Traditional Chinese Medicine Gains Popularity in Pet Care

Industry data presented at the event revealed that approximately 20 million dogs and cats in China are entering old age, with a reported illness rate of around 60 percent for senior pets. This aging pet population is facing significant health challenges, prompting owners to seek alternatives beyond conventional veterinary solutions.

Many pet owners are now looking for treatments that balance medical care with everyday health management. Techniques such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal therapies, once considered specialized, are becoming more recognized among owners of older pets and those needing longer recovery periods or chronic condition management.

Lu Yan, a 39-year-old software designer from Shanghai, shared his experience when his dog Huahua developed a persistent cough in March 2025. Despite spending nearly 5,000 yuan ($746) on various veterinary treatments without improvement, a friend's recommendation led him to a TCM practitioner. The practitioner employed a holistic approach, examining Huahua's pulse, tongue, eyes, and medical history.

The treatment plan incorporated Chinese patent medicines and adjustments to Huahua's diet, resulting in noticeable improvements by the fourth day of treatment. Lu noted that the costs for the TCM approach were significantly lower, with initial expenses around 40 yuan and later monthly costs dropping to under 100 yuan as Huahua's health stabilized.

However, a report from Taizai Cultural Media (Shanghai) highlighted that the primary challenge for TCM in pet care is building trust among pet owners. Unlike conventional medical tests, the effects of TCM therapies can be difficult to measure. Owners must monitor various indicators of their pets' health, such as appetite and energy levels, while practitioners often rely on the owners' observations.

The report also pointed out a shortage of TCM practitioners with both veterinary training and expertise in traditional methods, a gap in education that further complicates professional growth in this area. Hou Wenjie, secretary-general of the Shanghai-based Yu Ce Think Tank, emphasized that the TCM pet care sector's future depends not only on consumer interest but also on establishing professional standards and evidence of long-term benefits.

Potential future developments in this sector may include dedicated TCM for pets, management packages for chronic conditions in senior animals, postoperative rehabilitation centers, standardized therapeutic diets, and integrated health management options that combine both TCM and conventional veterinary care.