What is Animal Chiropractic?

Chiropractic doctors have been treating people for over a hundred years.  The extension into treating animals was a natural progression.  The anatomy and physiology of an animal’s spine is very similar to ours as well as their response to chiropractic care.  In fact, animals seem to respond much quicker to treatment than their human counterparts.

In the spinal column, the vertebrae, spinal cord and spinal nerves are very close together.  Therfore, any shifts in positioning of these bones can cause pressure and impingement on adjacent structures.  This is especially detrimental if the pressure is placed on nerves.  In such cases, the general health of your pet would be compromised.  Animal chiropractors are trained to locate and treat these specific joint and spinal problems.  Treatments are very gentle, sometimes appearing as if the doctor is just petting your animal.  Pets quite enjoy the treatments and usually become calm and relaxed afterwards.

How does Animal Chiropractic Work?

Small misalignments of the vertebrae can cause nerve impingement resulting in symptoms such as limping, hunching and pain.  Since the nerves control every function in the body, even slight compression on the nerves can compromise your pet’s health.  Adjusting these vertebrae back to their normal positions will relieve nerve pressure and allow the impulses to flow again.  Your pet can therefore begin to heal itself naturally without the use of dugs or surgery.

What Animals can Benefit from Chiropractic?

Any animal with a spine can benefit.  Dr. Wong specializes in treating dogs and cats.  Some Animal Chiropractors treat only horses while others specialize in exotic animals.

What Causes My Pet’s Joint to Go Out of Alignment?

Physical, chemical and emotional stressors can cause joint misalignments.  Repetitive activities such as jumping on and off furniture, jumping into and out of vehicles, and constant pulling on their leash and collar will shift your pet’s vertebrae causing friction and damage to bones and nerves.  Discouraging these behaviours when your pet is young will help to maintain their overall joint health and delay the onset of arthritis.

How do I Know My Pet Needs Chiropractic Care?

Most often your pet will not show any signs and symptoms or show mild symptoms that goes away within a few days.  Animals have evolved to hide their sickness, otherwise they will fall prey to other animals.  Health conditions can begin developing for months or even years before your pet will show any symptoms.  However, as your pet ages, major and minor trauma will naturally accumulate in their body and symptoms will eventually manifest.  Animal Chiropractors are trained to locate and treat these issues long before they affect your pets health.

Signs to Look for:

• Lameness
• Weakness
• Difficulty jumping
• Walking differently 
• Sensitive to petting or grooming
• Constantly licking their paws
• Tail is down Problems with stairs
• Behavioural changes
• Panting more
• Slow to get up from lying
• Temporary paralysis

Why Choose Chiropractic Care for Your Four Legged Family Member?

Chiropractic can improve your pet’s quality of life by eliminating their pain, improve mobility and increase energy.  They usually respond fairly quickly to care and improvements are often noticed within a few visits.  In some cases it’s almost immediate!

Many pets are living longer, healthier lives with the help of regular chiropractic care.  Feel free to connect with Dr. Wong if you have any questions at (403) 521-5234 or dr.debbiewong@gmail.com.

Dr. Debbie Wong is a Doctor of Chiropractic with specialized training and certification in Animal Chiropractic.  She is NOT a veterinarian and cannot take responsibility for the primary health care of your animal.  Chiropractic care is NOT intended to replace traditional veterinary care.  It is considered specialized complementary therapy for animals, to be used concurrently and in conjunction with your veterinarian’s care.