Dogs
Maintenance & Prevention
McTimoney Chiropractic is widely utilised as part of the routine care of dogs.
It is a valuable tool to prevent injury by ensuring optimal performance of joints & soft tissues that support the body, reducing the chance of small aches & twinges developing into larger, more painful problems and for the early detection of disease (such as arthritis). Treatment can also aid the long term management of conditions (such as hip and elbow dysplasia or spondylosis) by balancing and relaxing structures that support affected parts of the body
The better your chiropractor knows your dog through routine care, the earlier problems can be detected and resolved.
Building Trust
Chiropractic and massage is also a lovely way for your dog to get used to being handled by professionals; to have positive, hands on experiences, especially from an early age, will really benefit your dog in the long term.
What sort of problems can McTimoney chiropractic help?
As well as the routine care of your dog, McTimoney chiropractic can be utilised in the treatment of problems.
Is your dog showing any of the following symptoms?
- Reduced performance
- Avoiding jumping into a car or onto furniture
- Shortened or uneven strides
- Reluctance to go for walks
- Starting to knock down jumps (dog agility)
- Tilting of the head & neck and holding the tail to one side
- Postural changes
- Changes in behaviour or attitude
Many long term conditions can also be positively managed with treatment; improving comfort, reducing compensatory patterns in the body and preventing deterioration. Conditions such as:
- Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Sponydylosis
- Cruciate ligament disorder
- Osteochondritis
- Luxating Patella
- CDRM (Canine Degenerative Myelopathy)
All treatment to be carried out with consent from your registered veterinary practice.
What to Expect
In accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act of 1966, consent for treatment will need to be obtained from your vet prior to any treatments. This ensures that treatment is safe and keeps your dog happy & healthy.
The first session will usually last around 40 minutes, however, please leave extra time available as many dogs need longer. Subsequent sessions may be shorter as I’ll already have some background information and your animal will be more familiar with the process.
History
Getting to know your dog is vital for effective treatment and ongoing care. A detailed history will be taken before before assessing your dog’s movement.
Static & Dynamic Assessment
Observing your dog standing, at the walk and at the trot, enables the detection of any areas requiring attention and assess for an optimal way of going. Treatment will then be tailored to the individual.
Aftercare
Advice will be provided on caring for your dog to maximise the benefits of the treatment. 24-48 hours rest following treatment is normal in order for your dogs body to adjust and fully benefit.
Working with other professionals in ongoing tailored care plans may be required.
