Can I Really Take my Pet to a Chiropractor?

Yes, you really can take your pet to a chiropractor for treatment, although certified veterinary chiropractors may be difficult to locate in certain regions of the United States. An animal chiropractor provides a number of services similar to those offered by human chiropractors, including spinal manipulations, gait exams and therapeutic massage. Almost all veterinary chiropractors are certified members of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, or AVCA.

Many pets are natural athletes, which means they are prone to the same sorts of injuries human athletes experience. When an otherwise healthy pet becomes disabled by a sports injury or other damage to its joints and muscles, an owner may want to take that pet to a chiropractor as an alternative to expensive orthopedic surgery or standard medications with limited effects. An animal chiropractor can study the animal's gait and general posture for indications of a misalignment in the spine. A horse may prefer to walk in one direction, for example, or a dog may develop a pronounced limp on one side.

Veterinary chiropractors are usually licensed veterinarians who have received additional training and certification in animal chiropractic. They use many of the same tools as traditional chiropractors, such as a spring-loaded device which delivers small taps to selected vertebrae. Once the vertebrae have been realigned properly, the nerves and blood vessels surrounding them should begin to function better. This spinal realignment procedure is believed to have a cumulative effect on the rest of the animal's body, including internal organs.

Before you take your pet to a chiropractor, however, there are some things to consider. Animal chiropractic is not designed to replace traditional veterinary care completely. If the animal is in obvious distress or in need of immediate attention, a visit to a traditional veterinarian may be the first course of treatment. The veterinarian may refer owners to a reputable animal chiropractor for rehabilitation purposes or as an alternative to expensive and risky orthopedic surgery.

Because animal chiropractors are in relatively short supply, those who wish to take a pet to a chiropractor may have to drive a significant distance for treatment. It is not uncommon for a veterinary chiropractor to recommend several follow-up adjustments or an ongoing treatment regimen. Certain pets may not be able to withstand the stresses of long-distance travel, and an animal chiropractor's fees are competitive with those of human chiropractors. Many pets do show remarkable recovery following chiropractic adjustments, while others may not derive as much benefit as they would with corrective surgery.

If you happen to live in an area with a certified animal chiropractor, and you believe your pet would benefit from his or her services, then you may want to set up an appointment for a general exam and suggested course of action. The AVCA's website can provide a list of accredited veterinary chiropractors across the United States.

Yes, it is generally safe to take your pet to a chiropractor. Animal chiropractic care is a growing field, with practitioners trained specifically in adjusting animals' spines and joints. According to the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, certified animal chiropractors must complete extensive postgraduate education and training to ensure they provide safe and effective care.

Chiropractic care can benefit a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. It's particularly popular among performance animals like racehorses and agility dogs, as it can help improve mobility and potentially enhance athletic performance. However, pets of all activity levels may experience improved well-being from chiropractic adjustments.

Pet chiropractors can treat various conditions, such as neck, back, leg, and tail pain, muscle spasms, nerve problems, joint issues, and even some types of incontinence. They can also help with injuries from slips, falls, or accidents. Chiropractic care is often used as a complementary treatment alongside conventional veterinary medicine.

To find a qualified animal chiropractor, look for practitioners certified by a reputable organization such as the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association or the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. These certifications ensure the chiropractor has undergone proper training and adheres to a set of professional standards specific to animal chiropractic care.

The frequency of chiropractic visits depends on your pet's individual needs. For general maintenance, pets might see a chiropractor every few months. However, pets with chronic conditions or injuries may require more frequent visits, such as weekly sessions, until their condition improves. Your pet's chiropractor will recommend a treatment plan based on a thorough evaluation.

Chiropractic care should not replace traditional veterinary medicine but rather complement it. While chiropractic adjustments can alleviate certain musculoskeletal issues and improve overall function, they are not a cure-all. It's essential to work with both a veterinarian and a certified animal chiropractor to ensure your pet receives comprehensive care for all health concerns.