All animals may suffer from back, neck, pelvic and musculoskeletal problems at some time during their life. And just like people, they too can benefit from regular chiropractic care. Primarily animal chiropractic care focus around horses and dogs. However I have treated, a huge variety of other animals have also benefited – cats, farm animals, birds and a variety of “exotics” - even an alpaca and lamas.

Whatever the age of your animal, whatever your chosen life style, activity or sport both you and your animals, can have improved musculoskeletal health, comfort, and possible better performance of your animal with the aid of chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care aims to align and balance the animal's musculoskeletal system, thereby enhancing the animals dynamic flexibility. By making subtle adjustments throughout the whole body whilst paying special attention to the spine and pelvis, health, soundness and performance may be restored and maintained.

How to tell when your animal may benefit from a chiropractic treatment – below are some typical indicators:

    •    Lameness or limb dragging

    •    Reluctance to exercise

    •    Uneven gait

    •    Changes or deterioration in performance, behaviour or temperament

    •    Stiffness or pain after exercise

    •    Uneven muscle development

    •    Signs of discomfort when their back is touched

    •    Absence of resolution using conventional methods

There are other specific indicators different animals may exhibit, such as dogs or cats may be having difficulty in climbing stairs or jumping into the car, which obviously would not apply to horses, farm animals or exotic animals.

The animal chiropractor will take a full history of your animal at the initial consultation. This is to ascertain; age, what is normal behaviour, performance level, fitness level, and any past or present problems that your animal has experienced.These details will also help define the number of treatments the animal may require. 

Many owners will use chiropractic as regular part of their training programme for their animals. This helps to maintain optimum performance and in down-times maintains comfort and helps prevent future problems. Your animal chiropractor will give you specific aftercare advice for your animals. This after care advise will be  influenced by the age of your animal, the nature and duration of any problems, current activity and fitness levels. 

Working Together

Legally chiropractors may only work with the permission of the individual’s veterinary surgeon; the reality is that often the veterinary surgeon may suggest chiropractic as part of the remedy and in practical terms this may mean working in collaboration with the veterinary team.