Chiropractic for puppies

Did you know that chiropractic for puppies is a gentle way to support young dogs as they grow?

By helping with alignment, balance and motion, we can support growing bodies so they are as healthy as possible going into their adult years.

Alignment and conformation

During a chiropractic exam, puppies are assessed for overall alignment and conformation. We look for head tilts and rotations, leg length inequalities, and abnormal movement in the shoulders, hips, elbows and knees. Where it is needed, gentle adjustments restore proper motion, which supports a growing body, and better conformation as the adult skeleton settles.

Less wear later on

Addressing things early can reduce abnormal wear and tear on joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons, which in turn can reduce the risk of injury later in life.

If your puppy’s breed is predisposed to particular conditions, identifying and managing them early can slow how quickly things progress, and means pain is being managed from an early age rather than once it has become a problem.

Overall wellbeing

When the nervous system is not working as well as it could, it can affect everything from digestion to immune function. Removing interference in the spine and supporting nervous system function with adjustments helps the whole body work closer to its best.

The goal is simple enough: help your pup be as healthy as possible, and start life out on the right paw.

What chiropractic for puppies involves

Puppy sessions are short and gentle. Adjustments for a young dog use very little force, and we work at the puppy's pace, often on the floor or on your lap, with plenty of treats. The aim is for them to enjoy it as much as possible, so future visits are easy.

We check how they sit, stand and move, look at their head and neck position, compare left and right legs, and feel through the spine and pelvis. Growth spurts are a good time for a check, because a body that is changing quickly can pick up restrictions as it goes.

Between visits, the everyday things matter most: grippy flooring, keeping jumping off furniture and out of the car to a minimum while joints are still growing, short play sessions rather than long runs, and plenty of rest. Growing bodies do a lot of their building while they sleep.

Signs a young dog may benefit

• Sitting to one side, or with one back leg stuck out
• A head tilt or a habit of turning one way
• Uneven movement, or a hind end that seems to swing
• Reluctance with stairs, jumping or getting into the car
• Tiring quickly on walks compared with other young dogs

Some of these, especially "bunny hopping" with both back legs together or a limp, can be early signs of a joint problem like hip or elbow dysplasia, so mention them to your own veterinarian too. You can read more about how we work on our chiropractic page.

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

Questions Pet Parents ask

How young can a puppy have chiropractic care?

Very young puppies can be checked, including straight after birth if the delivery was difficult. For most puppies, a first check once they have settled into their new home works well.

Is it safe for puppies?

When it is done by a trained veterinary chiropractor, yes. The techniques used on puppies are much gentler than those used on adult dogs.

Does my puppy need regular adjustments?

Not usually. Most puppies need a check now and then, particularly during growth spurts or after a tumble, rather than a regular schedule.