When we think of chiropractic care, we often imagine humans seeking relief from back pain or injury, but did you know that our pets can benefit just as much (if not more because of lack of bias) from this holistic therapy? Chiropractic care is an excellent tool to add to the toolkit for pet parents who want to support their animals’ health naturally. However, there is one big aspect of chiropractic care that can affect its success that many may not consider, and that is nutrition! It’s an integral part of the discussion and definitely something to highlight in this article.
What Is Animal Chiropractic Care?
Animal chiropractic care focuses on the alignment and mobility of the spine and joints, which are critical for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When joints become restricted or misaligned, they can impair nerve flow, leading to discomfort, reduced mobility, and even immune system challenges. Essentially everything is connected and needs to communicate for optimal functioning.
Another thing to remember is that chiropractic care isn’t just for animals in pain or with disorders—it’s a powerful preventive tool. Regular adjustments can help pets maintain optimal movement, recover more quickly from injury, and even perform better in sports, work, or daily activities. This is something I would consider to be proactive care as opposed to only reactive care.
Why Chiropractic Works Best with Whole Food Nutrition
While chiropractic care restores structural balance, nutrition provides the fuel that allows healing to happen. Now, I’m NOT a chiropractor, however I was honored to have discussed the benefits of chiropractic care and its relationship with species appropriate nutrition with Dr. Erin O’Connor. She has seen firsthand how much faster and more completely fresh-fed animals respond to adjustments compared to those fed processed kibble.
“If they’re eating inflammatory foods,” she explained, “that just makes the healing process slow down.” Inflammatory ingredients common in commercial pet foods—like highly processed grains, fillers, and synthetic additives—can exacerbate pain and delay recovery.
Think of it this way: chiropractic care is like resetting the body’s framework. But if the building blocks—your pet’s nutrients—are poor quality, the body can’t rebuild and repair effectively. Likewise, a body in a pro-inflammatory state (from eating a pro-inflammatory diet) can’t focus on healing when it’s working on protecting itself from the damaging effects of inflammation. That’s why nutrition and chiropractic go hand in hand for long-term wellness.
Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition or simply want to support graceful aging, combining chiropractic adjustments with a nutrient-dense diet can help your pet thrive on every level—mobility, immunity, energy, and mood.
A Whole-Body, Root-Cause Approach
Many pet parents seek out chiropractic care after conventional treatments fall short, but it’s not just about “cracking backs.” Chiropractic adjustments can help restore balance in the nervous system and musculoskeletal alignment, which affects everything from movement to organ function. Here are some conditions where chiropractic care can be super beneficial for pets:
🐾 Musculoskeletal Issues
- Arthritis or joint stiffness
- Hip dysplasia
- Luxating patellas (especially in small breeds)
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Spinal misalignments or subluxations
- Old injuries that affect mobility or posture
🧠 Neurological Problems
- Nerve impingement
- Uncoordinated movement or ataxia
- Incontinence caused by nerve issues
- Partial paralysis or mobility issues post-surgery
🏃♂️ Mobility & Performance
- General stiffness or difficulty rising
- Loss of flexibility or range of motion
- Sports injuries or performance decline in agility/working dogs
- Post-surgical or post-injury rehab support
🐶 Chronic Pain or Behavioral Changes
- Compensatory pain from limping or overuse
- Changes in gait, reluctance to jump/climb stairs
- Irritability, aggression, or withdrawal (often linked to discomfort)
🌿 Whole-Body Wellness
- Boosts immune and nervous system communication
- Supports digestion and organ function via spinal alignment
- Helps with lymphatic drainage and inflammation
- Improves overall quality of life in aging pets
Now, this isn’t an all-inclusive list, and as mentioned, chiropractic care is great as a routine preventative measure as well!
Start Where You Are
You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Begin by exploring fresh food options like gently cooked meals, raw diets, or freeze-dried real food, because fresh is always best. Consider connecting with a certified animal chiropractor in your area and don’t wait until there’s a problem—just like dental cleanings or wellness checkups, regular adjustments are a form of proactive care. In the world of holistic pet care, chiropractic therapy is a powerful modality that shines brightest when supported by the right nutritional foundation. By nourishing the body with real food and removing structural roadblocks, we give our pets the best chance to live long, active, pain-free lives.
As Dr. O’Connor beautifully put it in our interview, “You only have one spine—you can’t just replace a vertebra or a disc. So why not take care of it?” Because true healing isn’t just about removing symptoms—it’s about restoring balance, inside and out.
