Many pet owners seek chiropractic care to help their animals live more comfortably and move with ease. At Mountain View Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Care, a comprehensive Reno pet hospital, we offer a gentle, modified approach through VOM (Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation) and ANMR (Animal Neuromyofascial Release). These non-invasive techniques use precise, low-force adjustments and soft tissue release to support the spine, joints, and nervous system.

By improving alignment and mobility, these therapies can:

  • Reduce pain and inflammation in joints and muscles
  • Restore normal nerve function, improving coordination and comfort
  • Support healing from injuries by relieving tension and promoting circulation
  • Improve mobility and flexibility, especially in aging or arthritic pets
  • Enhance overall wellness, energy levels, and quality of life

These treatments are safe, well-tolerated, and work beautifully alongside other modalities like acupuncture and prolozone therapy, offering a complete and compassionate approach to your pet’s care.

Understanding Pet Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care for pets focuses on restoring proper alignment and function to the spine and joints through gentle, precise adjustments. When your pet’s musculoskeletal system is aligned correctly, their body can heal more effectively and move without pain or restriction. This natural approach to healing recognizes that the spine and nervous system play vital roles in your pet’s overall health and well-being.

Recent research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information demonstrates the preventive potential of chiropractic care. In a study of Boxer puppies, those receiving monthly chiropractic treatments from 8 weeks to 1 year of age showed significantly lower rates of spondylosis development compared to untreated controls: 25.0% versus 46.5%. This research suggests that chiropractic type care may help prevent certain spinal conditions when used proactively.

Many pets benefit from orthopedic adjustments and myofascial release, particularly those experiencing mobility issues, chronic pain, or healing from injuries. Dogs and cats with conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or spinal problems may find significant relief through this gentle treatment approach. Senior pets, especially, can experience enhanced comfort and mobility, allowing them to enjoy their golden years with reduced discomfort and increased independence.

Recognizing When Your Pet Needs Help

Understanding the signs when your pet may benefit from chiropractic type care is essential for maintaining their quality of life. Watch for subtle changes in your pet’s behavior and movement patterns that might indicate discomfort or restricted mobility. They may be reluctant to jump onto furniture, climb stairs, or play as enthusiastically as before. You might notice stiffness when they wake up, difficulty getting comfortable when lying down, or changes in their gait or posture.

Other indicators can include:

  • Sensitivity when touched in certain areas
  • Decreased activity levels
  • Behavioral changes like increased irritability
  • Reluctance to participate in activities they once enjoyed
  • Changes in their sleeping patterns or positions
  • Avoiding movements that once came naturally.

Performance issues in working or athletic dogs can also signal the need for a chiropractic evaluation. Decreased stamina, reluctance to perform specific tasks, or changes in their usual enthusiasm for activities may indicate underlying musculoskeletal problems that could benefit from chiropractic intervention.

While these signs don’t always mean your pet needs chiropractic care, they do warrant a thorough evaluation to determine the best treatment approach for their specific situation.

The Treatment Process

Our gentle modified form of chiropractic care (VOM and ANMR techniques) begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s posture, gait, and range of motion. Our veterinarians assess their overall condition, looking for areas of tension, misalignment, or restricted movement. This thorough examination helps us understand not just where your pet is experiencing problems, but also the underlying causes contributing to their discomfort.

During the evaluation, we observe how your pet moves naturally, noting any compensatory behaviors or movement patterns that might indicate pain or restriction. We also perform gentle palpation to identify areas of muscle tension, joint stiffness, or spinal misalignment that could benefit from treatment.

The treatment itself involves gentle adjustments using the tip of our fingers, the palm of our hand and/or a gentle activator to help restore proper joint function and spinal alignment. Unlike human chiropractic care, adjustments for pets are typically much gentler and may be barely noticeable. Most pets tolerate the treatment well, and many seem to enjoy the relief it provides. Some pets even appear to seek out the treatment, positioning themselves to make the adjustments easier.

Supporting Recovery at Home

Beyond professional treatment, you can support your pet’s comfort and mobility at home through simple environmental modifications and lifestyle adjustments. Providing orthopedic bedding helps support their joints during rest, while maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on their musculoskeletal system.

Encouraging gentle, appropriate exercise helps maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility. Swimming, when appropriate and available, provides an excellent low-impact exercise option for many pets, allowing them to move freely without placing stress on their joints.

Creating an environment that minimizes strain on your pet’s joints, such as using ramps instead of stairs, providing non-slip surfaces, or adjusting the heights of food and water bowls, can help maintain the benefits of their chiropractic care and prevent future problems.

Restore Your Pet’s Joy in Movement

Your pet deserves to move comfortably and live a life free from pain. Our gentle form of chiropractic type care may offer the relief they need to enjoy their favorite activities and spend quality time with you. At Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care, our Fear-Free, Feline-Friendly approach ensures your pet receives gentle, compassionate care in our serene 3-acre setting where their comfort and well-being are our top priorities.

As an AAHA-accredited hospital, we maintain the highest standards of veterinary excellence, focusing on treating the whole pet—mind, body, and spirit. Our holistic approach combines traditional veterinary medicine with natural therapies to provide inclusive care for your beloved companion. To learn more about how chiropractic therapy can help your pet, call us at (775) 853-6900 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.