Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Scratchings-and-Sniffings


A Visit to the Chiropractor

Posted: 25 May 2010 09:16 AM PDT

A-lifetime-of-care Who knew...that chiropractors could also benefit our pets? Almost seems like common-sense but we do know that the differences between humans and pets are nothing to sneeze at. For instance, we must be more responsible with pet food and treats. Our pets are NOT garbage cans...allowing them the table scraps or a bite of our chocolate chip cookie could cause major health issues. (great interview at this link, with Michael Gleason from 1998 - on this topic)

But, what about their aches and pains? Dogs and cats don't come to us whining with that, "I hurt," look on their face for the most part. They endure. Yet, observant pet parents know when Fluffy and Fido are not themselves, and when that limp is more than just a minor twist of the paw.

Enter animal chiropractic - or, having a chiropractor work on your dog or cat (or horse, which is demonstrated in this article from Boston.com, For animals, an adjustment - where I discovered this idea). According to this article, When to Consider Chiropractic Care for your Pet, by Randy Kidd, DVM, PhD, "...chiropractic works by restoring the spine, the spinal motor units, and joints of the extremities to normal function." The article goes on to describe instances where you might consider this option for your dog or cat, one of them being old age. I wonder how The Grumpy Old Lady would like it? Bull-mastiff-relaxingOne can surmise, I think, that big dogs, like the one pictured here, would definitely benefit from a chiropractor visit.  

In the Boston.com article, a Dr. Craig Smith is quoted saying, "We're getting more calls about this from animal owners, and from veterinarians as well, but there's not much hard data available." According to the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association horses, dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, birds and reptiles can all benefit from chiropractic care. And, the petstyle article on when to consider this option goes on to note that chiropractic may be used along with acupuncture, massage, homeopathy, herbs, and supplements. Prescribed by your veterinarian, of course.

Anyone out there ever used chiropractic procedures for their pet? I've had it myself and it definitely works...but, I'm up in the air about how it would work on my cat or dog.

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