Chiropractic care is a holistic and natural approach to treating muscular, joint, and skeletal pains. These problems are common in dogs of certain breeds. The technique and principles of veterinary chiropractic are similar to human chiropractic care. Both humans and dogs treat misalignment of the vertebrae and other problems through chiropractic adjustment. They use low force to manually manipulate the spine, joints, and other injured areas. The adjustment improves mobility and reduces physical stress, strain, and pain.
What Conditions Can A Dog Chiropractor Help Treat?
Chiropractor’s treatment on your furry friend ranges from disorders, misalignment, and injuries. As veterinary practices evolve, so does the list. However, there are some dog conditions a chiropractor can treat.
- Subluxations (misalignments in the spine)
- Stiffness
- Post-surgery recovery
- Hip dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Osteoarthritis
- Intervertebral disk disease
- Neck and back injuries or pain
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Musculoskeletal weakness
What Are Some Signs That My Dog Needs Chiropractic Care?
There are many signs that you can notice in your pup that require chiropractic care. However, consult with your vet before engaging in chiropractic care. Here are some signs;
- Limping or dragging his legs
- Having weak front legs with no pain
- Difficulties in standing or lying down
- Difficulties in climbing stairs
- Reduction in movement or mobility
- Inability to jump
- Hunched back
- Abnormal gait and a shorter stride
- etc.
What To Expect After First Chiropractic Visit?
The care may make the dog sore for a day, but what to expect depends on what is wrong with the dog. But there are three common outcomes.
- If the treatment is for maintenance, you should expect an increase in energy or overall behavior. The dog will continue in its healthy state.
- If the treatment is for limping or stiffness, you can expect a complete recovery or a 50 percent improvement in your dog.
- However, if you bring the dog in because of disc herniation, the improvement may not occur after the first visit. Instead, it may take several weeks because of the damaged tendons or nervous system. These injuries usually take 4 to 6 weeks for significant improvement.
Benefits Of Chiropractic Care
Drug-free pain relief.
Chiropractic care is a non-pain treatment. Many people hate seeing their pup in pain or relying on medication. Fortunately, the care helps the dog release natural pain relievers like endorphins to counter the pain.
A non-invasive treatment.
Some pains do not require drugs or invasive action. Fortunately, chiropractor’s care is non-invasive. They do not use anesthesia, inflate wounds, or downtime to your canine pal.
Faster recovery from injury.
The care improves circulation to speed up recovery. The circulation carries nutrients to the affected areas to accelerate the healing process.
Improved mobility.
Canine mobility is vital. Your dog won’t be happy if it cannot move, run or play around without pain. The treatment reduces inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort in the joints.
Personalized treatment.
There are different dog breeds, and so are the treatments. Chiropractors customize individual treatments for your furry friend. In addition, they monitor the treatment effects and adjust when necessary to reach the best results.
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