Crackin’ Up: Chiropractic Adjustments for Canine and Feline Patients

We understand that you love your pets and want them to thrive and enjoy a healthy, happy life and guess what, animal chiropractor visits are indeed a thing.

Animal chiropractic care is a specialized field that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues in animals, particularly in dogs, cats, and horses. Just like in humans, chiropractic adjustments for animals can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. Dr. Thomas recommends chiropractic care for her canine and feline patients to address issues such as:

• Spinal misalignments: These can cause pain and stiffness.

• Joint problems: Including arthritis and hip dysplasia.

• Injury recovery: Helping pets recover from accidents or surgeries.

• Improving performance: Especially in working or athletic animals.

Dr. Thomas and certified animal chiropractor Dr. Russ work together to provide this care, ensuring it is safe and beneficial for your pet.

Let’s Get Crackin’: Getting Down to the Details

Medical History: Dr. Thomas will take a comprehensive history of your pet's health, including current or previous injuries, surgeries, and any current symptoms. It's crucial to share all your observations, even those that may seem minor to you. No one knows your pet as well as you do, and your insights are invaluable in identifying symptoms, determining causes, and developing a treatment plan.

Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination will be conducted to assess your pet's posture, gait, and spinal alignment. This may include palpation of the spine and joints to identify areas of discomfort or misalignment.

Diagnostic Imaging: In some cases, X-rays or other imaging techniques may be used to better understand the underlying issues.

Now That We’ve Cracked the Surface:

Our reception team will schedule an appointment with Dr. Russ, a licensed chiropractor dedicated to improving spinal health and overall well-being for both his human and animal clients. All chiropractic appointments take place in a familiar setting in our office.

Dr. Russ will consult with Dr. Thomas, review our pet’s medical record, and examine your pet's X-rays prior to your appointment. At your appointment, he will discuss your pet's history with you and though examination will determine if there have been any changes since your pet’s last consultation with Dr. Thomas.

Paws for Crack: Time for Your Pet’s Adjustment Positioning:

Your pet will be positioned comfortably, either standing, lying down, or in a way that allows Dr. Russ to access the problem areas.

Gentle Manipulation: Dr. Russ will use gentle, precise adjustments to realign the spine and joints. The pressure used is typically mild and tailored to the size and condition of your pet.

Observation: Dr. Russ will observe your pet’s reaction to the adjustments to ensure they are comfortable and to monitor any immediate changes in their behavior or posture.

After the Crack- Post-Adjustment Care

Dr. Russ may provide the following instructions for your pet:

Rest and Recovery:  Your pet may need some time to rest after the adjustment.  It’s important to provide a calm environment and avoid strenuous activities for a short period.

Follow-Up: The chiropractor might recommend follow-up visits to monitor progress and make additional adjustments if necessary.

Home Care Instructions: You might receive instructions on exercises or activities to help maintain your pet’s alignment and support their overall well-being.

Crack Relief: Benefits and Responses

Immediate Relief: Some pets show immediate signs of relief and improved mobility after an adjustment.

Gradual Improvement: For others, improvement may be gradual over several sessions.

Behavioral Changes: Positive changes in behavior, such as reduced irritability or increased playfulness, can also be a sign of relief from pain or discomfort.

Aardvark is proud to provide chiropractic care which can be beneficial for pets with musculoskeletal issues, providing pain relief and improving mobility. We consider chiropractic care an additional layer of our comprehensive, individualized, and exceptional veterinary care that you expect from our hospital.

If you have any inquiries about our chiropractic services or wish for Dr. Thomas to assess whether your pet is a suitable candidate, please reach out to our office. You can contact us via phone or text at 610-269-2226, through our Pet Desk app, or by emailing us at staff@aahvmd.com.

Thank you, as always, for entrusting us with the care of your beloved pets and for allowing us to partner with you on their journey to health and wellness.

*This article is for informational purposes only. Although animal chiropractic care is beneficial for your pet's well-being, it's important to avoid attempting chiropractic procedures yourself or seeking care from a chiropractor who isn't certified in animal chiropractic care. Your pet's safety and health are best ensured under the guidance of a veterinarian and a licensed professional during chiropractic manipulation.