Chiropractic for Pets

Pets can benefit greatly from chiropractic care. Chiropractic comes from Greek words meaning done by hand. It is a form of body work that applies manual manipulation to the spine. Animals respond really well to this therapy and really love it!

Chiropractic is not just “cracking bones” or treating bones out of place. The spine is made up of vertebrae which are actually joints. These joints can become misaligned or subluxated. The subluxation is seen as a lack of motion in that joint, rather than a bone out of place. The nerves from the spinal cord exit through these joints, and when the joints are misaligned it can greatly affect the nerve impulses which can in turn alter function of the organs and tissues supplied by those nerves. So chiropractic manipulations, or adjustments, not only help to realign the spine and improve flexibility, but also help with pain, diseased organs, muscle weakness, poor immune function, and illness. Chiropractic manipulation restores proper alignments which in turn restores natural functioning of the nervous system.

When should my pet get chiropractic care? Anytime really! It works by maintaining overall health.

Signs that your pet may benefit from chiropractic care:

• slowing down or acting lazy

• refusing to jump up or go up stairs

• acting lame

• having a change in behavior such as aggression or refusal to play

• dragging toenails or wearing down toenails

• losing balance or falling

• shaking head or having ear problems

• any disease or immune dysfunction

Look for a veterinarian or chiropractor that is certified in animal chiropractic.  Dr. Deneen Fasano is certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (VSMT) through Healing Oasis Wellness Center.  See her website at Animal Healing Solutions.

To find veterinary chiropractor near you:

Healing Oasis Wellness Center for a list of current graduates

Animal Veterinary Chiropractic Association for a list of certified animal chiropractors

American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association also lists veterinarians certified in animal chiropractic