Traditional Chinese medicine expands benefits to furry friends

As traditional Chinese medicine wellness practices such as moxibustion, massages and herbal remedies gain popularity among younger generations, some of these practices are also increasingly finding their way into pet care.

Industry data released during Pet Fair Asia 2026 held in Shanghai from Aug 19 to 23 showed that about 20 million dogs and cats in China have entered old age, with the reported illness rate among senior pets standing at around 60 percent.

The figures highlight a growing health challenge as China's pet population ages. Chronic conditions, post-surgical recovery, and recurring gastrointestinal and joint problems are prompting owners to look beyond one-off veterinary visits and medication options.

That is creating demand for services somewhere between medical treatment and everyday health management, including preventative options. Acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal therapies, once niche practices in animal care, are gaining visibility among owners of senior pets and animals requiring longer-term recovery or chronic-condition management.

For some pet owners, the appeal derives not from mere curiosity, but from growing challenges amid chronic health problems.

Lu Yan, a 39-year-old software designer in Shanghai, said that in March 2025, his dog Huahua developed a persistent cough. After receiving examinations, medication and injections at several veterinary hospitals, Huahua's cough had still not improved. Within two months, he had spent nearly 5,000 yuan ($746) treating his furry friend.

Later, a friend recommended a practitioner specializing in TCM for animals to Lu. He said the consultation took a different approach. "The practitioner examined Huahua's pulse, tongue and eyes, reviewed previous medical records and asked about her diet, bowel movements and daily condition."

The treatment plan focused on Chinese patent medicines and dietary adjustments. "Huahua began showing improvement on the fourth day of taking the medication. I continued follow-up consultations and treatment adjustments for nearly six months, after which Huahua's condition became stable," Lu said.

Affordability also made the approach accessible. Lu said his initial prescription cost about 40 yuan, while monthly spending later fell to several hundred yuan. After Huahua's condition stabilized, the monthly cost was sometimes below 100 yuan.

"But affordability may not be the biggest factor determining whether traditional Chinese pet care can become a sustainable business. Trust remains the central challenge," said a report from Taizai Cultural Media (Shanghai).

"Unlike blood tests or imaging, the effects of some traditional therapies can be harder to quantify. Owners often have to assess changes in appetite, energy levels, bowel movements and activity, while practitioners must rely heavily on owners' observations because animals cannot describe their symptoms," the report stated.

"There is also a shortage of practitioners with both veterinary expertise and training in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine. The field requires knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology and disease diagnosis in addition to traditional treatment methods, while relatively few Chinese universities offer dedicated undergraduate programs," it added.

Hou Wenjie, secretary-general of the Shanghai-based Yu Ce Think Tank, said that currently, the pet TCM sector is unlikely to develop simply through rapid expansion. Its growth may depend on professional standards, long-term relationships between practitioners and owners, and repeat visits.

The key question is not whether TCM can replace conventional veterinary care, but whether it can establish itself as a credible complement. "For now, its future in China's pet economy will depend on whether consumer interest can be matched by professional standards and evidence of long-term value," Hou said.

"The future development directions may include specialized Chinese medicine for pets, management packages for chronic diseases in senior pets, postoperative rehabilitation centers, standardization of therapeutic diets and herbal snacks, and integrated TCM and Western medicine health management alongside routine vaccinations, deworming and check-ups. As regulation tightens, purely metaphysical-driven marketing will decline, and institutions with clinical pathways and case data will survive," Hou added.