When to See a Dog Chiropractor
More and more veterinarians and pet parents are becoming aware of the value of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) these days, and pets are the happy beneficiaries of this increased awareness. Some of the treatments under the CAM umbrella include homeopathy, chiropractic care, massage, and acupuncture. Chiropractic adjustments for dogs has especially been favored by many pet parents recently, because it can help remediate a number of issues with movement and mobility. Many veterinarians are now referring people to skilled chiropractors when mobility issues need to be resolved.
Credentials to look for in a pet chiropractor
Here are some of the credentials you should be on the lookout for, when you’re trying to decide on the right chiropractor for your pet:
- Veterinarian degree (DVM) or a human chiropractor degree (DC)
- Training in animal chiropractic – 210 hours of study in a program approved by the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC)
- licensing for the state where they practice
- member of either the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA), or the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA)
When you should take your pet to a chiropractor
If you have already taken your pet to a local veterinarian, and he/she recommends a visit to the chiropractor, this would be the most solid indication you could have that chiropractic care would benefit your pet. Veterinarians are especially well equipped to understand when some kind of mobility issue can be resolved more easily through chiropractic care, and a referral may be exactly what your pet needs.
If you have not taken your pet to a veterinarian for whatever reason, you might still want to take your pet to a chiropractor, for instance when you notice that your pet has some pronounced difficulty with moving around or navigating. A limp or some kind of awkward walking motion might also be grounds for taking your pooch to the chiropractor, because any kind of bone or tissue damage might be easily correctable by a chiropractic specialist.
What to expect
When you do get your pet to see a veterinary chiropractor, the first thing the specialist will do is observe the way that your pet moves around, as well as how it stands or rests. All these postures can provide valuable clues as to what the animal is going through, and the specialist might also probe around the animal’s body for signs of asymmetry or loss of balance. In some cases, it might be necessary to take X-Rays or 3D images to help identify exactly what is out of alignment. If necessary, on the spot adjustments can be made, prior to the formulation of a treatment plan.
It will sometimes be necessary to bring your pet back for recurring chiropractic adjustments for dogs, since misalignments can occur as a result of normal activities and movements. When the animal undergoes regular adjustments, you’ll probably find that it’s more willing to go on walks and hikes, and is more interested in being playful. Your dog may become sore after an adjustment, but this will wear off in a day or so, and it may also become very drowsy after returning home. This is also to be expected, and will not be harmful at all to your pet.
Contact Wolke Chiropractic & Rehabilitation to find a chiropractor trained to treat your pets with expert chiropractic care. Call now at (973) 542-9944 or submit our FREE Consultation form to schedule an appointment.
