When to Use a Dog Chiropractor and How They Can Help

If your dog is experiencing pain, discomfort or injury, and conventional medicine isn’t helping, it may be time to consider the option of a chiropractor. But what is a dog chiropractor? How does it work? And what can you expect from treatment? Here’s everything you need to know about this innovative approach for relieving canine pain.

What is a dog chiropractor?

A dog chiropractor is a veterinarian who specializes in treating dogs. In many ways, they are similar to human chiropractors: they treat musculoskeletal pain and other conditions related to spinal health. However, because the spine of a dog is different from that of a human, there are some key differences between the treatments provided by dog chiropractors and those provided by humans.

The most obvious difference is that dogs cannot talk or communicate with their owners about their pain or discomfort—a problem that can make it difficult for pet owners to understand why their dog has certain ailments or what kinds of treatments would be best for them. To address this issue, canine chiropractors rely on observation and touch instead of verbal communication with their patients (although they do take notes). This means that when your vet suggests considering seeing one after seeing another specialist about your pet's condition, you should listen up!

Dog chiropractors treat dogs for a variety of ailments.

The primary purpose of a dog chiropractor is to treat the spine and spinal column in dogs. A dog's spine, like that of a human, has five vertebrae that form a ladder-like structure. These vertebrae are connected by joints and discs, which work together to provide stability to the body as well as allow mobility.

When these structures become misaligned or damaged due to trauma, disease or congenital defects, it can lead to pain and discomfort throughout the body. Chiropractic care for dogs focuses on removing pressure from these misaligned areas so that they regain proper alignment along with their natural range of motion.

How to find a dog chiropractor near you.

It's easy to find a dog chiropractor near you. Just do a search online or in the phone book, ask your vet if they know of any dog chiropractors in your area, and ask other dog owners if they've used one before. It's also a good idea to look up the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (this organization certifies its members) to see if there are any nearby.

If you want more information about how your pet can benefit from chiropractic care, talk with their veterinarian or visit [website url].

What to expect from your first appointment with a dog chiropractor.

A typical dog chiropractic appointment will include a thorough examination of your dog and perhaps an x-ray. The veterinarian will explain their findings, including what structure(s) may be causing pain, and then they'll outline a treatment plan that includes specific exercises you can do with your pet at home in addition to regular visits with them. If you have insurance coverage for wellness services like acupuncture or massage therapy, ask if those are included in the price as well.

The consultation phase of your first visit will allow you to learn about costs for care packages or other fees associated with different levels of service based on how often you need care (some dogs require weekly adjustments). You'll also discuss how much time each session lasts—this varies from 15 minutes up to an hour depending on the severity of your pet's condition—and whether there are options available such as payment plans or discounts when services are purchased in advance (for example: five sessions now instead of one every two weeks).

A dog chiropractor can help treat any number of ailments, including spinal and hip pain.

A dog chiropractor can help with a variety of ailments. Since they are also trained in human medicine, they're capable of diagnosing and treating spinal and hip pain, arthritis, disc disease and other problems. Dog chiropractors understand the anatomy of your pet's spine and can adjust it to relieve pressure on nerves or bones—and most importantly for you as a pet owner—help your dog feel better.

Although chiropractic care isn't usually covered by insurance plans (except in cases where it's recommended by another professional), some services may be offered at discounted rates if you have an existing relationship with the practitioner or clinic.

Conclusion

If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, a chiropractor may be able to help. However, it’s important to know that there are no guarantees when it comes to treatment. The best way to protect your dog is by keeping him or her safe from injury in the first place. If you do notice any signs of discomfort, contact your vet immediately!