Introducing Guest Blogger: Dr. Dana Lowe
Dr. Lowe with her rescue dog Mack, a 12-year-old retired racing Greyhound
We’re pleased to introduce the first of many alternative therapy posts, written by certified animal chiropractor Dr. Dana Lowe and other canine experts.
Dr. Lowe completed the certification program in Animal Chiropractic at the Healing Oasis Wellness Centre of Canada in 2008 and became a member of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Dr. Lowe’s unique expertise combines natural healing for the whole family, including the care of small and large animals.
Dr. Lowe practices at the Healing Hands Family Chiropractic & Massage Centre in Toronto, Ontario’s Bathurst and Lawrence area and can be reached at dana@drdanalowe.com.
Spinal Truth: Chiropractic Care for Dogs & Others
Why would an animal need to see a chiropractor? I get asked this question almost every time someone hears I’m a chiropractor for both animals and people.
The answer is that animals should see a chiropractor for many of the same reasons people do — except humans typically don’t have tail issues. As a pet owner and animal lover, you are aware when your dog experiences pain and discomfort. Some of the common signs or symptoms that you may notice are: when a dog limps, flinches or whimpers when stroked or touched in certain areas, refuses to climb up or down the stairs, or experiences stiffness when moving from a sitting to standing position. Dogs may also show discomfort in more subtle ways, such as chewing their paws or dragging them while walking, lack of energy, personality shifts, or changes in bowel movements or bladder habits.
Animal chiropractic is a natural, non-invasive, drug-free approach to pet health care that helps maintain joint health and prevent injury. In a healthy animal, the bones in the spine and joints are maintained in a specific alignment. When this alignment changes even in the smallest way, a subluxation occurs. Subluxations affect the nervous system, local muscles, joints and even distant organs, glands and body functions.
Pets feel their best when they are able to move and play freely. Chiropractic care helps them to achieve optimal mobility so they can live life to the fullest.
So why would an animal need to see a chiropractor? You tell me. Check back or sign up for future posts, where I’ll explore this answer by discussing common tell tale signs of chiropractic need and treatment options. Please tell me what’s helpful and other questions you may have about canine joint care and preventing injury.