Katie Manfredi Katie Manfredi

Chiropractic Wellness & Maintenance for Dogs and Horses

If you’re like most pet owners, your animals aren’t just animals — they’re family. Whether it’s your dog joyfully greeting you at the door or your horse powering through a beautiful canter, their movement and energy bring you joy every day. That’s why keeping their bodies balanced and pain-free is so important.

One powerful way to support their long-term health? Chiropractic wellness and maintenance care.

Why Chiropractic Care Isn’t Just for People

Dogs and horses rely on their spines and joints just as much as we do — in fact, arguably more. They run, jump, twist, and carry themselves in ways that demand a healthy, well-aligned musculoskeletal system.

Over time, small misalignments (called subluxations) can sneak in. They might be caused by everyday activity, slips, falls, training, competition, or even just playing hard at the park or pasture. Left unchecked, these subluxations can lead to stiffness, reduced mobility, pain, and changes in behavior.

Chiropractic adjustments gently restore normal alignment and movement, helping the nervous system function at its best — which can mean more energy, better performance, and a happier, more comfortable animal.

Wellness Care vs. Crisis Care

Many owners first try chiropractic after an injury or when their animal is clearly uncomfortable. And yes — it can help tremendously in those moments. But just like in human health, waiting until there’s a problem isn’t always the best plan.

Wellness chiropractic means scheduling regular check-ups, even when your animal seems fine. These visits can help with the following:

  • Catch small issues before they become big problems

  • Keep joints moving freely

  • Support muscle balance and posture

  • Help your animal age more gracefully

Think of it like changing the oil in your car — preventative care keeps everything running smoothly.

Special Benefits for Dogs & Horses

For Dogs:

  • Better mobility for senior pets

  • Faster recovery from agility training or sports

  • Relief for breeds prone to joint issues

  • Improved comfort for working dogs on the job

For Horses:

  • Enhanced flexibility and stride length

  • Better balance under saddle

  • Support during intense training or competition seasons

  • Reduced risk of repetitive strain injuries

An Act of Love and Commitment

Chiropractic wellness care is more than just a treatment — it’s an act of love. It says, “I see you, I value your comfort, and I’m committed to your health for the long haul.”

Whether it’s a dog who can once again leap onto the couch with ease or a horse who moves with renewed fluidity in the arena, the results speak for themselves. Regular chiropractic check-ups can help your beloved companion stay active, agile, and ready for life’s adventures.

Because when they move better, they live better — and that’s something every owner wants to see. 🐾

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Katie Manfredi Katie Manfredi

Animal Chiropractic: What It Is and Why It Matters

Welcome to the World of Animal Chiropractic: What It Is and Why It Matters

Welcome to Dr. Katie’s blog! If you're an animal lover, pet parent, or someone working in the world of animal health, you're in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating field of animal chiropractic care — what it is, how it helps, and why more and more pet owners and professionals are turning to it as a powerful tool for animal wellness.

What is Animal Chiropractic?

Animal chiropractic is a natural, drug-free approach to health that focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Just like in human chiropractic, it involves gentle, specific adjustments to the joints — especially in the spine — to restore proper alignment and function.

When the spine is misaligned (a condition known as a subluxation), it can interfere with nerve signals, reduce mobility, and even cause pain or behavioral changes. Animal chiropractors use their hands to make adjustments that improve alignment and promote better communication between the brain and body.

How Can It Help Animals?

The most common patients are dogs and horses, but animal chiropractic can also benefit cats, rabbits, farm animals, and even exotic animals. It’s often used for:

·       Mobility issues (limping, stiffness, or reluctance to jump or climb)

·       Performance problems in working or sport animals

·       Recovery after injury or surgery

·       Chronic conditions like arthritis or degenerative joint disease

·       Behavioral changes due to discomfort or pain

Chiropractic care is not a replacement for traditional veterinary medicine, but it can be an incredible complement. In fact, many animal chiropractors work directly with vets to provide integrative care.

The Benefits of Animal Chiropractic Care

Here are just a few of the potential benefits:

·       Pain relief without medication

·       Improved flexibility and mobility

·       Faster recovery from injuries

·       Enhanced performance for agility or working animals

·       Better posture and balance

·       Boosted immune function

·       Overall improved quality of life

Even animals that aren’t obviously in pain can benefit from occasional adjustments. Just like you might go to a chiropractor for wellness care or posture support, animals can also thrive with proactive attention to their spine and joints.

Who Is Animal Chiropractic For?

Animal chiropractic is for any animal experiencing issues with movement, posture, or behavior that may be linked to the musculoskeletal or nervous system. It's also for pet owners who are looking for holistic, preventive health options, and for trainers, breeders, and equine athletes who want to support peak performance and long-term joint health.

It’s important to work with a qualified practitioner. In some places, animal chiropractors must be licensed veterinarians or work under a vet’s supervision. In Oklahoma, however, this is not the case, but you should always ask about credentials, certifications, and experience.

Finally, if you’d like more information about getting chiropractic care in Oklahoma, visit the Services/Pricing page or Contact Dr. Katie to schedule your first appointment.

Thank you for visiting my blog! Together we can let the healing begin! 🐾

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