Chiropractic Care for Dogs: Doodle’s Experience

You guys!

Doodle had an adventure. She went for a chiropractic adjustment. Now, many people don’t realize that animals can also suffer from imbalances and misalignment of their joints, but they can, and it can cause pain and discomfort, just like for people. Here’s the scoop on Doodle’s case:

REASON FOR GOING: MomFOD noticed that Doodle was having some discomfort in her upper back near her shoulder blades. Doodle was showing  signs of moping (more than usual) and that area of her back felt hot to the touch. Also, when MomFOD tried to massage it, Doodle’s skin got twitchy and she showed signs of discomfort. Therefore, she decided it was best Doodle see a doctor and our regular vet, Dr. C., suggested chiro! And here’s how it went:

THE EXPERIENCE: At first, Doodle was skeptical.

Doodle is unsure.
Doodle is unsure.

Then Dr. Curtis came in. After taking a moment to relax, Doodle went for a walk up and down the hallway because Dr. Curtis wanted to assess her posture and gait to see if she had any imbalances. Sure enough, Doodle tends to walk a bit crooked. The doctor then sat down with Doodle on the large mat on the floor. It was more like a little yoga/massage session than a usual doctors visit. After spending some time discussing Doodle’s diet and exercise routine, Dr. Curtis tested all of Doodle’s joints for flexibility. It turns out, Doodle has a hypermobile shoulder/elbow.

Doodle getting checked out.
Doodle getting checked out. That’s her relaxation face. Seriously.

Dr. Curtis told MomFOD that Doodle needed a few adjustments and then she made them. Unlike a person’s chiropractic adjustments, there were no loud clicks or pops. Nothing about the experience was forceful or surprising. Dr. Curtis simply applied some pressure to the joints and made them slip back into alignment.

Doodle getting aligned.
Doodle getting aligned.

Before leaving, Dr. Curtis discussed a holistic health plan that included getting Doodle more exercise, possibly losing one pound, joining some sports, and adding vitamins into her diet to make sure that her transition into her senior years is smooth and healthy.

Conclusion: After the visit, Doodle seemed much happier! Her movements look easier and she’s not moping as much. MomFOD continues to massage Doodle at home using techniques demonstrated by both Dr. Curtis and Dr. C.  She also does daily exercises with Doodle, like crawling. MomFOD had to teach Doodle to crawl because it helps build her ab muscles, which will in turn help support her back and posture. Doodle also practices flexibility each day with movement exercises that MomFOD works her through. Overall, Doodle’s first chiropractic session was a success!

Who’s It For? Chiropractic adjustments can be a great benefit to any pet, especially to special needs pets that may have an imbalance of musculature. Dogs that practice agility, which can be hard on the body, also greatly benefit from chiropractic care. If you’re interested in trying out chiropractic medicine for your pet, consult your veterinarian for a referral.

Here’s Doodle demonstrating the crawl that she recently learned as well as trying to demonstrate her head and neck stretches (it took her a second to get this one right – Mrs. P makes her nervous)

 

PS. Please vote for The Inheritance. It’s the final days and I’d like to make a push for it!

15 Comments

  • Thank you for sharing this, Ms. Phoebe has a doggie sister Sophie who she was bff’s with and Sophie I think might benefit from a chiropractor. You are a pawesome poster of great knowledge Crepes, will you maybe one day share your secret genius with me? I am humbly yours my Queen.

    • Oh gosh… Well, i don’t know if there’ GENIUS involved. I mean, maybe a little. I mean, do you think I’m a genius? Gosh, I’m not a genius, except maybe sometimes. Anyway, glad you liked it. 🙂 – Crepes.

  • Now THIS was a very informative post for sure…and just like my ancient Mom Linda, she also has to do ab (core) strengthening to help her manage her back issues (all connected to human aging process) Love the crawl and the neck shoulder stretch is brilliant technique. Mom Linda used to train her Sibes for obedience…her admiration is very sincere

    • We thank you kindly for that. 🙂 We’ve learned that abs are very important! They seem to be connected to quite a few back problems, not only in pups but in people, too! And in MomFODs, apparently. 🙂 -Alana and Crepes.

  • WOW!! Looks like those treatments worked really well!
    Doodle looks quite happy to do the exercises 🙂
    Purrs Georgia and Julie,
    Treasure,JJ
    and Angels Tiger and Tillie

  • We’re so glad to hear that Doodle is feeling better. We didn’t know that dogs could visit chiropractors!

    You asked on our blog about the Nightmare cocoon. It’s from Artwich Studio. The cocoons aren’t listed at their Etsy shop, but the owner, Rene, has tons of photos of the options on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rene.laigo. We custom-ordered the cocoon for the cousins after consulting with her via private message. Hope that helps!

  • I think it is wonderful the have Dr’s who do this to help animals. Glad Doodle is doing better.
    Sue B

  • Oh how fabulous that Doodle was better after her adjustments!! Wow!! My vet says I have a “wonky shoulder” and I bet an adjustment would help. Mom does massage but hey – sometimes it takes a bit more!

    Hugs, Sammy

  • We already knew that Mum and Dad love chiropractic, but it was very interesting to hear about a furry friend. We are happy to hear that Doodle had a good and useful experience. Thank you for sharing it ! Purrs

  • grate werk N videe oh doodle !!!!! …N yea, Mrs peabody…frank lee we wuz wunderin when EWE wuz gonna get a treet two !! any ma hoo…doodle…can ewe take sum cosequin; helped gram paw dude in hiz latter…tho him never lurned ta crawl…..just bit ankles 🙂

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