Dogs

Dr Daniel Adler > Dogs

Category: Dogs

Dogs and stairs

Stairs

by danieladler

Dogs are our faithful companions, offering us unwavering love and loyalty throughout their lives. As our furry friends age, however, they might face challenges that were once effortless. One common obstacle for older dogs is navigating stairs. Whether due to joint pain, arthritis, or other age-related issues, climbing stairs can become a daunting task for senior pups. As pet parents, there are several ways we can support and assist our aging companions in maneuvering stairs comfortably and safely.

Understanding Their Needs: First and foremost, it’s crucial to recognize the individual needs of your senior dog. Observe their behavior to determine if they struggle with stairs. Signs might include hesitation, reluctance, or visible discomfort while climbing or descending. As dogs lose hip strength as they age, their ability to propel themselves up a flight of stairs with their back legs diminishes. This can actually increase the wear and tear on the front end which has to compensate for the lack of hind end strength. Consulting with a veterinarian can help identify any underlying health issues causing this difficulty.

Creating a Safe Environment: Modify the environment to ensure safety for your older dog. Consider installing non-slip surfaces on stairs to provide better traction. Stair treads or rugs with a firm grip can reduce the risk of slipping, offering stability and confidence to your furry friend as they navigate the steps.

Gentle Exercises and Rehabilitation: Engage your senior dog in gentle exercises and rehabilitation activities to improve their strength and mobility. Consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for suitable exercises that can help strengthen their muscles and joints. Physical therapy tailored to your dog’s needs can work wonders in enhancing their ability to handle stairs more comfortably.

Chiropractic adjustments: Keep your dog moving as freely as possible. Adjustments reduce pain, improve joint mechanics and reduce muscle tension which all help to keep your dog mobile. A dog that’s in discomfort will have a lot harder time navigating stairs than a dog who is feeling great and that’s despite any age-related weaknesses.

Implementing Assistive Devices: There are various assistive devices available that can aid older dogs in managing stairs. Dog ramps can provide a gradual incline or support, making the ascent and descent easier and less strenuous. These devices reduce the impact on joints and muscles, allowing your furry companion to navigate the stairs with reduced effort.

Training and Encouragement: Patience and positive reinforcement play a crucial role in helping your senior dog conquer their fear or discomfort with stairs. Use treats, praise, and encouragement to motivate them during the learning process. Take it slow and allow them to progress at their own pace, rewarding each successful attempt. If your dog has ever had a fall or slip on the stairs they can remember that for years. Confidence is important so help them to gently get over any fears they have of stairs.

Alternative Living Arrangements: In some cases, modifying your home layout can alleviate the need for your senior dog to use stairs frequently. Setting up a cozy living space on one floor can minimize their need to navigate stairs daily, reducing stress on their joints.

Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential for senior dogs. They can assess your dog’s overall health and suggest appropriate treatments or adjustments to manage any age-related conditions that may affect their ability to use stairs comfortably.

Ultimately, supporting older dogs in navigating stairs requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to their well-being. By making necessary modifications to their environment, offering encouragement and assistance, and ensuring proper medical care, we can help our loyal companions continue to move through life with comfort and dignity, one step at a time.

 

Elderly dog

Elderly Dogs

by danieladler

As our beloved furry friends age, they deserve our utmost care and attention to ensure their golden years are comfortable and enjoyable. Just like humans, dogs go through various physical and mental changes as they get older. To provide the best quality of life for your senior dog, it’s essential to adapt their care routine to meet their evolving needs. In this blog, we’ll explore some valuable tips and insights on how to take care of an elderly dog.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Just as with humans, preventive healthcare is paramount for senior dogs. Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s health. These check-ups can catch potential issues early, ensuring prompt treatment and a higher quality of life.

Balanced Diet

Diet plays a crucial role in your senior dog’s health. Consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your dog’s age, breed, and any specific health concerns. Senior dog food often contains nutrients tailored to their needs, including joint support and easier-to-digest ingredients.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity can exacerbate health problems in older dogs. Keep a close eye on your dog’s weight, and if necessary, adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly. Maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate strain on their joints and organs.

Adequate Exercise

While senior dogs may not be as energetic as their younger counterparts, regular exercise is still essential. Adjust the intensity and duration of walks or playtime to match their energy levels and physical condition. Low-impact exercises like swimming can be gentle on aging joints.

Also try to manage your expectations when it comes to their capabilities. Don’t try to make your older dog go on those extended hikes you used to be able to do together. A good tip is to keep your walks short but repetitive if able. For example, instead of one 30 minute walk a day, three 10 minute walks spaced out throughout the day is much better.

Joint Care

Arthritis and joint pain are common in elderly dogs. Provide joint supplements, as recommended by your vet, and consider providing soft bedding to alleviate pressure on their joints. Additionally, ramps or steps can help them access higher surfaces more comfortably.

Dental Care

Oral health is often overlooked but critical in senior dogs. Regularly brush their teeth and provide dental chews or toys to help prevent dental issues that can lead to pain and infection.

Mental Stimulation

Mental health is as important as physical health for senior dogs. Engage their minds with puzzle toys, interactive games, and new experiences. This can help prevent cognitive decline and keep them mentally sharp.

Adapt the Environment

Make necessary modifications to your home to accommodate your aging dog. Many modern style flooring types can be quite slippery and treacherous for dogs which can result in falls. Non-slip rugs or mats can provide stability on slippery floors, and ramps can assist with navigating stairs.

Be Mindful of the Weather

Extreme temperatures can be tough on older dogs. Ensure they are comfortable in hot weather with access to shade and water, and keep them warm in colder months with cozy bedding and shelter.

Chiropractic Care

Last, but definitely not the least, consider adding chiropractic care to your dog’s wellness plans. One of the most common reasons dogs are euthanized is mobility problems. If you can maintain your dog’s ability to move freely and keep them comfortable you can extend the time until it becomes necessary to say goodbye.

Conclusion

Caring for an elderly dog can be a rewarding experience as you provide them with a comfortable and loving environment in their later years. By following these tips, consulting your veterinarian regularly, getting regular chiropractic care and being attentive to your dog’s changing needs, you can ensure that your senior canine companion enjoys a happy and healthy retirement.

 

chiropractic care for dogs

Chiropractic Care for Dogs

by danieladler

Dogs are more than just pets; they’re cherished members of our families, bringing joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives. As responsible pet parents, ensuring their well-being is a top priority. While regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and exercise play crucial roles in a dog’s health, chiropractic care can be a useful addition to your dog’s wellness.

Chiropractic care for dogs involves non-invasive, manual adjustments to their musculoskeletal system, aiming to restore proper alignment, alleviate pain, and promote natural healing. Just as it benefits humans, chiropractic care has shown remarkable advantages for our furry friends. Let’s dive into the remarkable benefits:

Pain Management and Relief

Dogs, like humans, can experience musculoskeletal issues causing discomfort and pain. Whether due to injury, aging, or structural problems, restricted mobility in the spine or joints can lead to pain. Chiropractic adjustments help by improving the joint mechanics allowing for improved nerve function, decreasing pain and reducing inflammation.

Enhanced Mobility and Flexibility

Maintaining proper joint mechanics is essential for a dog’s mobility. Chiropractic care aids in restoring mobility and flexibility by addressing issues like stiffness or restricted movement, enabling your dog to move more comfortably and engage in their favorite activities.

Improved Performance in Athletic Dogs

For sporty or working dogs involved in agility, obedience, or other physically demanding activities, chiropractic care can optimize their performance. Regular adjustments can aid in preventing injuries, enhancing their agility, and supporting their overall athletic abilities.

Complementary Therapy to Traditional Veterinary Care

Chiropractic care serves as a valuable complement to traditional veterinary medicine. It can be particularly beneficial in conjunction with other treatments, contributing to a holistic approach to your dog’s health.

Support for Various Conditions

Beyond addressing musculoskeletal issues, chiropractic care may benefit dogs with conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or even behavioral problems. By promoting a healthier nervous system and addressing spinal misalignments, it can positively impact these conditions and contribute to your dog’s overall well-being.

Stress Relief and Improved Quality of Life

Physical discomfort can impact a dog’s mental state, leading to stress or anxiety. By alleviating pain and discomfort, chiropractic care contributes to a better quality of life, improving your dog’s mood and overall happiness.

Prevention and Long-Term Health Maintenance

Regular chiropractic care can aid in preventing future issues by maintaining proper spinal mobility and addressing potential problems before they escalate. It’s a proactive approach to supporting your dog’s long-term health and vitality.

Before considering chiropractic care for your dog, it’s crucial to consult with a chiropractor who is specifically trained and certified in animal chiropractic care. Not every chiropractor can adjust dogs. A certified animal chiropractor can assess your dog’s condition, develop a tailored treatment plan, and ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedures.

In conclusion, chiropractic care for dogs is not just a trend; it’s a valuable therapeutic option offering numerous benefits to improve their physical health, mobility, and overall well-being. By incorporating this complementary approach into your dog’s healthcare routine, you can help them lead a happier, healthier, and more active life.

Remember, a happy, well-adjusted pup makes for a happy household!

Dr Daniel Adler

So You’re Thinking About Getting a Dog

by danieladler

This pandemic has led to a lot of families deciding to welcome a new furry family member into the household. With a lot of time spent in the house and many people working from home, it seems like an ideal time to consider adding a dog into the mix. That’s great that more people want to get a dog, however, it is serious business that requires careful thought prior to making that jump. Here are some things to consider when deciding on getting a dog:

1. Costs

Have you carefully considered the cost of owning a dog? Between the original purchase price, vet bills, training, food, toys, accessories and chiropractic care (of course) the bills add up. Are you prepared to cover the cost of ownership for the entire length of your dog’s life?

2. Breed

While we all may have our preferred breeds, you need to ask yourself if it is the right breed for you and your family’s lifestyle. Just because you find a particular breed the cutest, it may not be the right one for you. I can’t stress this enough: Do Your Research! Certain breeds may be far more susceptible to various health problems and therefore cost you more (see point 1). For example: dachshunds, although quite adorable, are quite susceptible to major back problems that require expensive surgeries (think tens of thousands of dollars). Would you cover the costs if that occurs?

You also need to know breed temperaments and activity levels. If you’re a sedentary person, a German Shorthaired Pointer would not be wise. Do you mind lots of shedding? Do you or anyone in your house have allergies? How trainable is the breed you would like? These are all questions you must have answers to before selecting a dog. I can’t stress this enough so I will say it again: Do Your Research!

3. Permanence

You’re working from home now and have quite a bit of freedom to go for mid-day walks and spend some quality 1-on-woof time but will that always be the case? Think about the future, will the drive to have a dog still be there in 2, 3, 5, 10 years? Dogs are a long-term commitments and the decision to get one shouldn’t be made without considering potential changes in life. Don’t make a spontaneous decision to get a dog.

4. Adopt vs. shop

Going back to the question about breed, is breed all that important to you? Would you like to give a dog in need a good family home? There are numerous rescue agencies out there that would love to find forever homes for dogs in need. There are also quite a number specific to certain breeds so even if you have done your research and chosen a breed, you may be able to find a rescue agency dedicated specifically to that breed. If you do intend on getting a dog from a breeder, research the breeder and make sure to seek out a reputable breeder.

So if you are going to add a dog to your family, please don’t make it a spontaneous decision. It’s a serious commitment that takes serious consideration.

And when you do get your new puppy, consider chiropractic care to help them have a full and active life!

Dr Daniel Adler

Caring For That Older Dog

by danieladler

It’s tough to see our beloved dogs get up there in age. Aging is something we know will happen to every dog but it’s still hard to watch. There are quite a few changes and challenges in caring for an older dog as compared to a younger puppy or middle aged dog They slow down, stop being interested in the games they used to love to play and seem to be in more and more discomfort. There are things that you can do to increase your dog’s comfort in his/her golden years. Here is a few things that you can do to help make life easier on them and you:

  • Let them lead the walks: Don’t push your older dog too hard. Let them set the pace and the distance of the walk. Don’t walk them to the point that they are in pain by the time you get home.
  • Focus on frequency of walks, not duration: If your dog still enjoys going for walks but seems in pain after, focus on more frequent but shorter walks. Give them plenty of rest between walks. It is better to do 3 10 minute walks than one half hour walk.
  • Speak to your vet about joint support supplements. Anti-inflammatory supplements and joint health supplements can help reduce the discomfort of arthritis so speak to your veterinarian about the ideal type for your dog
  • Check your floors: Modern flooring styles, such as hardwood, vinyl or laminate, can be quite slippery and difficult for older dogs. Try putting carpet runners down to give your dog more traction. Any extra bit of support that gives them more grip on a slippery surface will be highly appreciated by your dog.
  • Get some toe grips: If you don’t have the carpet runners or don’t want to put them down, try toe grips. Socks for their feet with grips on the bottom can be quite helpful for helping them walk on slippery surfaces
  • Don’t force stairs: If your dog is reluctant to go up/down stairs, don’t make them. Stairs are difficult for dogs to begin with so if they are in pain, they will likely be hesitant to tackle them

Last, but absolutely not the least,:

  • Get them adjusted!: A chiropractic adjustment can reduce pain, improve mobility and helps keep them comfortable.
DrDanielAdlerDogsAndHorses

Dog vs. Horses

by danieladler

Dogs and horses can be quite similar in many ways. They’re playful, they’re thoughtful, they make great companions and really become part of the family. There are some interesting ways in which they differ behaviourally though which is why we can’t assume a dog and a horse will demonstrate that they are in pain to you in the same ways.

A short while ago I wrote a blog about subtle ways in which dogs can be showing you that they need to see their certified animal chiropractor. However, dogs can be (and quite often are) very overt when they are in pain. So how do horses differ in signs when they are in pain? To answer that question let’s talk about evolution.

Evolution isn’t necessarily a perfectionist, more of a tinkerer. Each animal is suited to the environment in which they live and the demands placed upon them. Those animals that survive because they are best suited to their environment will pass on their genes to the next generation.

Dogs evolved as pack animals and predators without many other animals higher than them in the food chain. This gave dogs a certain amount of comfort we’ll say. No other animal was going to target the weak or the sick dogs for their next meal. This meant that it was perfectly safe for a dog to show their discomfort. In fact, that could even lead to being supported with food by other dogs looking out for members of their pack. It was in a dog’s interest to let others know when they are hurting and not at their optimal function.

Horses, in contrast, are the opposite. Although big animals, they are lower on the food chain. This meant that they always had to be on high alert for predators. If a horse demonstrated that it was in pain and a pack of hungry dogs saw that, that horse was likely to become dinner. So horses had to evolve to be quite stoic and hide their pain quite well. They are also flight animals which means if they sense a threat, they run or kick and then decide later if it was indeed a threat.

So how do you know if your horse is in pain when they won’t tell you like a dog would? You need to look for subtle signs such as:

  • Decreased performance
  • Behavioural changes such as grumpiness
  • Shying away from the saddle
  • Reluctance to let you pick up their leg
  • Swapping leads
  • Resenting the bit

Some other interesting results of horses’ evolution is their easily frightened nature since a horse that got spooked easily was more likely to survive than one who wasn’t afraid of anything. As well, most breeds of horses have 6 lumbar vertebrae. That doesn’t make them good at quick side to side maneuvers but gives them stability to run forwards quickly. Dogs have 7 which make them more agile for hunting down their prey.

So if your horse is displaying any of these signs, give me a call. I can treat your horse anywhere from the Niagara region, Burlington, Hamilton, Waterloo or beyond.

LOCATION

Based out of Burlington, Ontario and providing at-home service in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and everywhere in-between.

Contact Info

Phone: 647.270.8044

Email: Info@adleranimalchiro.com

Also available at

Canine Pain Relief in Breslau:
2057 Victoria St. N., Breslau,
on Tuesday afternoons!

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