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WHAT IS ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC?
Animal chiropractic is a growing area of expertise in animal healthcare. It offers a non-surgical, drug-free approach to correcting bone, disc, and soft-tissue disorders related to improper spinal configuration and movement. It offers a non-surgical, drug-free, and natural approach to correcting muscle, skeletal, joint (ligament), disc, and nerve problems. Animal chiropractic involves adjustments of the joints, myofascial release and soft tissue work. The aim is to correct subluxations, restoring normal nerve function and improving the animal’s well being. Animal chiropractic does not replace traditional veterinary medicine or surgery but provides a complementary and method of care. Animal Chiropractors and Veterinarians work together to best serve the needs of the animal.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BE AN ANIMAL CHIROPRACTOR?
There are two types of doctors that can be certified to practice chiropractic on animals. One is a Chiropractor who has taken the additional animal certification and is now a certified animal chiropractor (CAC). The other is Veterinarian who has taken the additional animal chiropractic certification and is a certified veterinary spinal manipulative therapist (CVSMT). It is important to confirm the animal chiropractor you seek has the necessary training and is certified with an AVCA or CoAC approved program.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY ANIMAL NEEDS CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
Your pet may need an adjustment if you notice a change in behaviour as this may indicate a dysfunction in the nervous system. Here are some common reasons people seek chiropractic care for their animals: Signs of pain, Sudden hind leg paralysis, Dragging of hind legs, Temperament change, Change in gait/ asymmetrical movement, Injuries due to falls or accidents, Limping, Stiffness, Post-surgical care, Refusal to jump, Aversion to the saddle, Difficulty recruiting power from the hind end.
Animal chiropractic can benefit all animals, even seemingly healthy ones. The goal is to prevent, detect and correct faulty movement patterns that can lead to pain and loss of function. By restoring proper biomechanics and improving joint mobility, animal chiropractic can enhance your pet’s quality of life and help to ensure active and healthy years.
WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
Most owners report their pets have more energy, better movement and improvements to physical limitations following chiropractic adjustments.
DO ADJUSTMENTS HURT?
A chiropractic adjustment is a safe, gentle and controlled force directed at the areas of restriction (fixations) in a joint. It should not cause any pain to your pet and most animals enjoy being adjusted.
DO I NEED A VETERINARIAN’S REFERRAL?
A veterinarian's referral is not necessary to access chiropractic care for your animal in Ontario. Chiropractic care does not replace routine veterinary check-ups and medical care for animals. The two disciplines work together to allow your pet to achieve optimal health and function throughout life. Our goal with chiropractic care is to assess the joints of the spine and extremities to detect and correct misalignments and stress that impact the nervous system and overall function. Regular care allows us to manage pain, maintain ideal mobility and health of the joints and muscles, and be proactive with your pet's health. We receive referrals from veterinarians when chiropractic is the ideal treatment for a specific case, or for co-managing the health and well-being of an animal. You can bring your pet in anytime for a complete nervous system and spinal health check-up if you are concerned about your pets biomechanics or simply for a proactive assessment.
HOW DO I PREPARE MY PET FOR THE FIRST VISIT?
After reserving a new patient appointment for your pet with us, you will receive an email appointment confirmation and an online registration form for your pet. This form allows you to give background medical history as well as your current concerns about your animal's health, which Dr. Shaian Mollaret will review prior to your visit.
Please ensure your pet is clean and ready (brushed out if necessary) for their first visit. Bring along a muzzle for your dog if you are unsure about how they react on their first visit. Keep ample treats with you to reward your pet during the visit as well. For horses, please have the horse ready in the stall or designated meeting area, make sure the treatment area is calm and uncluttered, the appointment is not during feeding times, and your horse is at least lightly groomed. This allows Dr. Shaian to palpate your animal's spine and muscles as accurately as possible as loose hair and dirt can interfere with this process. Have treats ready for your horse as well.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY PET'S FIRST VISIT?
Your pet will receive a thorough visual and hands-on assessment and adjustments to correct the imbalances and areas of stress. You will receive feedback, explanations of the findings, recommendations for chiropractic care and home care instructions. If necessary, Dr. Shaian will refer you back to your primary veterinarian if any red flags arise during the exam.
CAN CHIROPRACTIC CARE HELP MY AGING DOG?
Absolutely! The same principle applies to people: Healthy joints move through their full range of motion, which allows proper lubrication and nutrition to the joint surfaces. This helps prevent or minimize degeneration and pain. Some breeds are predisposed to hip dysplasia, for example. Chiropractic care allows the joints to be maintained and cared for in a way that improves ease of movement, decreases inflammation and manages pain conservatively - no medications, no surgery. Chiropractic is a gentle and effective option to give your pet to offer them more comfortable years and more pep in their step. When we feel good, we move well and we all feel so much better!
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