Chiropractic & Acupuncture

We are proud to offer Chiropractic and Acupuncture sessions with our in-house Veterinarian, Dr. Hannah Daigle, DVM. Often used in conjunction with one another, both chiropractic and acupuncture focus on the body as a whole and aim to improve overall quality of life as well as address specific concerns by promoting the body's ability to heal itself. 

Read on to learn more about each modality and the various benefits they may provide.

If you aren't sure whether Chiropractic and Acupuncture are right for your dog, please contact us to discuss your dog's specific needs.

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Chiropractic

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How Does it Work?

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Chiropractic refers to the practice of manipulating the spine to treat disease. Chiropractors base their theories of disease on the connections between various body structures and the nervous system via the spinal column, and on the role of the spine in biomechanics and movement. Therapy is directed at the spine in order to modify the progression of disease. Maintaining the normal range of motion of vertebrae helps optimize function of lymphatics, blood vessels and nerves, which communicate between the spine and various body structures, allowing the body to function optimally.  In some cases, chiropractic adjustments can minimize the need for long-term drug treatments.

What to Expect

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The benefits of a chiropractic adjustment are often immediate or seen within minutes of treatment. The overall success of the treatment and number of treatments necessary will depend upon the individual animal and their history.

A referral from your veterinarian is required before sessions may begin. 

Benefits

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• Improved gait
• Reduction in pain
• Correction of secondary problems from compensation or over compensation
• May help to prevent injuries in animal athletes by maintaining maximum flexibility

Conditions that Benefit From Chiropractic

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• Neurologic or Biomechanical Issues
• Degenerative joint disease (hip dysplasia, spondylosis, etc)
• Cervical instability
• Acute neck pain
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Autonomic nervous system issues
• Chronic back pain and neck pain
• Musculoskeletal weakness and pain that resists conventional diagnosis and        treatment 

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Acupunture

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How Does it Work?

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Ancient Chinese medicine is based on the philosophy that illness is caused by an imbalance of vital energies in the body. Acupuncture focuses on restoring the energy balance in the body and promoting healing.  It involves the insertion of needles into specific points in the body where nerves and blood vessels converge. Placed in these points, the needles increase blood circulation which improves the body's healing ability. Acupuncture also stimulates the nervous system and increases the release of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving substances to reduce a dog’s discomfort.

What to Expect

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A referral from your veterinarian and a copy of your dog's vet records is required before sessions may begin. After a consultation, which also serves to familiarize your dog with the space and Acupuncturist, your fist session will be scheduled.

​The benefits of acupuncture treatment are cumulative, but the goal is to achieve the greatest degree of improvement and maintain that level with the fewest treatments necessary. There are few side effects with acupuncture, but some dogs may be sore or stiff following a treatment session, while others may appear tired. These symptoms usually resolve within 24-48 hours.

Conditions that Benefit From Acupuncture

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• Functional problems such as those that involve paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (such as allergies), and pain.
• Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis, intervertebral disk disease, or traumatic nerve injury
• Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma
• Skin problems such as lick granulomas and allergic dermatitis
• Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea
• Selected reproductive problems

Chiropractic and Acupuncture are a compliment to veterinary care and are not meant to treat or diagnose. A referral from your veterinarian will be required before sessions may begin.