What is canine chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a natural health care modality that utilizes adjustments to misaligned vertebrae. A full clinical examination needs to be performed to determine if/where the spine is misaligned.
Every creature with a spine has the potential to become misaligned. This can lead to problems that negatively impact their health, such as pain, joint/muscle dysfunction, and more.
Animal chiropractic is not a replacement for veterinary medicine, but is a natural adjunctive health care modality.
Should I do anything before the initial assessment?
We consult with your veterinarian on your dog's health prior to beginning chiropractic care. Before your first appointment, please send your veterinarian our consultation form so that they can offer their input.
Unfortunately some veterinarians are not open to animal chiropractic and are unwilling to participate in this consultation process. If your vet declines to offer consultation notes, please let us know and we will work with you to help get your dog under care.
What happens after my dog gets adjusted?
While dogs tend to respond quickly to chiropractic care, it's not uncommon for a dog to require a few visits before changes are noticed.
Consistency with the adjustments and home care exercises will be crucial to the recovery of your pet.
How much does this cost?
The first appointment is $140 (which includes the consultation, assessment and first adjustment).
Follow up visits are $60, or you can purchase a bundle of 3 adjustments for $162 ($54 each)
Can chiropractic help with _______?
One of the most common questions we get is, "Can chiropractic help my dog with (insert condition here)?" The short answer is generally: "It very well could! We'll need to do an assessment to determine if there are any chiropractic misalignments."
The reality is, conditions like arthritis, knee injuries, hip problems, shoulder issues, and spinal conditions can be aggravated by or secondary to misalignment of the spine or other major joints. In order to determine if chiropractic can help your dog, we need to start with an assessment.
That said, we have worked with dogs with all of the above listed conditions (and more) and have seen positive and powerful results!
Is my dog too old for chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a great tool for helping to relieve stress out of the joints, spine and nervous system. The techniques we use are gentle and minimally invasive. Unlike chiropractic videos you might see online, there's no snapping or popping of our canine patients.
While Dr. Sean has worked with dogs of all ages (including puppies only a few weeks old) the majority of his patients tends to be mature and senior dogs.
What can I expect at my first visit?
In order to determine if your dog requires chiropractic care, a physical and neurological examination must be performed. During this hands-on exam, the doctor will describe what he is doing and show you all relevant findings.
If it's determined that your dog is a candidate for chiropractic care, he/she will be adjusted at that first visit.
At the end of the appointment, you will be given home care instructions based on the needs of your dog.
Although a referral from your vet is not necessary, concurrent veterinary care is required. In Alberta, your vet must be made aware that you are seeking alternative Chiropractic care. Veterinary medicine has exclusive jurisdiction over the care and treatment of animals.
Chiropractors who have an interest in chiropractic treatment and spinal adjusting of animals must do so in consultation with a member of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. In all circumstances, chiropractors may only treat animals in consultation with or with a written directive from a member of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association.