Complementary Treatments Coverage for Pets

Complementary treatments for pets are a great way to treat or manage conditions before, after, and in some cases, instead of surgery. This coverage is included in Embrace Pet Insurance’s policy at no extra cost.

headshot of a cat

Benefits of Complementary Treatments for Dogs and Cats

Complementary treatments are non-invasive treatments that help manage conditions through movement, water, lasers, and more.

Embrace covers complementary treatments for dogs and cats that is carried out by or performed under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian and include:

  • Acupuncture 

  • Chiropractic

  • Hydrotherapy

  • Physiotherapy

  • Therapeutic laser treatment

Veterinary chiropractic treatment

Veterinary chiropractic care focuses on aligning your pet’s nervous system. A pet chiropractor uses low-force manual manipulation to carefully align muscles and bones to promote body harmony from the inside out. Dog and cat chiropractors can treat many conditions including:

  • Urinary incontinence

  • Forelimb lameness

  • Stiffness

  • Post-surgery recovery

Pet acupuncture

Acupuncture for dogs and cats is practiced by a specially-trained veterinarian who places blunt-tipped needles into particular points of the pet’s body. The needles release chemicals that promote healing and pain relief. Veterinary acupuncture can be used to treat:

  • Symptoms of cancer treatment

  • Allergies

  • Seizures

  • Musculoskeletal conditions (such as arthritis & IVDD)

  • Respiratory issues (such as asthma)

  • Gastrointestinal problems (including irritable bowel disorder)

  • Minor sports injuries

  • Skin conditions

Therapeutic laser treatment for pets

Pet laser therapy, sometimes called cold laser therapy, works by using red and near-infrared light to force damaged cells to regenerate. The healing effects of laser treatment for pets can last up to several months. Laser therapy for dogs and cats can be used to treat:

  • Muscle, ligament, & tendon injuries

  • Post-surgery recovery

  • Soft-tissue trauma

  • Back pain

  • Ear infections

  • Gingivitis

  • Hot spots & open wounds

  • Arthritis & hip dysplasia

  • IVDD

  • Anal gland infections

Hydrotherapy for pets

Hydrotherapy is used mostly for dogs, and is commonly referred to as canine water therapy. Water resistance using an underwater treadmill is a great way to increase range of motion and muscle strength without the impact of hard ground. Dog swimming rehabilitation is used to treat:

  • Post-surgery recovery

  • IVDD & paralysis

  • Hip & elbow dysplasia

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Neuromuscular disorders

  • Muscle atrophy

Pet physiotherapy

Pet physiotherapy, also called physical therapy, is any form of pet rehabilitation that includes physical treatments such as heat treatment and exercise instead of drugs or surgery (physiotherapy coverage excludes massage). Pet rehabilitation helps with conditions including:

  • Sore/bruised muscles

  • Muscle strains, spasms, & atrophy

  • Muscle, ligament, & tendon injuries

  • Arthritis

  • Post-surgery recovery

  • Hip & elbow dysplasia

Which pet insurance companies cover complementary treatments?

Many pet insurance companies require you to pay extra for complementary treatment coverage for pets. Embrace Pet Insurance includes coverage for complementary treatments on every policy at no additional cost.

Check out our pet insurance comparison for details.

Plan Features

Plan features Trupanion Pets Best AKC Pet Insurance
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Complementary treatment claim stories

Whether you choose complementary treatments because of personal preference or because you’re trying to exhaust all of your pet’s options before surgery, know that Embrace has you covered. See how these pets have benefited from Embrace’s complementary treatment coverage*.

Hip Dysplasia Managed with Complementary Treatments
Marbles

Vet Bill: $4,580

Embrace Paid: $2,839.45