Canine Chiropractic
Canine Chiropractic Care
Restoring balance, movement, and comfort — naturally.
How Does Canine Chiropractic Work?
Canine chiropractic offers a gentle, natural, and holistic approach to improving your dog’s mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.
This specialized form of care focuses on identifying and correcting subluxations—small misalignments within the spine that can interfere with nerve communication, joint function, and muscle coordination.
Through precise, low-force adjustments of the spinal column, joints, and surrounding tissues, chiropractic care helps restore proper motion, relieve tension, and reduce pain—all without medication or surgery. When the spine moves freely, the nervous system can function optimally, allowing the body to heal itself from within.
If you and your veterinarian have explored other treatment options without lasting relief, animal chiropractic can be an excellent complementary therapy to restore your dog’s natural balance and vitality.
Common Conditions Helped by Canine Chiropractic
Chiropractic care can support dogs of all ages and breeds—from growing puppies to senior companions and canine athletes. It may be beneficial for a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological issues, including:
- Subluxations (spinal misalignments)
- Hip dysplasia support
- Osteoarthritis and age-related stiffness
- Urinary incontinence
- Forelimb or hindlimb lameness
- Neck, back, or tail injuries
- Repetitive use or performance-related strain
- Post-surgical recovery and rehabilitation
As veterinary chiropractic continues to evolve, the list of conditions that respond positively to care continues to grow.
Signs Your Dog May Benefit from Chiropractic Care
Dogs often communicate discomfort through subtle changes in movement, behavior, or posture.
If you notice any of the following signs, your dog may be experiencing spinal or joint restriction that chiropractic care can help address:
- Difficulty climbing stairs or getting into the car
- Reluctance or inability to jump
- Limping or dragging a rear leg
- Hunched or arched back
- Weakness in the front legs without localized pain
- Trouble sitting, standing, or lying down comfortably
- Shortened stride or uneven gait
- Yelping or sensitivity when picked up or touched
- Reluctance to move or play
- Sitting or standing with poor posture or at an angle
Even subtle mobility changes can indicate discomfort. Early evaluation helps prevent chronic pain and compensatory strain in other areas of the body.
What to Expect During a Canine Chiropractic Visit
Your dog’s first appointment begins with a comprehensive evaluation to assess posture, gait, spinal motion, and overall health.
Before initiating care, I consult with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s chiropractic plan aligns safely with their medical history, imaging, and any current treatments or medications. Collaboration between your vet and animal chiropractor ensures the best possible outcome.
Once evaluated, your dog will receive gentle, targeted adjustments designed to restore normal motion to restricted joints and alleviate nervous system interference.
Some dogs experience immediate improvement, while others require a few sessions to achieve lasting results. In many cases, noticeable relief occurs within one to five days after treatment as the body begins to rebalance and heal.
Certified, Safe, and Effective Care
Dr. Nicolle Schultze is Internationally (IVCA) and American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) certified and insured, providing safe, professional, and compassionate chiropractic care for your animals.
The AVCA, founded in 1989, established the standards of excellence for professional animal chiropractic in North America—ensuring that each practitioner meets rigorous training, ethical, and safety requirements.
With years of experience and a heart for both animals and their people, Dr. Nicolle brings expertise, intuition, and precision to every adjustment—helping dogs move freely, age gracefully, and live more comfortably.
It is What Love Does!
Every Dog Deserves to Feel Their Best
At Pura Vida Chiropractic, our goal is simple: to help your dog live a life of ease, balance, and joyful movement—because comfort is freedom, and healing is What Love Does.