Just like humans, dogs can have issues with their backs and posture and sometimes getting adjusted by a licensed animal chiropractor is what we need. Let me start by saying I am in no way, shape, or form a medical expert and you need to consult with your own veterinarian and/or chiropractor for advice. I’m merely barking about my own experiences and what has worked for me and my family.
As you know my family is pretty active. We take care of our backs, no jumping in and out of vehicles, or on and off furniture, etc, but as life progresses our backs and bodies can fall out of alignment and if we get adjusted, we will feel much better. You can see my poor sitting posture in the above photo which is a clue I’m out of alignment.
You may recall Bailie walked funny when we she first arrived at our house. She had two visits to an animal chiropractor and has been good as new ever since! It is not painful and feels actually more like a massage with a quick tweak. Dr. Brent worked the entire length of my spine, my neck, shoulders, pretty much my entire body.
Through Bailie’s daycare we found Dr. Brent at Claws, Paws, & Hooves Chiropractic. He is a certified animal chiropractor and has completed a 210 hour postgraduate program at a college accredited by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. With his education and being recommended by Dog Day Getaway, we knew he would be a chiropractor we could trust.
Some symptoms your dog may experience which could be helped or cured by an animal chiropractor would be:
- abnormal posture
- lowered mobility
- reluctant to climb stairs
- sitting to one side
- shortened stride
- inability to jump
- muscle spasms
- sport injuries
- limping
Injuries or pain don’t have to be the only reason to get adjusted. Being in proper alignment allows for optimal function and performance of the muscles, nerves, tissues, and joints in sports, working, and other activities. I highly recommend seeing an animal chiropractor if you are having any issues which may be related to alignment.
After a treatment, your pup may be a bit tired out and should have limited exercise for a day or two. One canine treatment is about the equivalent of ten human treatments because we dogs are so in tune with our bodies.
I experienced no pain, enjoyed the treatment, and other than being tired out, felt great. Mom noticed my sitting and walking had improved immediately. I will be going back for at least two more sessions. When a body is out of alignment for a long time, it can take time to really get back to where it should be. I’m happy to feel better without using any drugs, or having any surgery.
An FYI, I didn’t have a serious injury, but I had been having some pain, and sitting was something I didn’t want to do which is why I decided I needed to be adjusted. I’m eight, and playing chase and wrestle with Bailie all the time sometimes takes its toll on me I guess, but I’m feeling great, and out playing once again!
A big congratulations to Lisa Davis and her dog Mumpford who won our FitDog Friday 2nd Anniversary Prize Package! Enjoy! (Photo courtesy of Lisa Davis)
Iβm co hosting the FitDog Friday Blog Hop with SlimDoggy, and To Dog With Love!Β Please join us on Fridays to share your fitness stories with others, find new ways to have fun, and new fitness ideas too! Tell your friends to stop by as well β fit dogs are healthier, happier dogs!
Thanks for posting this! I am interested in chiropractics for my dogs!
It is wonderful! I think it is something new but can really be helpful in many situations. Our chiropractor also works with our vet which is nice.
My momma has to adjust my hips and knees sometimes – I has arthureyetis in my hips and luxatating patellas. It helps a lot.
Wow, that is a lot to deal with. Good your Mom can help you out.
Very interesting specially as we have stiffness some days. Have a fabulous Friday.
Best wishes Molly
I had some pain because of all my wild play, but it is so much better already.
We use to take Reilly to a doggie chiropractor when we lived in Nebraska and he loved it and it helped him so much – there was none around the area we live now but we are hoping we can find one in Florida
We had a devil of a time finding one for Bailie, but when Dr. Brent popped up we made a note of it and shortly after, I needed some adjustment.
Oh I wish we had such a bone-setting dr. here too. how great that this dr. put all things on the right place, so you can chase all that wabbits around now :o)
I feel much better and am sure with a few more tweaks I will be spry as a puppy!
What? No furniture? I sleep with the mom, and I even allow her to share my pillow. π The mom has ALL the symptoms listed, poor thing. I am glad you are feeling better. XOXO Sparkle the PBGV
No furniture at our house. Bailie sleeps in bed with Mom, but she is lifted in and out. We have plenty of places to hang out without the furniture and Mom is on the floor with us most of the time anyway.
Great post, especially the photos which show you enjoying your adjustments, Emma. Jeffie is receiving chiropractic care and feels so much better after each treatment. It was hard to find a canine chiropractor and we have to drive over an hour each way, but it’s worth it!
They are hard to find. We had to drive about 45 mins for Bailie’s treatments, but Dr. Brent is conveniently located and he also works at the day care doing adjustments once a month which is about a 5 min drive. Glad Jeffie is doing better too.
Wonderful post Emma. It was nice to see all the different pictures and positions. Have a wonderful weekend my fur-iends!
He can bend me up like a pretzel and I don’t mind. It feels good.
I’m a human who regularly visits a chiropractor and think it’s wonderful that it’s available for pets too!
Dr. Brent is a human chiropractor too, so I could get adjusted with mom too! He is decreasing the human side of his business right now and ramping up the animal side.
Oh Emma! Now I know why I don’t want to sit!
Mommie would like to know if there is a doctor for not peeing in the house.
We are an independent breed, but you will get the hang of it eventually.
I WILL NEVER EVER BEHAVE.
Ah wow!!! I have to say I have never heard of, nor though of, this for dogs!! So glad it works for you!
α¦ husky hugz α¦ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
With Bailie it was our first time hearing of it, but it is a great tool and I think it is growing in popularity these days too.
You are a good representation of well behaved
Lily & Edward
I have my naughty moments, but as I get older I get more behaved.
Great post.
sumskersandearlskers13.blogspot.com
Thank you. I know a lot of agility dogs get adjusted.
Way to keep it real & healthy! Such a good doggie model, too. Have a happy weekend. π
You know when a girl is a model, she has to look good no matter what is going on!
Very interesting, Emma, and you really do look relaxed while you’re having it done. We have heard of chiropractors for dogs but didn’t know much about it. I wonder if we have any in our area, I might have to look into that. Cricket seems to be feeling things more this year and I’m sure it’s because of her age, but this could help her too.
Start by asking your vet otherwise you have to search the internet. We were thrilled when the day care started working with Dr. Brent.
Dang, hope your good and ready for some romping now!
Feeling much better and looking forward to my next treatment.
I have heard of chiropractors for dogs but haven’t really looked into it, thanks for sharing this info. You look like you loved it Emma!
It isn’t something many folks know about but it has been so helpful for Bailie and me, I wanted to share some info on it.
Glad you are feeling better. Thos young ones can play rough. π
I enjoy acting like a puppy, but sometimes it knocks me out of alignment.
Mr. N is not showing any of those symptoms but I’d be interested if he did start showing any and as he gets older. He’s gotten a brief massage from a canine masseuse before but he was very squirmy.
Some dogs are fine forever, but we have long backs and I like to play pretty wild, so sometimes I have some pain and need to get adjusted. I was totally at east the entire time.
Way to go Emma! My “Uncle” is a chiro doc in Santa Barbara. He is really good with people, but VERY good with horses,dogs, and cats! I wish we lived closer to him. Chablis
That is cool! You have to go visit and make sure and get adjusted!
Wow Emma! Mom was really fascinated with this post. She thinks that there is no way Lilly would sit still and let this happen to her. Me? She knows I am perfect and very easy to work with–just like you. Thanks for letting mom know about this — your doodle friend Dash
Even squirmy puppy Bailie did just fun when she went. It is real relaxing, doesn’t hurt and actually feels quite good. It sure beats taking pain killers or worst case needing surgery. I highly recommend it if you have any issues.
I haven’t seen a chiropractor, but I did get acupuncture! ~Ernie
That has been suggested for my older sister with arthritis.
With the stunts Cookie pulls, she gets adjusted regularly. So did Jasmine, though for different reason.
Stuff happens, just like with humans and it is a great way to get back to feeling good and helping out our bodies.
I think it’s pawsome that you went the proactive route rather than just having your vet prescribe pain meds! Way to go! I have heard of animal chiropractors, but have no personal experience with them yet. My hubby & I both used to see a human chiropractor for a few months whose hands worked wonders. I have no doubt that Chiropractors can do the same for our best friends. I’m very glad you’re feeling better!
Mom has been to a chiropractor a few times too. We are all for it after Bailie getting straightened out and now I am starting to feel better again. I’m not scared of Dr. Brent either like I am at the vet.
I have never heard of a chiropractor for animals. I’m glad that it makes you feel better.
We had never heard of it either until it was suggested for Bailie who was crunched in the womb as one of 14. A chiropractor can really do wonders and it isn’t scary at all.
Thanks for explaining animal chiropractics and for the wonderful photos to go along with it.
It is something most have never heard of or thought of, so we wanted to bring some attention to it.
Cool photos. The before and after of your posture is interesting! (I also like your spots.)
Thanks. Mom says my “trunk area” reminds her of a Holstein cow which I don’t find so flattering, but I guess it is kind of true.
Great post – I’d never heard of an animal chiropractor so found this fascinating! We had a St Bernard once, I’m sure she could have benefited from this type of session.
He works on kitties too, but more dogs and horses.
Emma – you’ve given me something to look into – thanks. Harley might enjoy a visit or two. Great job.
It helps me a lot. I’m going back again on Friday this week.