Injury, surgery, musculoskeletal conditions or even just ageing can leave pets feeling stiff and uncomfortable. Along with traditional medicine and treatment, veterinary chiropractic services can help provide relief to dogs and cats, using manual manipulations to improve nerve and joint function.
If you’re considering seeing an animal chiro for your cat, dog or even pocket pet, this guide will give you the information you need before your appointment. Our vets have covered what to expect, how it works, if it’s safe, what it can help treat and more.
What exactly is an animal chiropractor?
An animal chiropractor performs non-invasive manual therapies on pets with the goal of helping restore functional and mobility for musculoskeletal conditions and problems. It’s not a service all vets or chiropractors provide, with only those who have undergone additional training in holistic animal care offering the treatment. The goal of animal chiro is not to replace traditional veterinary care, but rather support treatment with holistic options to help increase comfort.
But is animal chiro safe?
In Australia, to perform animal chiropractic services, the practitioner must either be a qualified veterinarian or have a human chiropractic degree and have undergone further training specific to animal chiropractics. This is to help make sure treatment is safe for cats, dogs and other animals undergoing treatment. It’s important to confirm anyone you see for chiro services for your pets are appropriately trained.
Benefits of Taking Your Cat or Dog to a Pet Chiropractor
There can be many benefits of seeing a pet chiropractor for cats and dogs of all ages, including senior pets or those recovering from an injury or surgery. These are some of the top reasons why pet owners are turning towards this holistic pet treatment.
Improved mobility and flexibility.
When an animal’s joints and spine are out of alignment, it can cause pressure on nerves and tissue, obstruct movement and cause discomfort. By targeting this misalignment, a pet chiropractor can help dogs, cats and other animals experience reduced pain and stiffness, improved nerve function and enhanced joint function. Pet owners often report increased activity in their furry friends after following a recommended treatment plan.
Non-invasive, natural pain relief.
Animal chiro is performed without anaesthesia or pain relief, using gentle, manual adjustments rather than surgery or medication. However, it can be used with these traditional animal medicine treatments as a more complete plan. Chiro is so gentle it’s often used after surgery or in elderly pets to help with improved recovery or to improve mobility and flexibility.
Support for senior pets.
As pets age, they often experience some stiffness in the joints, sometimes linked to conditions like arthritis or degenerative joint disease. By removing joint restrictions, it can help reduce muscle spasms, improve daily movement, reduce strain and provide cats and dogs with a better quality of life in their older years.
Potentially faster recovery of injuries or post-surgery.
After an injury or surgery, animal chiropractic services can help improve circulation and nerve function, helping support their recovery. This can also help ease discomfort if they’ve had to reduce mobility to rest or if they’re compensating by shifting weight to other areas. Orthopaedic vets will often suggest chiro as part of a treatment plan for pets with cranial ligament injuries, hip dysplasia and muscle tears for these benefits.
When to Take Your Pooch to a Dog Chiropractor
Even small changes in a dog’s behaviour can be a sign they’re experiencing pain or discomfort. Seeing a dog chiropractor may be an option to consider if:
- You’re noticing they are more careful to jump, play, walk or run.
- They’re becoming less active, including avoiding stairs.
- Their nails are wearing unevenly.
- They’re suddenly sitting with their legs to the sign.
- They’ve recently had surgery or been injured.
- They’re entering their older years.
- They’ve been diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition.
A vet who also provided chiropractic services can help assess your pet and see if treatment may be a good option to include in their care plan.
Conditions a Cat Chiropractor Can Help Treat
Cats are notorious for hiding any pain, discomfort or illnesses. But small signs like avoiding jumping up, not running or playing as much or even decreased appetite could be a sign something is going on and needs a visit to the vet who may recommend seeing a cat chiropractor, some are even both.
Some of the most common conditions cat chiropractic is used for include:
- Osteoarthritis.
- Hip dysplasia.
- Intervertebral disc disease.
- Spondylosis.
- Muscle spasms and strains.
- Injuries from trauma.
- Post-surgery recovery.
A vet or animal chiropractor can help advise if holistic care is a good option for your kitty.
What to Expect When You Take Your Pet to a Vet Chiropractor
If you’ve ever been to a chiropractor yourself, the process for visiting a vet chiropractor is quite similar. It often involves:
- A thorough assessment of your pet, including assessing their medical history, any x-rays, past therapies and any medications they may be on. They will also observe your pet moving to determine where there may be misalignment.
- The vet chiro will then use their hands to perform a number of techniques and manual adjustments, such as stretching of limbs, manually adjusting the vertebrae or joints, and other methods.
- Recommending at-home care and on-going treatment based on their progress.
They typically do not require anaesthesia, and it’s generally pain free.
Tips For Choosing Animal Chiropractic Services
You want to make sure you’re taking your dog, cat or even pocket pet, like a guinea pig, to a trusted veterinarian chiropractor. To make sure you’re choosing the right service:
- Verify their accreditations, including veterinary qualification and further training in animal chiropractics.
- Read online reviews for the clinic.
- Evaluate their approach, including how confident you are in their communication.
- Make sure the environment is safe and calming for animals.
You also do not want to hear them make any direct claims of curing your pet, as this may be a ‘red flag’, as they say.
Plus One Vet offers animal chiropractic services in Nundah, Sunnybank and surrounds.
If you’re in the Brisbane area, we have vets who have undergone additional training in orthopaedic surgery, animal chiropractic services, as well as holistic services. Call to speak to our team about whether a visit to our vet chiro is right for your furry friend.
