Why would an animal need to see a chiropractor? I get asked this question almost every time someone hears I’m a chiropractor for both animals and people.

The answer is that animals should see a chiropractor for many of the same reasons people do — except humans typically don’t have tail issues. As a pet owner and animal lover, you are aware when your dog experiences pain and discomfort. Some of the common signs or symptoms that you may notice are: when a dog limps, flinches or whimpers when stroked or touched in certain areas, refuses to climb up or down the stairs, or experiences stiffness when moving from a sitting to standing position. Dogs may also show discomfort in more subtle ways, such as chewing their paws or dragging them while walking, lack of energy, personality shifts, or changes in bowel movements or bladder habits.

Animal chiropractic is a natural, non-invasive, drug-free approach to pet health care that helps maintain joint health and prevent injury. In a healthy animal, the bones in the spine and joints are maintained in a specific alignment. When this alignment changes even in the smallest way, a subluxation occurs. Subluxations affect the nervous system, local muscles, joints and even distant organs, glands and body functions.

Pets feel their best when they are able to move and play freely. Chiropractic care helps them to achieve optimal mobility so they can live life to the fullest.

So why would an animal need to see a chiropractor? You tell me!