Dr. Leanne Parker is a Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic from Logan University and graduated from Options for Animals College of Animal Chiropractic in February 2017, she currently holds an Animal Chiropractor Certificate endorsed by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.
What are the benefits of chiropractic for animals?
Similar to humans, animal’s joints can become restricted or “stuck,” affecting the animal’s quality of movement overall. This restriction can occur in all types of animals, those who are sedentary to the elite athlete (high performance dogs i.e. agility, obedience, IPO/IGP, etc.). Benefits of Chiropractic include but are not limited to:
Neck, back, leg, rib, and even tail pain
Performance related problems (not jumping, weaving, gait related issues, bite or TMJ issues)
Increase in nerve, blood and lymph flow
Improve neurologic function
Help improve the immune system
Restore normal movement patterns
Help ease arthritic or age-related issues (hard time sitting or getting up)
Sporting and working dogs put more stress on their bodies and skeletal system. These dogs often will have areas of their bodies that get over stressed and can cause muscle spasms and tightness throughout their skeletal system. A maintenance schedule of chiropractic care can help keep them moving well and prevent injuries. In all animals, chiropractic can be used as an injury prevention and general well-being. Chiropractic can also enhance the recovery process of some medical conditions including orthopedic post-surgery, arthritis, dysplasia, and others.
If your pet has a medical condition, consult with your veterinarian to see if adding chiropractic care could benefit them. Chiropractic treatment does not replace traditional veterinary medicine; however, it can provide additional means of diagnosis and treatment options for spinal related problems as well as musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractic is an effective treatment for acute or chronic pain syndromes caused by biomechanical problems.
Do most animals tolerate or enjoy chiropractic treatments?
It depends on the dog and the provider. The "chiropractic dance" describes the communication that occurs between the provider and recipient. When viewed through the eyes of the dog, the chiropractor’s body position and touch are sometimes perceived as rude or dominant. Moreover, if the touch starts out too intense and causes discomfort in the animal, they’ll be less likely to cooperate. Animals do not understand that discomfort during treatment means feeling after the way you and I might.
I've known dogs who have never had chiropractic care relax and stand quietly all on their choice. Some could be persuaded into position with some treat reinforcement, and others were determined that moving away and being nervous is as relaxed as they are going to be for a first treatment. Even those that don't feel comfortable and are nervous benefit and often over time, begin to accept, relax and I would say "enjoy" the adjustment. No two dogs respond in exactly the same way, but they will let us know how they are feeling if we watch, listen, and respond to them and move with them.
What is your favorite aspect of animal chiropractic?
My favorite part is seeing the animal improve in their quality of life and enjoy themselves. I like to see them respond to my touch and come to the realization that I’m here to help them. I understand that both the animal and the owner are entrusting me with their care and because of this there is no greater feeling than seeing the animal respond positively, move easier, and express joy
What can owners do at home to complement what you do?
Once again, this is very similar to human chiropractic care. The best thing to do at home is keep your dog moving. Movement helps activate the joints and muscles that may have been affected during their adjustment. This can be as simple as going for a walk or doing some sit to stands or down to stands with good form to earn their meals. More specific things can depend of the case and what is going on with the dog.
How did you become interested in animal chiropractic?
I grew up on a farm and have always loved animals. I wanted to work with animals from a young age just wasn’t sure how. I got into chiropractic because I am a chronic headache patient and chiropractic care was the only thing that helped me. I thought that if chiropractic care can help me then it can help others. I then pursed chiropractic and graduated from Logan University with my Doctor of Chiropractic degree. While finishing my degree at Logan I attended Options for Animals College of Animal Chiropractic and received my certification through the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Working with animals and being able to help them with chiropractic care is a dream job. I am so happy to be able to work with the awesome Back on Track team.
Please help us welcome Dr. Leanne Parker, D.C. to the Back on Track team. We hope she can be of help to your pets! Call and schedule your appointment today.
Read our other articles on chiropractic for pets: Is Chiropractic Right For Your Pet? and Chiropractic Proves To Be An Important Part Of Pet Rehabilitation.
