterinarian first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I do acupressure?

Daily is fine for most points. For acute issues, 2-3 times daily. For maintenance, 2-3 times weekly.

Can I hurt my pet with acupressure?

With proper gentle pressure, acupressure is very safe. The main risks are over-stimulating sensitive points or forcing a pet who doesn’t want it.

Does it really work?

Yes! Studies show acupressure can reduce pain, anxiety, and nausea. Many veterinarians incorporate it into their practice.

Can I do acupressure on a sick pet?

Generally yes, but check with your vet first, especially for serious conditions. Some points are contraindicated in pregnancy or certain illnesses.

What if my pet won’t stay still?

Start when they’re already relaxed (after a meal, before bed). Some pets prefer standing; others prefer lying down. Work with what they offer.

Conclusion

Acupressure is a beautiful way to connect with your pet while supporting their health. With just 10 points and your fingertips, you can help calm anxiety, relieve pain, support digestion, and boost vitality.

Start simple—maybe just the calming points at first. Watch your pet respond. Build from there.

Your hands have healing power. Your pet is waiting.

Try these points on your pet and let us know how it goes! Questions? Drop them in the comments.