Dogs & chiropractic

All dogs can benefit from chiropractic care, whether coach potato or canine athlete. Back, neck or other joint problems can be caused simply by their normal daily activities – pulling on the lead, chasing balls, jumping on and off the furniture. 

From the time a puppy begins walking, chiropractic care can help to maintain normal joint function, enabling him to grow up in balance.

It is well known that certain breeds are predisposed to musculo-skeletal problems problems such as GSDs with hip dysplasia, and dachshunds with disc disease.  Owners of these breeds should be particularly vigilant in order to minimise the development of these problems – consult your vet regarding appropriate diet and exercise, and consider regular chiropractic check-ups.

In the elderly dog regular treatment can maintain soundness and flexibility.  Even those who suffer from arthritis or spondylosis can be treated safely and often show great improvement in mobility and pain reduction.

Dogs who have previously suffered a trauma or have had surgery (cruciate ligament for example) can heal more efficiently if the rest of their joints are kept moving properly to take stress away from the injured area.  (In these cases a certain level of healing should be achieved before chiropractic care begins and I will always liaise closely with your own vet).

Working dogs

Working dogs have their own problems related to their particular discipline.

Agility is a high impact sport and dogs can suffer injury due to over-enthusiasm; slipping on turns, or hitting the equipment for example.  Weaving places unusual stress on the inter-vertebral discs that they weren't designed to withstand. 

Obedience handlers often notice slight problems in their dogs’ performance including fidgeting in stays, problems with retrieve, crabbing, and puppy sitting.  These problems are often indicative of restricted motion and discomfort in the back or neck.

Working trials and Schutzhund

Working trials and Schutzhund dogs have similar problems to those encountered in obedience and agility.  Neck and jaw problems related to man work are also prevalent – the force of hitting the sleeve at speed with an open mouth is quite significant!

Flyball

If you watch a flyball dog in action you will notice that they almost always turn the same way off the box. This produces asymetrical forces on the spine, and eventually results in excessive movement on one side and restricted movement on the other. 

Gun dogs

Gun Dogs often do a hard day’s work in difficult conditions so they need to have stamina. A dog that is trying to compensate for underlying problems will fatigue quicker and be more prone to injury.

Show dogs

Show dogs may develop gait problems such as not moving straight, or generally looking ‘uneven’. In these cases there is usually no lamesness, but the problem is significant enough to impact on the dog’s show career.  A chiropractic examination may determine the cause of gait abnormalities.  Unsightly lick granulomas on the front of the wrists are sometimes related to a problem in the neck that can be successfully treated by chiropractic.

Please note – animals can only be treated with the knowledge and agreement of their vet. Find out about chiropractic & the law