Subluxations, or misalignments of the spine, may cause problems in the nerves that supply other cells such as those of the skin, glands, and blood vessels. Some of the symptoms that result may be:

• Unusual body or tail rubbing
• Increased sensitivity to heat or cold
• Asymmetrical sweating or lack of sweating

Dogs may have similar symptoms or situations, along with:

• Frisbee dogs, Flyball or Agility training injuries
• Being t-boned by other dogs at play
• Trouble in obedience training
• Gait abnormalities-crab walking, uneven gait, lameness
• Can't wag tail, carries it low, or its painful to touch
• Geriatric animal-hip problems, trouble getting up or laying down
• Jumping in/out of vehicles or on/off couch

The close co-workings of the jaw and the tail are very important in a dogs life and his lateral balance. Much can be helped with corrections to a misaligned jaw a/o tail. When a dog has a skewed tail, there is real concern for a biomechanical lesion or lateral balance problem. Jaws to get out of alignment more than we care to admit, and affect the dog/cat systemically with lack of proper nourishment due to inablility to chew food well enough. Balance problems as mentioned above, and behavioural problems from a "headache" jaws can cause. Wry mouth can also be greatly helped with a series of chiropractic adjustments to the jaw while the pup is young. 35%-40% of everything we do is wired through the TMJ. Of all the joints in the body, it has the single most nerve receptors for telling the entire body how well things are going. TMJ problem? Then a lot of other things will be off with your body...pelvis, legs, shoulders, head.

Dogs have a point on their spine where they have extra bend near their waist. This point, called the anticlinal is at T 10,11,12. Below this area, vertebral discs are subject to injury. Above this level, the ribs add stabilization. Because this area is so vulnerable, it is not a good idea for dogs to sit on their hindlegs to "beg" for treats. Dogs spinal columns are designed for horizontal, not vertical weightbearing. Dogs do have much thinner vertebral discs than bipeds, because they are horizontal, not vertical weightbearers. Five Principles to follow for a healthy pet:

1. proper rest
2. proper exercise
3. proper diet and oxygen
4. properly working nerve system - Chiropractic care
5. positive mental attitude - proper treatment, management, happy animal

When training your animal, or fellow human, remember that smell, sight and hearing are the largest part of the brain. The 4th is mechanoreceptors. This is where having the nerve system working well comes into play. Chiropractic adjustments help the learning STAY in the animals brain for a longer period, with greater comfort and enjoyment.

Do you know anybody with a dog or cat with sensitive ears, ringing, vertigo, ear mites, itchy ears, yeasty ears? The animal's upper cervical spine and jaw may need to be adjusted! The major cranial nerves and base of the brain are directly in this area and benefit from these nerves getting cleared with an adjustment.

The paradigm of animal ownership is changing to animal guardianship. We now have access to the best foods, play toys, accessories, and medical care for the dear 4-leggeds. Complementary health care plays a big role in keeping your pet healthy, too! As a chiropractor I work with the nerve system of the body and check what may be interfering with it in the form of Subluxation Complexes. This assists the work the DVM has already done! Get the best for your pet and your pocketbook. Have your pet adjusted!

The body will follow where the head is leading. Head tilt throws off the entire torso.

I do not want to be primary care of animals. I do not diagnose anything but subluxation complex. I'm not a vet and do not wish to be one.