Does my Dog or Cat Need Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care can help a variety of issues including arthritis, muscle pain, nerve problems, luxating patella, secondary effects of hip or elbow dysplasia, and post-surgical cases. Chiropractic care is not only for injured or sick pets, it is a crucial component of preventative care for your animal to ensure they live long and healthy lives.

Initial assessments involve gait analysis, range of motion testing, and palpation of joints and muscles to determine problematic areas.

Chiropractic adjustments and myofascial work are then carried out to improve joint mobility, decrease muscle tension, reduce pain and improve the overall condition of the animal. Chiropractic treatments include spine adjustments, extremity stretching and adjustments, myofascial release and rehabilitation advice.

Chiropractic treatments can take anywhere from 25-45 minutes depending on the condition of the dog or cat. Treatment schedules for chiropractic care will be determined based on the animal’s needs.

Many pet owners find it difficult to tell if their pet is in pain or discomfort.

The following is a list of common indications for animal chiropractic care:

• Difficulty or reluctance getting up from a sitting or laying position
• Stiffness coming out of crate/kennel
• Difficulty or reluctance jumping on or off things (couches, chairs, lap)
• Difficulty or reluctance doing stairs or incline/declines
• Sitting with the rear legs out to one side (puppy sitting)
• Limping, favouring a limb or head bobbing while walking or running
• Sensitivity to touch with evasive movements such as dipping head or hollowing back when being petted
• Tucking tail or hind end
• Muscle wasting or atrophy and muscle imbalances
• Partial weakness or paralysis (i.e. splaying of the hind legs)
• Discomfort when taking off or putting on collars/harnesses
• Coordination problems (stumbling, walking on an angle, being off balance)
• Shortened stride in one or two limbs
• Change in behaviour (fear biting, grumpiness, accidents in the house, wetting/soiling their beds)
• Licking/ chewing certain areas of the body
• Panting, pacing, yelping, pushing head against wall
• Facial expression of apprehension, anxiety or pain

Conditions That Respond Well to Chiropractic Care:

• Muscle pulls or strains/ sprains
• Injuries from falls, slips, splays, rough play or animal sport
• Nerve problems or irritations
• Disc issues (herniations, ruptures, degeneration)
• Arthritis
• Rear-end weakness
• Poor performance and movement patterns
• Short stepping or striding, abnormal gait pattern
• Jaw or TMJ problems
• Secondary effects of hip or elbow dysplasia
• Secondary effects of a fractured or dislocated limb (usually limping and compensatory patterns will cause problems elsewhere)
• Post-surgical care to facilitate healing and correct biomechanical issues
• Internal medical disorders that do not resolve as expected (i.e. loss of urine/bowel control)
• Geriatric animals with stiffness, pain and discomfort
• General maintenance of joint health and mobility