Chiropractic care for show dogs

Chiropractic care for show dogs is a good way to help a dog be in show shape. By improving overall alignment and joint motion, we can support better conformation and performance.

Topline

One of the most common signs of back pain is a roached back. The dog flexes the spine to take pressure off the back and reduce the discomfort. Addressing what is behind the pain often allows the dog to relax and carry a correct topline again.

Motion

When joints are not moving properly or have limited range of motion, the shoulders and hips especially, you see it as inconsistent stepping, pacing and short striding. Restoring range of motion lets a dog take longer strides, and the overall picture becomes more fluid.

Attitude

A dog in pain is less inclined to want to perform. It can be hard for them to move or even stand when something is bothering them, and it is often difficult to work out what, particularly when it is minor. That gets blamed on attitude more often than it should, when the dog is actually uncomfortable. Reduced pain, reduced muscle tension and improved circulation tend to bring the willingness back with them.

Head carriage

Restrictions through the neck can cause a dog to carry their head low, or produce a head tilt or rotation. Assessing range of motion in the neck and at the cervicothoracic junction can free that up and let them hold their head where it should be.

Tail set

Muscle tension through the lower back, upper back and hind end can alter tail position. A frequent cause of tight, tender muscle is joint restriction. During an adjustment the Golgi tendon organ in the joint is activated, which allows a relaxation response in the muscle, and as tension comes down, tail position can change with it. Tail set can also be affected by alignment through the sacrum, which is addressed the same way.

And the handler

Chiropractic care is just as useful for handlers. Reducing pain, improving alignment and improving joint motion makes for a better performance and a more pleasant day for both ends of the lead. If you are not moving well, neither is your dog.

If you are looking for a veterinary chiropractor, the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association both hold certified practitioners to a high standard of training.

What chiropractic care for show dogs looks like

A visit starts with watching your dog stand and move, ideally at the pace they are shown at. Then we check the spine, pelvis and every joint in all four limbs for restricted motion, sore muscles and asymmetry. Adjustments are quick, specific and gentle, and most dogs settle into them.

It is worth finding out how your dog responds to an adjustment before you plan one around a big show, rather than trying it for the first time the week before. Many show dogs do well with a check during the season and another when something looks off in the ring.

Chiropractic care sits alongside your own veterinarian, not instead of them. If we find something that needs diagnostics, we will say so. You can read more about how we work on our chiropractic page.

Related reading: Which dogs benefit from chiropractic care? · Chiropractic for puppies

Questions Pet Parents ask

How often should a show dog be adjusted?

It depends on the dog, their workload and how they respond. Some do well with a check every few weeks during the season, others only need one when something changes. We will suggest a rhythm after the first visit.

Can chiropractic fix a dog's gait?

It can help where restricted joints, sore muscles or alignment are part of the picture. It cannot change conformation, and a gait problem caused by an injury or a structural issue needs your veterinarian.

Will my dog be sore afterwards?

Most dogs are not. A few are a little tired or stiff for a day, which usually passes on its own. If anything seems worse, call us.