Canine Chiropractics

Did you know that there are chiropractors for dogs too?  I didn't.  For the first 3 years of my dog's life, I figured if he was sore, he'd rest, and that was the end of that.  It wasn't until we entered the conformation ring that I discovered that a good chiropractic adjustment was considered standard pre-show routine for the majority of the dogs in the ring.  Not wanting him to be at a disadvantage, I scheduled and adjustment for him.

It was actually quite amazing.  At first, it didn't look like much, just some stretching and twisting and poking.  I heard a few joints crack, with the same little popping sound your knuckles make.  My dog seemed perfectly content and not at all disturbed by what the vet was doing, so I watched until she finished.  He jumped off the table, gave a big shake from head to toe- and struck a pose.  It was like he wanted to show off how much better he felt, he stood straight and tall and proud, looking unbelievably relaxed and comfortable.  The vet asked me to have him jog around a little bit, so I did.  He moved with a fluid grace I'd never seen before, his legs striding out further than before.  It's hard to describe exactly, but he looked different after just 15 minutes of manipulation.

As a working dog, his body is under constant strain- running, jumping hurdles, pulling carts, and so on.  The vet suggested monthly visits, and he has now been going faithfully every month for 6 months.  The following adjustments were not as dramatic as that first one, since only a month elapsed between each one instead of 3 years.  But the differences are still visible with each visit.

I even took photos.  The first photo was taken the day of his adjustment, a few hours before we went.  The second photo was taken as we left the vet.

To some they may look fairly similar, but in the first, he is clearly hunching his back and shoulders, trying to balance himself while obviously being stiff.  In the second, his stance is relaxed, natural, his head higher and happier.  

I suggested the treatments to a friend who also shows her dog, a Standard Poodle.  And my mother, with an elderly toy breed.  And my sister, with another German Shepherd who competes in agility.  

Everyone saw good results.  

So now, I'm passing the suggestion on to my friends and clients.  Any dog can benefit from these treatments, whether it's a dog with problems that needs regular work to improve his movement and functionality, or just a once or twice a year tune-up for a normal, healthy dog.  

Here is some information forwarded by my vet:

Many choose chiropractic to help their dog, cat or horse recover from an injury, to increase mobility, reduce arthritis pain and to treat chronic conditions and health problems.
You know your animal better than anyone. A change in behavior or mood is often a symptom that your pet is in pain, and might be caused by a joint that is not moving properly. Sometimes they may also experience changes in appetite.
Chiropractic benefits pets with both acute injuries and chronic conditions. It is also beneficial for injury prevention or to keep your pet healthy and happy, even when there is nothing wrong. 

Your pet may benefit from chiropractic care if you notice any of the following:

Your pet has difficulty rising from a lying down position or from sitting to standing
Your pet has muscle stiffness or weakness
Shaking /tremors in the limbs or the body
Mobility and gait abnormalities or limping
Different posture, i.e. hunched back, sitting on one hip rather than squarely
Your pet has been injured or there is a decreased performance in athletic ability
Bowel or bladder control problems
Changes in behavior, mood, or appetite

Your veterinarian diagnosed your pet with:
Neck, back or disc problems
Arthritis
Soft tissue muscle or ligament injury
Your pet experiences digestive upsets or Allergies and hot spots
TMJ problems or issues with chewing or dropping food
Your pet is sensitive to touch
Or, you just want to maintain a happy, healthy pet!

Pet owners report the following benefits and changes in their animals after they have received chiropractic care:

Decrease in pain and muscle spasms
Improved range-of-motion and mobility
Improved gait
Improved bladder control
Increased energy and improved health
Better temperament and mood
Improved athletic and event performance
Improved allergy symptoms
A happy, healthy animal!

- Dr Lee Carr

Arnold Pet Station

Arnold, MD

Could chiropractic care be right for your dog?  Almost certainly!  I hope you've found this information helpful.