McTimoney Chiropractic

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When to seek help

A veterinary surgeon should always be your first port of call but you should consider McTimoney treatment if your dog displays any of the following signs:

• Crying when getting up
• Difficulty climbing stairs or getting into and out of cars
• Signs of discomfort when being stroked on the back
• A reluctance to exercise
• Stiffness or pain after exercise
• Behavoural changes

If your dog has a more specific job you may notice one or more of the following:

Agility

I would encourage owners to get their dogs treated at the beginning of the season and then again at the end, even if the dog is asymptomatic, to try to reduce the risk of injury during training and competition. The following signs ands symptoms are strong indicators that treatment is required:

• Reluctance to jump or perform a contact
• Trailing of a leg over fences
• Unable to turn as quickly in one direction
• Jumping "flat" over fences
• Suddenly struggling with the weaves

Working dogs

• General reluctance to work
• Unusual reluctance to go through hedges or over fences
• Not as enthusiastic when asked to retrieve
• Reluctance to jump down from vehicle

Common causes of problems

There are many siuations that could lead to a dog becoming unbalanced but these are some of the more common ones:

• Accidents or falls
• Long term compensation for an old injury
• One sided training, especially during agility, obedience or race training
• Slipping over on vynil or laminate floors
• Too much boisterous play, especially with other dogs
• Fighting or being attacked by another dog
• Excessive pulling on the lead
• Getting caught on a gate or fence

Aftercare

Your dog may feel tired and a little stiff after treatment which is perfectly normal. The treatment has asked the body to make changes and begin a healing process which can be hard work both mentally and physically.

Each dogs needs are different but generally the best aftercare includes:

• Keep your dog as quiet as possible for 48hrs after the treatment
• No boisterous play, ball games or walking on slippy floors!
• Gentle return to usual exercise routine over the following week
• Ensure they have plenty of water - they can be extra thirsty after a treatment
• If you dog is light enough, help them in and out of the car

Handlers

If you are somebody who is regularly competing or working your dog, perhaps it is time for you to have a check-up! As you know, your dog is extremely sensitive to the smallest changes in yor movement and posture. The McTimoney treatment could really help to improve your own balance and suppleness and so optimise your chances as a team. Why not book you and your dog in for treatment today: 01225 421231 / 07968 396303 katya@mctimoneyinbath.co.uk

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