“What?! Animal Chiropractic? I had no idea that existed?!”
Dr. Ginette discusses why owners bring their dogs in for care and what signs owners can look for that would indicate the need for an assessment.
We are ready to help your furry family members!
Chiropractic is not just for humans. In fact, it can be very beneficial to animals as well! – which is why Dr. Ginette is a dog chiropractor.
She completed her certification in animal chiropractic at the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre in Ontario and now treats dogs (and cats). As an animal lover, she LOVES working with four-legged clients – and can ensure that ALL members of the family are well adjusted!
Dog Chiropractor in Windsor, Ontario
The process – and benefits – of chiropractic are very similar for animals as they are for us humans. Dr. Ginette will look for abnormal or restricted movement of the joints of the spine and extremities, and adjust as necessary to restore proper movement, reduce pain, improve mobility, and allow the nervous system and body to function at its maximum healthy potential.
Chiropractic care is tremendously beneficial for healthy and athletic animals, and can also be used to treat animals that are experiencing pain, stiffness, nerve problems, movement issues, or any number of other problems. You can read more about why your pet might visit a Certified Animal Chiropractor in our FAQ section below.
It’s important to note that chiropractic care does not replace veterinary care. Dr. Ginette will work in collaboration with your veterinarian and refer you back if she feels necessary.
We also welcome inquiries at any time and are always happy to speak in person about how Animal Chiropractic could benefit your animal. Book your four-legged friend’s appointment today! Call 519-966-7880.
Maya loves her adjustments and it keeps her well for her active life!
Mocha stays “tuned-up” with her check-ups with Dr. Ginette
Adjustments help Piper stay active to do her agility and prevent injuries
Doris is having her “puppy check” to make sure her spine and nervous system is functioning well
Kaniq keeps her “spring” in her step with the help of adjustments
Mila enjoys getting adjusted
Mocha is having her spine and extremities checked
Lola stays well adjusted
Dr. Ginette uses her “box” to reach those high places to adjust the spine
Putting the spring back in Kaniq’s step
My 3-year-old Keeshond, Kaniq, competes in Conformation, Rally and Barn Hunt. She also does agility – just for fun. I had been noticing that she was finding it difficult to jump – to the point of avoidance, the occasional yelp and that her gait was off. Dr. Ginette to the rescue! After a few chiropractic adjustments, my girl is as good as new and back to doing what she loves! I am so thankful that we have this kind of knowledge in our area. Dr. Ginette has a wonderful touch with animals and Kaniq is always glad to see her. That’s a good sign! Thank you, Dr. Ginette, for putting the spring back in Kaniq’s step!
Frequently Asked Questions about Animal & Dog Chiropractic
What is Animal Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a method of healing the body rooted in the knowledge that all of the body’s cells, tissues, organs and systems are controlled by the central nervous system, which is housed within the spine.
The process – and benefits – of dog chiropractic are very similar for animals as they are for us humans. Dr. Ginette will look for abnormal and restricted movement of the joints of the spine and extremities. She will then adjust as necessary to restore proper movement, reduce pain, improve mobility, and allow the nervous system and body to function at its maximum healthy potential.
What is a Chiropractic adjustment?
A Chiropractic adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement applied by the hands to the spine or any other joints in the body. Adjustments are gentle, and use minimal pressure to restore proper function to the joint and stimulate the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Dr. Ginette always adapts her adjustments to meet the needs of your pet.
Why would my dog see a Certified Animal Chiropractor?
Owners seek Chiropractic care for their pets for many reasons. Chiropractic care is tremendously beneficial for healthy animals, and can also be used to treat animals that are experiencing specific problems and conditions.
Chiropractic care helps your pet’s body function at its best, and facilitates its ability to heal itself – in that regard, the possibilities and benefits are endless. Because the nervous system controls the entire body, many owners bring their pets even when they are not having a particular issue, seeing a dog chiropractor improves their health and life.
Chiropractic care is appropriate for many reasons:
- Relief from back, neck, leg and tail pain
- Strains and sprains
- Muscles spasms
- Nerve problems
- Movement issues
- Jaw / TMJ problems or difficulty chewing
- Injuries from slips and falls
- Puppies – ensuring proper development
- Elderly and geriatric pets
- Arthritis, osteoarthritis
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Asymmetric postures
We welcome inquiries at any time and Dr. Ginette is always happy to speak in person about how a dog chiropractor could benefit your animal.
What can I expect on my dog’s first visit?
When you arrive for your first appointment, Dr. Ginette will start by discussing your pet’s health and any issues or concerns you may have.
From there, she will complete a thorough examination. If you have had any tests performed by your veterinarian or records that pertain to the issue you are consulting for, please bring in a copy. If your veterinarian has x-rays on file, please ask to temporarily sign them out or have your vet email them to us if they are digital.
After the exam, Dr. Ginette will discuss with you what she found, how she can help your pet and what to expect from care. She may also have other recommendations, home care and will review how much time is needed for care, each case is different. This first visit and treatment will last approximately 30 minutes.
Are there follow up visits?
Dr. Ginette might give you specific instructions to follow at home after your pet’s first appointment depending on their condition. For example: a period of rest, no strenuous activity, or ice therapy. Often, animals show signs of improvement over the first couple of hours and days after their first adjustment as their nervous system begins to heal and function better. Some animals might feel the need to rest as the body is healing, which is completely normal.
In many cases, a follow up visit will be necessary to evaluate the improvements from the first visit and determine how your pet is responding to care. Each animal’s case is different and Dr. Ginette will evaluate and determine the needs for your pet. All follow up visits take approximately 15 minutes.
How do I know if my dog needs care?
Animals cannot tell us when they have small aches and pains. They carry on by changing their gait, their behaviour and their movements to compensate for their discomfort. These changes may go unnoticed until obvious signs such as stiffness, limping, avoiding activities, or yelping occur. During an assessment, Dr. Ginette is trained to detect these small changes, then subsequently provide treatment and preventing further injury.
Here are a few signs to look for:
- Pain or sensitivity to touch
- Changes in behavior
- “Not moving right”
- Difficulty getting up or down
- Asymmetric postures
- Abnormal gait
- Poor or decreased performance
- Changes in their ability to manage stairs, jump on furniture or into the car
Will an adjustment hurt?
An adjustment uses minimal force and gentle pressure. Most pets enjoy coming in for an adjustment. On occasion, pets who come in with tense muscles due to pain or discomfort may feel some slight discomfort and/or sensitivity – but it is temporary, and not a sign that anything is wrong.
What kind of training does Dr. Ginette have?
Dr. Ginette has completed her certification in Animal Chiropractic at the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre in Ontario and is certified by the College of Animal Chiropractors. The program is available to Doctors of Chiropractic and Veterinarians to complete this specialized training for dogs and horses.