Veterinary chiropractic focuses on the relationship between your pet’s spine and nervous system. When spinal joints become misaligned or restricted in movement, they can create pain, muscle tension, and nerve interference. This can affect not only your pet’s mobility but also their overall health and well-being.
During a chiropractic session, our trained veterinarian uses gentle, precise adjustments utilizing orthopedic manipulation and neuromyofascial release to restore proper joint motion and alignment. These adjustments help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and enhance your pet’s natural healing processes. The treatment is generally safe and well-tolerated by most pets, regardless of their age or medical condition. Regular veterinary chiropractic care helps maintain optimal spinal alignment and supports your pet’s nervous system function, which controls every cell, tissue, and organ in their body.
How Veterinary Chiropractic Works
Veterinary chiropractic focuses on the relationship between your pet’s spine and nervous system. When spinal joints become misaligned or restricted in movement, they can create pain, muscle tension, and nerve interference. This can affect not only your pet’s mobility but also their overall health and well-being.
During a chiropractic session, our trained veterinarian uses gentle, precise adjustments utilizing orthopedic manipulation and neuromyofascial release to restore proper joint motion and alignment. These adjustments help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and enhance your pet’s natural healing processes. The treatment is generally safe and well-tolerated by most pets, regardless of their age or medical condition. Regular veterinary chiropractic care helps maintain optimal spinal alignment and supports your pet’s nervous system function, which controls every cell, tissue, and organ in their body.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your pet’s modified chiropractic therapy begins with a thorough examination to assess their posture, gait, and spinal alignment. We’ll discuss your pet’s symptoms, medical history, and any activities they participate in. This comprehensive evaluation helps us develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs and activity level.
The actual adjustment involves applying gentle yet controlled pressure to areas around specific joints to restore normal movement. These gentle movements are created with the tips of our fingers, palm of our hand or an activator tool. Most pets find the treatment relaxing, and many show immediate improvement in their comfort level and mobility. The number of sessions needed varies depending on your pet’s condition and response to treatment. Our veterinarians take the time to explain each step of the process and answer any questions you may have during your consultation. Scheduling an appointment allows us to assess your pet thoroughly and develop the most effective treatment approach.
Conditions That May Benefit From Chiropractic Care
Veterinary chiropractic can be helpful for various conditions affecting your pet’s musculoskeletal system. Pets with arthritis often experience reduced pain and improved mobility after chiropractic treatment. The gentle adjustments can help maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness associated with degenerative joint disease.
Working dogs, performance animals, and active pets can significantly benefit from regular chiropractic care to maintain optimal function and prevent injuries. Agility dogs, hunting companions, and show animals often experience improved performance and reduced injury rates when chiropractic care is part of their regular health maintenance routine.
Animals recovering from injuries or surgery may find chiropractic adjustments helpful in their rehabilitation process. The treatment can help restore standard movement patterns, reduce compensatory stress on uninjured areas, and speed the overall recovery process when used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Additionally, some behavioral changes, such as reluctance to jump or climb stairs, may improve when underlying spinal issues are addressed through chiropractic care. Pets who suddenly become less active or show changes in their routine may be experiencing discomfort that chiropractic treatment can help address.
Age-Related Benefits
Senior pets often experience significant benefits from chiropractic care. As pets age, they naturally develop stiffness and limited mobility due to wear and tear on their joints and spine. Regular chiropractic treatments can help maintain flexibility, minimize pain, and improve their overall quality of life during their golden years.
Young, growing animals can also benefit from chiropractic evaluation and treatment. Rapid growth phases, minor injuries during play, or congenital abnormalities can sometimes lead to spinal misalignments that are easier to correct when addressed early.
The treatment works particularly well when combined with other therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, laser therapy, herbal therapy and physical rehabilitation. This integrative approach addresses your pet’s needs from multiple angles, often leading to better outcomes than any single treatment alone. We tailor treatment plans to your pet’s specific condition, age, activity level, and response to therapy.
Signs Your Pet May Need Chiropractic Care
Veterinary chiropractic can be helpful for various conditions affecting your pet’s musculoskeletal system. Pets with arthritis often experience reduced pain and improved mobility after chiropractic treatment. The gentle adjustments can help maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness associated with degenerative joint disease. This practice has helped countless animals regain their quality of life.
Working dogs, performance animals, and active pets can significantly benefit from regular chiropractic care to maintain optimal function and prevent injuries. Agility dogs, hunting companions, and show animals often experience improved performance and reduced injury rates when chiropractic care is part of their health maintenance routine. These animals require peak physical performance, and our doctor-led approach ensures they receive the specialized care they need. An appointment with our team can help identify potential problems before they become serious issues.
Animals recovering from injuries, accidents, or surgery may find chiropractic adjustments helpful in their recovery process. The treatment can help restore standard movement patterns, reduce compensatory stress on uninjured areas, and speed the overall recovery process when used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Chiropractic care promotes blood flow to affected areas, which supports natural healing and tissue repair. Our practice specializes in helping pets recover from various types of trauma and illness.
Additionally, some behavioral changes, such as reluctance to jump or climb stairs, may improve when underlying spinal issues are addressed through chiropractic care. Pets who suddenly become less active or show changes in their routine may be experiencing discomfort that chiropractic treatment can help address. Even subtle shifts in how your pet carries their head or neck can indicate underlying problems that benefit from evaluation. TMJ issues in pets can also affect their eating habits and overall comfort level.
Safety and Effectiveness
Senior pets often experience significant benefits from chiropractic care. As pets age, they naturally develop stiffness and limited mobility due to wear and tear on their joints and spine. Regular chiropractic treatments can help maintain flexibility, minimize pain, and improve their overall quality of life during their golden years. This effective treatment approach helps senior animals maintain their well-being and stay active longer. Many pet owners report seeing a noticeable difference in their older pets after just a few sessions.
Young, growing animals can also benefit from chiropractic evaluation and treatment. Rapid growth phases, minor injuries during play, or congenital abnormalities can sometimes lead to spinal misalignments that are easier to correct when addressed early. Young pets are more resilient, and early intervention can prevent problems from developing as they mature.
The treatment works particularly well when combined with other therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, laser therapy, herbal therapy and physical rehabilitation. This integrative approach addresses your pet’s needs from multiple angles, often leading to better outcomes than any single treatment alone. This combination represents an effective treatment strategy that goes beyond what conventional therapies alone can provide. Our practice embraces this integrative philosophy to treat the whole animal, not just isolated symptoms. We tailor treatment plans to your pet’s specific condition, age, activity level, and response to therapy.
The Integrative Approach at Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care
Watch for subtle changes in your pet’s behavior and movement patterns. They may be slower to get up after resting, hesitant to jump onto furniture, or show stiffness when walking. Some pets develop an altered gait or favor one side when moving, which can indicate spinal misalignment or joint restriction. Schedule an appointment if you notice these changes, as early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Changes in posture, such as a hunched back or lowered head carriage, can indicate spinal discomfort. You might notice your pet sleeping in different positions than usual or having difficulty finding a comfortable position to rest. Performance animals may show decreased enthusiasm for activities they once enjoyed or experience reduced athletic performance without an apparent cause. Some pets may even develop jaw or TMJ problems that affect their ability to eat comfortably.
Even subtle behavioral changes, like increased irritability, reluctance to be touched in certain areas, or changes in appetite, can sometimes signal musculoskeletal problems or neurological problems. Some pets become less social or withdraw from family activities when they’re experiencing chronic discomfort. These behavioral signs shouldn’t be ignored, as they often indicate underlying health issues that require attention.
Physical signs to watch for include:
- Muscle asymmetry, where one side of your pet’s body appears more developed than the other
- Visible tension in the neck, back, or hindquarter muscles
- Difficulty with specific movements, like turning their head to one side
- Trouble navigating stairs or jumping
- Changes in positions when resting or sleeping
- Sensitivity when certain areas are touched
- Limping or favoring certain feet when walking or running
Any of these signs warrant scheduling an appointment with our team to assess your pet’s condition. Our doctor will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate.
Complementary Therapies
Chiropractic care often works in connection with other holistic treatments we offer. Acupuncture can enhance the effects of chiropractic adjustments by promoting relaxation and improving circulation. Massage therapy helps maintain the benefits of adjustments by keeping muscles relaxed and flexible between sessions. Laser therapy can help improve blood flow and reduce pain. These combined techniques create a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses multiple body systems simultaneously.
Nutritional and supplement support plays a crucial role in maintaining joint health and supporting the healing process. We may recommend specific supplements or dietary modifications to support your pet’s musculoskeletal health in conjunction with their chiropractic treatment plan. Proper nutrition is an important foundation for your pet’s overall health and can significantly impact their response to treatment. Our team can discuss appropriate dietary changes during your consultation or appointment.
Experience Compassionate, Comprehensive Care
At our AAHA-accredited hospital, we combine advanced training with a genuine love for animals to provide exceptional care. Our beautiful 3-acre property offers a peaceful environment where your pet can relax and receive treatment in comfortable, private exam rooms designed specifically to meet their needs. This calming environment helps nervous pets feel more at ease during their appointments.
Our team has extensive experience in both traditional veterinary medicine and holistic therapies, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality care available. We understand how much your pet means to you, and we’re committed to helping them live their most comfortable, active life possible. Every doctor on our team shares a passion for helping animals achieve optimal health and well-being. We take the time to learn about your pet’s unique personality, lifestyle, and health needs to provide truly personalized care.
To learn more about how our forms of veterinary chiropractic can benefit your pet or to schedule a consultation, call us at (775) 853-6900 or contact us today. Don’t wait until problems become severe – early intervention often leads to the best outcomes. Schedule your appointment today to give your pet the gift of improved mobility, reduced pain, and enhanced quality of life.
