Your dog can't climb the stairs like it used to
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One of the most important things to look out for when considering your dog for a chiropractor is any changes in their physical abilities or behaviors. Obviously, we will touch more on these signs throughout this list. A typical sign that your dog is experiencing some bone or vertebrate problems is their inability to now walk up the stairs in your house. You'll find that they might whine, sit and stare at the bottom of the stairs, or walk up in a different manner to how they used to get to the top.
Your dog won't run for the balls anymore
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I'm pretty sure that most dogs out their love a game of ball, although not all understand the concept of bringing it back to the owner! You should be looking out for slight behavioral changes in your dog when it comes to assessing the need for an animal chiropractor. If you're dog suddenly has a decreased interest in chasing the ball and returning it, then either they've gotten bored of the game or they're experiencing some pain that's stopping them from performing their usual favorite activities.
Your dog is starting to sit funny
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As you are probably aware, if a dog needs to visit a chiropractor it means there's something wrong with the dog's joints or spine that needs putting back into place. One of the things that these problems can effect is the way your dog sits. You may have noticed that your dog has started to sit down in funny positions (that don't look comfortable at all) because they can't sit how they usually do. If this is the case, take a closer look at them and book a consultation with an animal chiropractor.
Your dog won't jump anymore
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Some dogs absolutely love to jump... whether it be at the park and jumping for sticks, or as soon as someone comes through the front door. What you might have noticed is that your dog isn't able to jump as much anymore, instead they are trying to but seem to fail. If this is the case, have a look to see if you can get your dog into the animal chiropractor. Chiropractors know that your pup needs to be happy and comfortable, and they've often studied animal chiropractics at degree level, so they know what they're doing!
You've noticed that your doggo is excessively grooming the painful site
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A sign that a dog is experiencing some discomfort is excessively grooming the site on their body that's causing them that pain. In this case, you might notice that a dog has started to lick away the fur at the bottom of its spine, or at the joints in it legs, signifying there's some vertebrae issue going on. If you've noticed this, take a further inspection at the sight they are grooming and seek the appropriate medical care for your little canine if you believe they need it. You never know, a chiropractor might help!
Your dog has started to refuse its food
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Now you know there's something definitely wrong with your dog if they are starting to refuse to eat their food - even dog treats! It's a common sign that any dogs who are experiencing a high level of pain or who are quite sick might not feel like eating their breakfast or dinner. If this is the case for your dog, and you've already taken them to the vet, consider taking them to be checked out by an animal chiropractor, as it may have something to do with achy bones and joints. Nobody likes to see their dog in pain!
Your dog is exhibiting abnormal gait
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Now if you don't know what gait means, it is essentially just the way in which an animal will move. Basically, we're just saying to keep an eye out for any changes in the way in which your beloved doggo has started to move around. It can be anything; weight being put on different legs, a cowering head, turning in one direction etc. Often, if a dog needs to see a chiropractor, it is to restore their joint movement, which will subsequently allow for normal function in their bones to resume without pain.
You've noticed your dog has changed the way it's lying down
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One of the biggest ways you can tell if your dog will benefit from the services of an animal chiropractor is looking to see whether there's any changes in the way your dog is lying down. They might look like they're in pain, putting their legs in funny positions, etc. Did you know that there are certain dog breeds that can be predisposed to all kinds of genetic diseases. This means that if you own one of these certain types of breeds, you might need to pay special attention to see if they're exhibiting any of these symptoms.
Your dog has started to drag its back legs
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It comes as no surprise that any spinal problems dogs will cause all sorts of problems in the dog's legs (front and back). One of the signs you might be noticing in your dog might be that they're dragging their legs as they try and maneuver around the house. Apparently, seeking a chiropractor will offer a holistic approach to your little pet's problems, where the professional will manually adjust and manipulate the vertebrae of your little loved one, to ease the pain and discomfort they are experiencing.
There's postural changes in your dog
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This is probably a sign that only a doggy parent would notice in their own canine friend. While the changes might only be slight, you should keep an eye out for any postural changes in your dog. This can range between various things, like your dog arching its back, or their stance curving to one side, or even struggling to keep itself up. Take a closer inspection at your dog and consider if anything is causing them some pain. If so, book a visit to the vet and potentially a chiropractor to get your doggy in tip top shape.
Your doggo seems to want to do less than it used to
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Dogs are active beings, as we all know, so any kind of changes in their attitude to moving about and taking part in activities won't go ignored. Dogs shouldn't be naturally lazy beings, so you shouldn't be dismissing their lack in ability for laziness, and should try and get to the bottom of the problem. Often, when a dog needs to visit a professional animal chiropractor, they will look specifically at the adjustment of the spine and various joints to alleviate any stress your little one is going through.
You've noticed that your dog has suddenly become aggressive
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In real terms, any dog can have an aggressive turn, it doesn't matter how friendly they were before. If something bothers them, they might just eventually snap. One of the main reasons that dogs tend to snap out of the blue is because other people (or other dogs) are getting too close to them while they're in pain. It's basically a warning not to come any closer because the dog is hurting quite bad. This sign probably shouldn't be ignored and you should seek professional help from a vet or chiropractor.
It's clear that your dog has weak front legs now
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There are a number of issues that could be causing your dog some stress and pain in the maneuvers. Animal chiropractic care for your dog can aim to tackle these number of issues, which include arthritis, sprains, pinches nerves and even headaches too! Disc issues is also up there in the list. Another symptom that your dog could benefit from a trip to the chiropractor is that their front legs have become noticeably weak. They can't stand up without straining their legs, you might notice some trembling.
Your dog flinches when you touch it
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When dogs are experiencing pain, they are so uncomfortable that they'd much rather people keep their distance. So if your dog keeps wincing or flinching every time you try and pet it, let it be known that this could be a warning sign. Something to bear in mind is that dogs don't always have genetic problems that cause the need for a chiropractor, they might have had a recent fall that's displaced a disk and caused them to have some serious pain going on in their spine. Try and remember if they've had a fall recently.
Whining and barking is much more prevalent now
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Believe it or not folks, dogs can't talk. So how else are they going to inform you that they're experiencing some pain if not by barking or whining? Some dogs bark more than others, as we all know, so this kinda comes down to a case-by-case basis. If you're dog never used to bark, but is now barking or whining a lot, then they are probably trying to tell yourself something. Don't disregard how your pup feels. Anything from howling, whining, yelping, can be a cry for help, so make sure to get them sorted.
Your dog is now being anti-social
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Not only do dogs get a little aggressive and assertive when experiencing joint and spine pain, they might also become a little bit anti-social. Obviously, some dogs are more anti-social than others anyway, so base it off how they've usually been when interacting with their canine friends. Are they starting to become irritable? Are they hiding away from the crowd? What about cowering before other dogs? All could be signs that you should book in a visit with a animal chiropractor at your earliest convenience.
You've noticed a big limp in your dog's legs
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This is probably the MAIN sign for a dog needing to visit the chiropractor. It's safe to say there has been a negative stigma against chiropractors in the canine world in the past, but they're slowly becoming more and more recognized as feasible doggy remedies. Not all dogs react the same to certain treatments, so not everything will work for your pup. If you've noticed a big limp in your dog, then you might want to see if a vet or animal chiropractor can give your dog the helping hand it needs.
You've noticed they're have trouble squatting
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Naturally, most dogs will squat when going to the toilet, whether that be emptying their bowels or their bladder. What you might have noticed is that your dog is having trouble doing so (potentially leading to incontinence). Signs might be that your dog's back legs are shaking a lot when trying to pass their daily excrements. Take a further look at your little doggo if you're noticing that they're having trouble, as the longer you leave it, the worse the consequences could be. Animal chiropractors are here to help.
Your dog will only lie on one side of its body
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If it's their bones and joints that are causing an issue, then naturally they're going to have trouble when trying to sleep. This could lead to them only lying on a preferred side of their body - the side that causes them the least amount of pain. Often, our dogs can mask their injuries through compensating. This can come in all different mechanisms, like re-distributing their weight balance, sitting/walking differently, or even sleeping in a different position. This is so they don't show that they are uncomfortable and in pain.
Your dog has suddenly become incontinent
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Is there anything more embarrassing for a dog than not being able to hold their bodily functions? Incontinence can generally come with older age, so you should be aware and assess all possible reasons for a dog's incontinence before assuming that they need to see a chiropractor, but it could be a reason for it. If they keep wetting their bed in the middle of the night, or struggling to make it outside on time for their bowel or bladder movements, then it could be due to the pain that they're experiencing.
Your dog is shifting it's weight from back to front
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Much like what we've mentioned earlier in the article, dogs may try and re-distribute their weight between each of their legs to try and find the most comfortable and painless way of getting about their daily lives. You may have noticed that their walking has become back or front heavy, which will be due to that compensating we were talking about. Unfortunately though, dogs will only compensate for so long until their body starts to give way beneath them, so better to get them checked out for sure.
Your dog's performance isn't what it used to be
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Some dogs are absolutely more energetic than others. I mean, I'm pretty sure most of us can watch those little doggy competitions and realize that our canine friends would never be able to run through tunnels, jump hurdles and climb ramps. If you're dog is in the minority of champions, then they could be at more risk of needing to visit a chiropractor, but the pro is that you might just be able to spot the signs earlier. This is because you can compare their physical ability to before and notice any warning signs.
They won't turn in a certain direction
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Like we said before, dogs will assess how they manage their weight when moving around, and so they might even be pushed to not turn in a certain direction if it's causing them too much pain. Interestingly, a professional in animal chiropractics, Dr. Keenan Massey, suggests a visit to the animal chiropractor even without reason. He states that visits 2-3 times per year are recommended as a preventative measure, much like we would go to the dentist without reason, but just to give us a check up.
Your dog is having issues just even standing
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This is probably one of the signs that lets you know that it's gotten pretty bad with your dog, and that you should book in to see that chiropractor in the near future. If you're dog has now just started to refuse to stand, then there could be a number of underlying issues. Our first suggestion is making a visit to the vets, as you can never be sure exactly what is going on with your dog. If it's something spine or joint related, them potentially a trip to the animal chiropractor might help ease them.
They refuse to lift up their head
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If the problem lies within your pet's neck or spine, then the chances are that they're going to experience some discomfort when it comes to raising their head. So you might just notice that they're becoming very reluctant to do so. When it comes to visiting the chiropractor, the consistency of the visits really does depend on what the issue is with your dog. If there's a major issue that should be addressed and maintained, then it's suggested to go about once a week, and you may even see results from the first session.
Your beloved pet won't even play chase with you now
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Some dogs absolutely loved to be chased around the house or the backyard and they just can't get enough of it. They might pick up a slipper and run it into the backyard just so that you can chase them around for it. Also, some owners will love to take part in sports with their dogs, like agility courses and the likes. Now, if you're one of these dog owners, and your dog is having trouble keeping up with their old habits, it could be because they need to see an animal chiropractor. Alternatively, they could just be getting old.
Your dog has difficulty getting up
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Dogs are tired beings, they spend pretty much most of their days just napping away, and I'm pretty sure a lot of us are jealous of the plush lifestyle our canine friends can have. However, some dogs will get excited by the sound of their treats being rattled, or their leash being unhooked from the wall for a walk. This usually gets their attention and they shoot straight up. However, you might be noticing that your dog is having some trouble getting up from their sleep, and likewise in the mornings too.
Your dog is looking relatively depressed
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It's easy to forget that most animals have feelings too. If your beloved canine friend is in so much pain, then the likelihood is that this going to start affecting their mood, making them seem depressed. This can lead to all sorts of other issues like anti-social behavior, aggression, refusing to eat, so better to get it checked out before it gets any worse. After all, nobody wants to see their doggo looking sad and depressed because of the amount of pain that they're in. Hopefully the chiropractor can put them at ease.
Your dog frequently slips around the floor
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Listen up, some hardwood floors can be easy for dogs to slip on, especially polished hardwood floors. This sign is more specifically for floors that your dog has been slipping on that they've never slipped on before. It can be down to the fact that their joints aren't working as they should, and nor are there muscles. Interestingly, it isn't just dogs that are recommended to see the chiropractor. There's professionals for all kind of household pets including cats, rabbits, ferrets, horses and even farm animals!
Your dog is starting to chew itself in the affected area
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Similarly to how a dog would continuously and relentlessly groom the area that's causing them the pain, they might also start chewing at the painful site too. Essentially, they're doing the same thing which is alerting you to the part on them that's causing them the most pain. Take a look at the chewed sight on their body and maybe have them checked out by a vet. While not all vets will recommend going to a chiropractor, some might suggest it. Just have a Google search at the one's near you and book in for a consultation.