Is Your Dog a Candidate for Chiropractic Care?

Lower back tightness? Neck stiffness? Back pain? You might seek the attention of a chiropractor if you're suffering any of these symptoms. But what about ol' Duke (or Daisy)? You might notice that your fur baby, so often filled with seemingly endless energy and agility, has recently begun to get up more slowly, be reluctant to go for walks or has a change in gait. If your dog is having any of these issues, can such a holistic approach work for man's best friend as well as it might work for man himself? If it's determined that your pup can benefit from such treatment, then the answer is a resounding YES. According to the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, "... adjustments help improve mobility and function and alleviate physical stress, strain and pain by removing the source of the symptom and letting the body heal itself." First, though, you should find out if your dog is a candidate for chiropractic care. Let's take a closer look at what would determine whether the services offered by a doggie chiropractor would help solve the muscular, joint, nerve or skeletal problems that your dog might currently be experiencing.

Is It Time to Give Chiropractic a Crack?

Limping. Inability to jump. Difficulty going up and down stairs. Abnormal sitting and lying positions. Hunched back. Discomfort when areas of the back are touched. Any of these symptoms could indicate a subluxation (a misalignment of the vertebrae that can lead, according to chiropractors, to a multitude of nerve or muscular ailments). But should you rush right off to a DVM who specializes in animal chiropractics? Not quite so fast. According to Dr. Katie Malensek, DC, DVM, of Ravenwood Veterinary Clinic in Florida in an article from Chewy.com, "It is extremely important that an owner who seeks chiropractic care...first have the animal evaluated by a veterinarian." Why? Because in some cases, the symptom that might indicate the need for chiropractic attention is actually being caused by a problem that is outside the scope of such care. Such issues as bone cancer or a fracture can bring about any of the symptoms listed above. It's best to rule out any serious conditions that chiropractic simply cannot address or could even make worse before pursuing such treatment. Once specific conditions have been ruled out, then by all means, if Roxie or Rover simply don't seem like themselves and are exhibiting any of the above symptoms, do a Google search of veterinary chiropractors in your area and make the next available appointment.

Walking for Health

Regular exercise like walks are a great way to help dogs avoid issues that can lead to the need for chiropractic care by keeping muscles and joints strong. Motion and mobility can be deterrents to problems down the road. That's where your local dog walker can help! Let's work together to keep your beloved pup healthy, happy and pain-free. They give us so much; it's not much to ask that we always have THEIR backs!

Share this article if you found it helpful! 

 

Written by Harrison Howe