My 13-year-old Golden Retrieve, Orville, has always been my “baby”. Including the best trainer, groomer, food and supplements, and veterinary care, I have spared no expense in his care. Pet Chiropractic
Just recently, I began to notice signs that he might be having trouble with his hips and joints. At first, I wasn’t too concerned because it might just be signs of aging. However, once I looked this up online, I was startled to learn that Orville might very possibly be in pain. Then I inquired from friends who have a couple of older dogs as I do not want my beloved companion hurting. They had experienced something similar, and took their dogs to a veterinarian who specializes in chiropractic care for their canine, feline and equine patients.
These friends recommended Ava Frick, DVM, so I set up an appointment with her at Animal Fitness Center, near St.Louis, Missouri. They were convinced that her care had made a difference in the quality of their dogs’ lives and praised her.
Orville’s introductory appointment with Dr.Frick took place one month ago and we just had his second appointment this afternoon.
Dr. Frick told me that she provides chiropractic care for dogs due to many reasons, including pain that the pet might be experiencing in their back, leg, or even in their tail.
Disorders of the human nervous system, musculoskeletal system and how these systems impact our overall health are what chiropractic care focuses traditionally. Animal chiropractic care is similar, since it concentrates on the dog, cat or horse and its nervous system, musculoskeletal system and their impact on the pet’s health.
Similar to what you expect from the first time you visit any doctor or veterinarian, our first appointment involved providing Orville’s health history. It is important for a thorough, accurate history to be established when you visit a health care provider for the first time, which is why a visit to a veterinarian is no exception. Dr. Frick asked questions about Orville’s current state of health and she also asked what led us to make the appointment.
Just like what I experience when I visit my own chiropractor, she had Orville lie down so that she could examine him and adjust his spine. Orville was fine throughout most of the exam. It seemed like he was relaxing during a massage, he actually has always loved to be messed with. Until Dr. Frick paid attention to his hips and that was it. For the rest of the exam, Dr. Frick was even more careful in that area when Orville snarled a bit.
Dr. Frick talked to me about the importance of making sure Orville gets more exercise after the exam. She said that the muscles in his back legs need to be strengthened. Each day of small amount of exercise would prove beneficial. Something that I thought was really interesting was Dr.Frick’s advice to tickle Orville’s tummy while he was standing. She said that this would help his spine since a dog will automatically hunch up when his stomach is touched.
I have been impressed with the care provided by Dr.Frick, and I am also glad that we have achieved such great results without stuffing pain pills into my dog. Horse Pain Relief
