Does my dog need a Chiropractor?

Do you have a dog that is walking funny, or seems uncomfortable?  Are they limping a little? Are they shaking their head a lot? Have you brought them to the vet and were told they have arthritis or just “wait and see”?  Is the dog put on a pain reliever or anti-inflammatory? Any of these things could be a sign that chiropractic care may benefit your family pet – yes, a dog or a cat (or even a bunny or guinea pig!).

Animals get adjusted for the same reason as a person – to help relieve pain, recover from an injury, improve performance, improve function, prevent injury & degeneration, and improve overall health & quality of life.

Many vets refer animals to us because the owner is seeking something more “natural” or they want to see if chiropractic can help. After all, if it’s a biomechanical problem, can it be helped with medications, or should it be helped with some sort of biomechanical solution?  And that is where animal chiropractic comes in.

Chiropractic care focuses on the biomechanical dysfunction of the spine (vertebral subluxation) and its effect on the entire nervous system. Animal Chiropractors diagnose and treat subluxations in the spine or extremities. Often times it can be from some sort of accident or fight or fall, but most of the time, subluxations & joint problems happens with repetitive stresses and micro traumas, the small movements that an animal does on a daily and weekly basis. The animal just shakes, brushes it off and moves on because it is small, but it can add up week after week, year after year.

Symptoms of subluxation may include pain, spasm, stiffness, sensitivity to touch, lameness, gait abnormalities, postural compromise and even organ dysfunction. Pets suffering from conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, ACL injuries, lameness, gastrointestinal disease, chronic health issues, or back problems have benefitted from chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractic Care is not intended to replace traditional veterinary care, but is considered an alternative therapy, to be used concurrently and in conjunction with veterinarian care.

If you are wondering if your animal needs chiropractic care, give us a call or send us an email.  We’re happy to help!