Chiropractic care focuses predominantly on the musculoskeletal system – the network of bones, muscles and connective tissues that create form and facilitate movement. By realigning the musculoskeletal system, and in particular the spine, chiropractors have found that it is possible to improve a dog’s mobility, reduce their pain and enhance their overall health and wellbeing, as well as the quality of their life.

Chiropractic care focuses on correcting any abnormalities in the alignment of your dog’s musculoskeletal system. In doing so, the process releases any areas of pressure and tension so that trapped nerves can be freed, and your dog’s nervous system can function properly again. Increased blood flow is another positive effect of chiropractic care in dogs, and this enables oxygen and other important nutrients to pass around the body to all the major organs, as well as reaching any areas that require healing, accelerating this process.

Animals can suffer from a wide range of different health issues during the course of their lifetime. Chiropractic care has been proven to be effective at alleviating the symptoms and treating the underlying cause of the following conditions:

Arthritis

Chronic pain conditions

Degenerative disc disease

Gastrointestinal problems

Healing after trauma or surgery, specifically tissue healing and muscle growth

Hip dysplasia

Incontinence

Mobility issues such as difficulty going up or down stairs or no longer jumping

Muscle spasms

Nerve problems

Reproductive issues

Respiratory problems

Separation anxiety

Stiffness and tension

Stress caused by travel

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the philosophy that illness is caused by an imbalance of vital energies in the body. Acupuncture is one aspect of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine that focuses on restoring the energy balance in the body to promote healing.

The technique requires the insertion of fine needles into the animal’s body at specified points, called acupuncture points, where nerves and blood vessels converge. The pattern of these sites are called “meridians”, which are believed to be energy channels that transmit energy throughout the animal’s body.

The inserted needles are thought to guide “chi” or vital energy along the meridians. Placed in these identified points, the needles enhance blood circulation, which improves healing ability. Acupuncture also stimulates the nervous system and increases the release of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substances to reduce an animal’s discomfort.

Select research has demonstrated that the physical interaction between the needle and the nerve fibers in the skin and underlying tissues may exhibit a modulating effect on the nervous system (neuromodulation). This neuromodulation can result in the release of beneficial chemicals from the brain and spinal cord, as well as the tissues surrounding the needle, that encourage blood flow to the area, interrupt pain signaling, and relax trigger points that cause painful spasms.

In animals, acupuncture is used to decrease pain and inflammation, aid healing, and restore the body’s natural balance. Acupuncture can provide benefits to animals for many health conditions. Most commonly, acupuncture is used for musculoskeletal and nervous system problems including:

Arthritis and hip dysplasia
Intervertebral disc disease
Nerve injury/paralysis/weakness
Back pain
Shortened gait/decreased range of motion
Lameness
Tendon injuries
Seizures
Dental and tooth pain
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
Lick granulomas
Allergies
Delayed wound healing
Cystitis
Chronic kidney disease
Vomiting/diarrhea
Constipation
Nausea
Inflammatory bowel disease
Fecal incontinence
Asthma
Chronic upper respiratory and sinus infections
Nasal congestion
Dry eye
Corneal ulcers
Irregular reproductive cycles
Ear infections
Pain control for cancer patients and amputation patients with phantom limb pain

Dogs need their nails clipped on a regular basis, approximately every 3-4 weeks; however, it is common for owners to wait too long in between trimmings which can lead to a number of health issues for the animal. To compensate for long nails, dogs will put uneven weight on their paws. This can lead to sore muscles and joints, backaches, and eventually arthritis. For cats, a routine claw trimming every 10-14 days will keep your pet healthy.

Consistent nail maintenance isn’t simply cosmetic. In some cases, nails can cause pain and trigger irreversible damage to the animal.
When people think of the damage a pet’s nails can cause, most consider scratches on hardwood floors, carpet snags, and claw marks on furniture. However, long nails create potential issues for animals — a splayed foot, reduced traction, deformed feet, and even injured tendons over time. As long nails hit the ground, it puts force on the foot and leg structure. This force can potentially lead to arthritis and ongoing pain.

The growth pattern of a dog’s nails forms a curved shape. If left untrimmed, the claws will eventually curve under the dog’s paws and dig into the skin, creating pain when they walk. Anyone who has ever experienced an ingrown toenail can attest to the amount of pain this will cause.

The goal of canine conditioning is to improve a dog’s strength, balance, flexibility, and proprioception, thereby restoring or enhancing their mobility, health and performance. We provide services which are complementary to regular veterinary care, act as a resource to improve the quality of life of dogs and educate the public so they can recognize early indications of areas of concern and follow up with their veterinarian or other professional care provider.

Hydro therapy was designed to improve the lives of animals by offering low-impact, high-resistance therapy or workouts for optimal training and conditioning.
The underwater treadmill provides the natural properties of water (buoyancy, resistance and hydrostatic pressure) for a rigorous cardiovascular workout with reduced impact and stress on joints.

Canine massage is a therapeutic technique that involves the manipulation of a dog’s muscles and soft tissues through various methods, such as kneading, stroking, and applying gentle pressure. The goal is to help alleviate physical discomfort, enhance circulation, and reduce stress or anxiety. This practice can be used for a variety of reasons, including promoting relaxation, aiding in rehabilitation from injury or surgery, improving joint flexibility, and relieving muscle tension.