Canine Chiropractic
Mans best friend is now part of every second family. Any dog can benefit from chiropractic care, whether they are a pet and enjoying long walks and cuddles or they are used for work (gundogs, guard dogs, police dogs), racing, agility, obedience or showing.
Over time we have bread dogs for certain characteristics but with those certain breeds are more prone to certain ailments.
When should you consider canine chiropractic treatment?
All dogs are likely to have musculoskeletal problems, whether they are used for sport, breeding, therapy or just as pets at some point in their life. Certain breeds and those involved in work or activities can be more prone to issues.
Domestication has meant that dogs’ life spans has increased drastically and because of this chiropractic should be a vital part of their health care.
Misalignments can be caused by acute incidents such as a slip, trip, or fall, or overzealous playing in the dog park or at day care.
Veterinary Chiropractic looks at the whole neurological and musculoskeletal system. This means that it can help with a wide range of performance as well as often behavioural issues. Not only does this make chiropractic a brilliant way to aid exercise recovery rates, but also to enhance performance, prevent injury, and achieve optimum performance.
Few examples below:
Obedience and show dogs often have neck issues from the collars and constant looking up.
Greyhounds often have uneven muscle development from running only in one direction and around corners when racing.
Agility dogs make quick turn after quick turn and do lots of jumping - one misplaced foot can lead to misalignments in the pelvis and shoulders.
Working dogs (sled dogs and police dogs) often have tight upper backs due to their heavy harness and the pulling.
Breeds with long backs and those with shorter legs are also more likely to suffer issues due to their conformation.
These are only to name a few, but all dogs can injure themselves and as most owners will appreciate, the sight of a squirrel or squeaky ball will result in all care for their own well-being quickly vanishing!
For animals that have recently given birth a check-up treatment is a great idea to ensure there are no ongoing problems and the puppies are well and healthy.
Symptoms to look out for
Change in behaviour is a big indicator (Dogs becoming shy and hiding away from humans, being less affectionate or showing signs of aggression)
Limping, Leg Stiffness, Walk then hop
Unexplained drop in performance
Exhibiting signs of pain during or after exercise
Crying out, whimpering when getting up
Difficulty walking upstairs or getting into cars
Showing signs of discomfort when being stroked on their back
A reluctance to play or exercise
Loss of appetite
Excessive grooming (sometimes causing bold spots)
Heavy Panting
Tail being off to one side
Puppy sitting when before they sat nice and straight
Sings of aggression when petted
Benefits of chiropractic for dogs
Treatment using canine chiropractic techniques can go a long way in alleviating, preventing and treating problems. Most dog owners and handlers reported the following in their dogs after chiropractic care:
Increased flexibility and joint movement and mobility
Increased stride length and evenness
Dogs seem more settled when in stressful situations
They are more aware of their body in space (less or no more stumbling/tripping)
An increase in muscle elasticity
Improved coordination (important in performance agility, obedience etc)
Relaxation and a decrease in stress levels
Relief from discomfort
Increased rate of healing
Quicker recovery from exercise
A decrease in post-exercise muscle soreness
Helping to prevent muscle strain
Providing excellent pre and post-exercise stretches/exercises