How do I know if my dog needs to be adjusted?
It is common for subluxations to cause pain when present. Dogs that are in pain will often compensate in their gait or posture. An animal may also refuse to perform usual activities or have a change in attitude or behavior.
The following symptoms in a dog may indicate pain caused by a subluxation:
- Unusual posture while standing
- Reluctance to move
- “Puppy sitting” or sitting with hind legs off to one side
- Decreased performance
- Wringing or tucking tail
- Change in behavior such as fear biting
- Discomfort when taking off or putting on collar or harness
- Sensitivity to touch
- Inability to climb stairs or jump onto raised areas
- Discomfort when taking off or putting on collar or harness
- The animal lies on only one side
- Signs of pain when performing certain movements or being lifted
- Unwillingness to go over jumps or obstacles.
- Apprehension or pain in facial expression.
Subluxations can also cause changes a dog's biomechanics, muscle strenth, coordination, and flexibility. Additional indicators of a possible subluxation in dogs include:
- Decreased coordination when moving
- Pacing gait
- Differences in muscle size and/or tone
- Partial weakness or paralysis
- Stumbling while walking
- Overall stiffness
- The back does not swing
- Gait irregularity that can't be assigned to a particular leg
- Stiffness on one side of the body or neck
- Abnormal movement patterns, i.e. sidewind or crab
- Shortened stride in one or more legs
- Overall decreased range of motion in gait
- Recurrent anal gland infections
- Recurrent ear infections
Please call us at (952) 406-2780 if you have any questions or to make an appointment.
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