Many pet owners in Collinsville and surrounding areas are searching for non-invasive ways to support their animals’ mobility and comfort. When pets show signs of stiffness, limping, or behavioral changes related to discomfort, conventional treatments may not always offer lasting results. That’s where animal chiropractic care enters the conversation, with growing interest from those seeking drug-free options that help pets move and function better.
Hedlund Family Chiropractic in Collinsville, OK, offers animal chiropractic services with a focus on practical outcomes. This approach appeals to individuals looking for straightforward, hands-on care that supports the spine, joints, and nervous systems of dogs, cats, and other household pets. By addressing structural misalignments that can impact comfort and movement, an animal chiropractor can provide support that complements traditional veterinary care.
What Is Animal Chiropractic?
Animal chiropractic is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that targets the spine and musculoskeletal system to improve your pet’s mobility and comfort. It’s often used as a supportive treatment for pets dealing with mobility issues, discomfort, or a decline in physical performance.
This technique is based on identifying and correcting vertebral subluxations—minor misalignments in the spine or joints—that can disrupt the nervous system. When the spine isn’t aligned properly, it may interfere with nerve communication between the brain and body. This can result in stiffness, pain, altered posture, limping, and even behavioral changes like irritability or reduced activity.
Animal chiropractic doesn’t rely on medications or surgery. Instead, we use precise, gentle manual adjustments to restore proper alignment. This allows the nervous system to function without interference and supports the body’s ability to heal naturally. The result is often an improved range of motion, better posture, enhanced performance, and an overall increase in your pet’s quality of life.
At Hedlund Family Chiropractic in Collinsville, we provide safe and tailored chiropractic care for pets of all ages, sizes, and breeds—whether it’s a senior dog struggling to stand up or an active working animal needing support to stay at its best.
Indications Your Pet May Require Chiropractic Treatment
Certain changes in your pet’s behavior or movement can indicate spinal or joint issues that may respond well to chiropractic care. These signs often develop gradually and may be overlooked until they affect your pet’s quality of life.
Common indicators include:
- Finding it difficult to get out of a seated or lying posture
- Limping or favoring one leg when walking or running
- Hesitation or refusal to climb stairs, jump onto furniture, or into vehicles
- Sensitivity or discomfort when touched along the spine or hips
- Abrupt retreat, agitation, or changes in disposition and vitality
- Loss of appetite without a clear medical explanation
- Reduced stamina or decreased performance in working or athletic animals
If your pet is showing any of these signs, it’s worth scheduling an evaluation with a qualified animal chiropractor. Timely intervention may help restore mobility, relieve discomfort, and prevent long-term issues.
Which Animals Can Receive Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care can benefit a wide range of animals, especially those with mobility issues, physical strain, or aging-related discomfort. While dogs and horses are the most common patients, other animals can also respond well to chiropractic adjustments.
- Equine
Horses, ponies, mules, and donkeys often carry physical stress due to riding, work, or training. We provide regular chiropractic maintenance for equine animals to support spine alignment, reduce stiffness, and promote better performance and recovery. Whether your horse competes or just enjoys light riding, spinal health is a key factor in comfort and longevity.
- Cattle
We treat bulls, cows, heifers, calves, steers, yearlings, and oxen—each with their own needs based on age and use. Our adjustments help improve the range of motion, reduce tension, and support a healthier posture. When mobility is affected, it can lead to a decrease in productivity or overall well-being. That’s why many ranchers seek chiropractic care for their herd.
- Farm Animals
Farm animals like llamas, goats, and pigs can suffer from joint stiffness, back tension, and structural imbalances. We offer focused chiropractic support to address these issues, aiming to reduce pain and help these animals move freely again. If you’ve noticed changes in how your farm animals walk, stand, or behave, chiropractic may be part of a helpful solution.
- Dogs
Chiropractic therapy is very beneficial for dogs, whether they are agility competitors, service animals, elderly pets, or energetic companions. We treat working dogs, herding breeds, and family pets with techniques that help relieve discomfort and support better mobility. This can be especially helpful for dogs recovering from injury or surgery, or those with long-term joint strain.
Please note: We do not offer chiropractic care for cats at this time.
Each adjustment is performed with the appropriate pressure and technique for your animal’s specific size, age, and condition.
How Chiropractic Care Works for Animals
Animals receiving chiropractic care benefit from gentle, manual methods that help the spine and joints regain their natural alignment and function. The goal is to address subluxations – misalignments in the spine and joints that can affect mobility, nerve function, and overall health. These misalignments may result from injury, repetitive movements, poor posture, or natural aging processes. Animal chiropractic focuses on correcting these imbalances to help improve your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Each visit begins with a thorough analysis of your pet’s posture, movement, and overall physical condition. We observe how your animal walks, sits, and moves to identify any signs of discomfort or limited mobility. This analysis is critical in determining which areas of the body need attention. Once we’ve identified the issues, we use safe, low-force manual techniques to gently adjust specific joints and realign the spine.
These adjustments are customized to fit the needs of your animal. The force and pressure applied during the adjustment are always adapted to your pet’s size, species, and temperament. For example, larger animals like horses may require a different approach than small dogs or farm animals. We make sure to avoid any forceful tools or excessive pressure, as our priority is always the comfort and safety of your pet. All adjustments are done by hand, using only the precise, gentle pressure needed to restore alignment without causing discomfort.
Chiropractic therapy helps the musculoskeletal system regain its equilibrium, ease pain, and lessen stiffness by treating subluxations and increasing joint mobility. Over time, many animals experience an improved range of motion, reduced inflammation, and a better quality of life.
Is Animal Chiropractic Safe?
Yes, animal chiropractic is safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. At Hedlund Family Chiropractic, we follow strict guidelines to ascertain your pet’s safety and well-being during every visit. Dr. Hedlund has specialized experience in animal chiropractic and works closely with veterinarians to offer treatments only when appropriate for your pet’s specific condition.
Safety is our top priority, and all adjustments are made with gentle hands, taking into account your animal’s response. We apply just the right amount of pressure, based on your pet’s size, breed, and temperament, to avoid causing any discomfort or harm. The techniques used are specifically designed to be low-impact and non-invasive, making chiropractic care a safe, natural option for improving your pet’s mobility and overall health.
How Often Should a Pet See an Animal Chiropractor?
The frequency of chiropractic visits for your pet depends on several factors, including their age, activity level, and specific condition. For some pets, just one adjustment may provide noticeable relief and improvements in mobility. However, other animals, particularly older pets or those with higher activity levels, may benefit from a series of visits to achieve lasting changes and ideal results.
The initial step is always an evaluation, in which we analyze your pet’s condition, including any pain or mobility issues, and create a tailored treatment plan. Based on that initial analysis, we can recommend the appropriate frequency of visits to best support your pet’s needs. Whether your pet requires regular maintenance care or occasional adjustments, we will work with you to find the right approach for your pet’s long-term health and comfort.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Animals
Improve your pet’s health and well-being naturally and non-invasively with chiropractic care. Numerous pet owners have noted that obtaining chiropractic care greatly enhanced their pets’ general comfort, movement, and attitude. Some of the main advantages that animals frequently enjoy are as follows:
- Easier Movement: Pets often experience enhanced flexibility, making it easier for them to move around without pain or discomfort.
- Reduced Stiffness After Activity: Chiropractic care helps to relieve muscle and joint tension, reducing stiffness after physical exertion.
- Better Sleep and Relaxation: Many pets experience improved rest, as chiropractic adjustments can reduce discomfort that may interfere with sleep.
- Better Behavior: Pets may exhibit altered behavior as a result of pain or discomfort. Many pets exhibit behavioral and emotional benefits following chiropractic adjustments.
- Enhanced Performance in Working Animals: Animals used in work or sport, such as herding dogs, show animals, or performance horses, often experience better results and fewer injuries with regular chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care helps to promote overall health by addressing musculoskeletal issues and offering a drug-free alternative to support your pet’s body without relying on medications or invasive procedures.
Why Choose Hedlund Family Chiropractic in Collinsville
We offer affordable chiropractor services for pets and people alike.
What sets us apart:
- Personalized care plans
- A calm, animal-friendly environment
- Licensed training in animal chiropractic
- Convenient scheduling and same-day visits when available
Whether you’re searching for an animal chiropractor or an affordable chiropractor who can treat both you and your pet, we’re here to help.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Expect a calm, informative experience that puts your pet first.
Here’s how it works:
- We conduct a full movement and spinal assessment
- Your pet receives gentle, hands-on adjustments
- We recommend follow-up care if needed
All treatments are done with patience, care, and communication. You’re welcome to stay close and comfort your pet during the session.
When Not to Use Animal Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is not a substitute for veterinary treatment of infections, fractures, or serious illnesses. If your pet is showing signs of fever, trauma, or severe pain, contact your veterinarian right away. We only treat animals who are medically stable and cleared for manual care. Chiropractic care supports wellness. It’s not intended to treat disease or replace routine veterinary care.
Can Chiropractic Help Pets With Arthritis?
Yes, chiropractic adjustments may ease stiffness and support mobility in pets with arthritis. By reducing tension in the joints and muscles, your pet may walk more comfortably and with less pain. Many pet owners report positive changes after just a few sessions.
Let’s Help Your Pet Feel Better, Naturally
When your pet moves better, they feel better; that’s the simple goal. If you’re looking for a chiropractor for animals who truly listens to both you and your pet, contact Hedlund Family Chiropractic in Collinsville, OK. We’ll walk you through every step and help your furry friend feel at ease. Ask about our affordable chiropractic options for both people and pets. Let’s work together to bring more comfort into your animal’s daily life.
