Canines can signal to their owners in many ways that they may be in need of an adjustment. Because canine breeds as so vast one symptom may be more predominate than other. In my experience thus far smaller dogs seems to inquire more structural issues simple because the world is so much bigger than they are. Ex: furniture is higher from them, steps are taller than most toy breeds and they just want to keep up with there beloved owner.
Does Your Dog Need Canine Chiropractic Treatment?
Canines are very similar to equine with the exception of the following:
• Puppy sitting or sitting with legs out to one side
• Lick granulomas (licking or itching a spot raw)
• Increased sensitivity to hot or cold
• Incontinence
• Skin lesions and scratching
• Side winding or crabbing
• Partial weakness or paralysis
• Pacing or stiffness coming out of crate or kennel
• Discomfort when taking off or putting on collar and harness
• Head dipping or hollow back
• Change in behavior patterns; fear biting
• Facial expression of apprehension or pain, shaking in pain
Behavioral changes
Change in behavior patterns; fear biting, ear shyness, head shyness, fighting bit, Increased sensitivity to hot or cold, unusual tail rubbing or biting at skin. Lick granulomas (licking or itching a spot raw), puppy sitting or sitting with legs out to one side, incontinence, skin lesions and scratching, facial expression of apprehension or pain, shaking in pain.
Injuries
Training, falls, stressful situations, being kenneled for long periods of time.
Gait problems
Inability to engage rear quarters, asymmetrical diagonal movement (short stride, especially side to side.) Lameness, toe dragging, stumbling, limping, loss of collection, cross-firing, uneven strides, lack of coordination in gaits, stiffness in lateral movements of neck or body, lack of coordination in gaits, lameness that seems to shift from limb to limb. Side winding or crabbing, partial weakness or paralysis, pacing or stiffness coming out of crate or kennel, discomfort when taking off or putting on collar and harness, head dipping or hollow back.
Performance problems
Tail swishing, head carriage, decreased flexion at the neck or poll, unable to round up or arc, pulls to one directions, uses entire body to turn, difficulty executing desired movements, dominant on one side, refusal to turn to one side, loss or decrease in level of performance, shys away from jumps.
Static problems
Muscle imbalance, muscle spasms or atrophy, heat in certain areas, abnormal sweat patterns, digestive disorders, uneven pad wear, standing with hips uneven, holds tail to one side, head tilt, weak ear, inflammation or swelling over certain areas. Lack of coordination in gaits.
Diagnosed conditions
Such as degenerative arthritis, weak immune system, osteoarthritis, etc.