At Tails Animal Chiropractic Care, we often hear this question from caring pet parents who want to understand the process before scheduling their furry friend’s first appointment. Whether your dog is showing signs of discomfort, experiencing mobility issues, or you’re simply interested in maintaining their optimal health, knowing what to expect can help ease any concerns.
Introduction to Canine Chiropractic
Canine chiropractic care is a specialized form of hands-on treatment focused on your dog’s spine and joints. We use gentle, targeted adjustments to restore proper alignment and movement, allowing your dog’s nervous system to function at its best. Unlike medication, which often masks symptoms, chiropractic care addresses the root cause of discomfort.
Our four-legged patients visit us for various reasons, including:
- Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
- Stiffness after exercise or upon waking
- Changes in gait or posture
- Recovery from injuries
- Performance issues in working or sporting dogs
- Age-related mobility challenges
Benefits of Canine Chiropractic Care
The advantages of chiropractic treatment extend far beyond simple pain relief. When your dog’s spine is properly aligned, their entire body can function more efficiently.
Pain relief is often the most immediate and noticeable benefit. Dogs that once struggled to move comfortably may show renewed energy and enthusiasm for activities they previously avoided.
For working and sporting dogs, chiropractic care can enhance performance by improving range of motion, balance, and coordination. These adjustments help maintain peak physical condition and may prevent injuries that could sideline your canine athlete.
Senior dogs particularly benefit from regular adjustments. As dogs age, they naturally experience wear and tear on joints and muscles. Chiropractic care can help manage these changes, keeping older dogs more comfortable and mobile throughout their golden years.
What to Expect During a Session
Initial Assessment
Your dog’s first visit with us begins with a comprehensive review of their medical history. We’ll discuss any previous injuries, surgeries, current medications, and day-to-day activities. This conversation helps us understand the complete picture of your dog’s health.
Next comes the physical examination. We’ll observe your dog’s movements, looking for subtle signs of discomfort or compensation patterns. This gait analysis reveals a lot about how your dog is feeling and where problems might exist. We’ll also gently palpate (touch) along your dog’s spine, muscles, and joints to identify areas of tension, heat, or sensitivity.
Throughout this process, we move at your dog’s pace. Some pups need extra time to feel comfortable, and we respect that. Building trust is essential for effective treatment.
Chiropractic Adjustment
The adjustment itself involves precise, gentle pressure applied to specific areas of your dog’s spine and joints. These adjustments are quick and typically cause no discomfort. In fact, many dogs relax deeply during their session!
We focus on areas showing restricted movement or misalignment. Common target areas include the neck, mid-back, lower back, hips, and sometimes the shoulders and knees.
Initial sessions usually last 30-45 minutes, with follow-up visits typically taking 20-30 minutes. The frequency of treatment varies based on your dog’s specific needs. Some dogs benefit from weekly sessions initially, then gradually transition to maintenance visits every 4-8 weeks.
Post-Adjustment Evaluation
After the adjustment, we’ll evaluate your dog’s immediate response. Many dogs show improved movement right away – standing more evenly, moving more freely, or displaying a more relaxed posture.
We’ll discuss what to expect in the days following treatment. Some dogs experience a period of increased energy (we call this the “puppy zoomies effect”), while others may be slightly tired as their body processes the adjustments.
Before you leave, we’ll provide recommendations for follow-up care tailored to your dog’s specific condition and response to treatment.
Post-Session Care
Taking care of your dog after their adjustment helps maximize the benefits of their treatment. We often recommend specific exercises or gentle stretches you can do at home to complement the chiropractic care.
In the days following an adjustment, watch for signs of improvement such as:
- Increased energy and playfulness
- More fluid movement
- Better posture
- Improved mobility (easier jumping, climbing stairs)
- More comfortable rest positions
Some dogs show immediate improvement, while others may take a few days to display changes. Every dog responds uniquely to treatment.
We’ll work with you to determine the optimal schedule for future visits. This timeline is based on your dog’s condition, age, activity level, and response to treatment.
Conclusion
Canine chiropractic care offers a gentle, effective approach to improving your dog’s mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. From the initial assessment through the adjustment and follow-up care, each step is designed to support your dog’s natural healing abilities.
By understanding what happens during a canine chiropractic session, you can make informed decisions about incorporating this valuable treatment into your dog’s healthcare routine.
At Tails Animal Chiropractic Care, we’re committed to partnering with you in your dog’s wellness journey. Have questions or ready to schedule your dog’s first appointment? Contact us today at our Fort Collins or Broomfield locations – we’d love to help your furry family member feel their absolute best!