The Importance of Animal Chiropractic Care for New Dogs: A Guide

by Dr. Amy Hayek

Hi everyone! Dr. Amy Hayek here from Animal Chiropractic Education Source, welcoming you to our blog at the ranch. Today's message is for all of you who are either welcoming new puppies or dogs into your homes or considering doing so.

First off, congratulations on the new addition to your family! It's an exciting time, but it's also crucial to consider the well-being of your furry friend, especially during this transition period.

Now, when most people bring home a new pup, the first instinct is often to rush off to the vet for vaccinations and other routine procedures. However, I want to urge you to pause and consider a different approach.

Think about it: your new puppy has just been uprooted from its familiar surroundings, introduced to a whole new environment, and possibly separated from its mother and littermates. It's a big adjustment, and bombarding their system with vaccines and medications right away might not be the best move.

Think of their immune system like a busy street you are driving down.  There are stop lights and pedestrians coming and going.  As their immune system, you drive carefully so you don’t run over pedestrians, or get bumped by another vehicle.  The puppy’s immune system in a new home is also learning to pay attention to a lot of stimuli like the busy street.

Adding medications and vaccines at this time can make it like driving down that same street during a downpour of rain.  Now there is one big stimulus to pay attention to, and it is hard to see other things coming your way.

Instead, I recommend prioritizing their comfort and well-being by scheduling a visit to an animal chiropractor first. Here's why:

1. Address Traumatic Birth Injuries: Birth can be a traumatic experience for puppies, whether they were born naturally or via C-section. The process can cause misalignments in their spine and neck, leading to long-term issues if left untreated. A chiropractic adjustment can help alleviate any discomfort and set them up for better health in the long run.

2. Support Nervous System Health: Chiropractic care isn't just about bones; it's also about optimizing the nervous system. By ensuring proper spinal alignment, we can help your puppy's nervous system function at its best, which can have a positive impact on their overall health and resilience.

3. Promote Immune System Balance: Healthy spine alignment can also contribute to a stronger immune system. By keeping their nervous system in check, we help their body respond more effectively to potential threats, including parasites and infections.

Speaking of parasites, it's essential to have your new pup evaluated for worms and other parasites by a veterinarian. However, I recommend separating the timing of chiropractic care and vaccinations to avoid overloading their immune system.  Healthy, well adjusted dogs don’t generally have a many parasites, but puppies often have more parasites because of the health of their mother.  This happens especially if the puppy came from a rescue.

Deworming your puppy regularly will help her to thrive.  Ask your veterinarian for the kind of de-wormer best suited for your puppy.

Ideally, start with a chiropractic adjustment to help their body adapt to their new environment. Then, based on their immune system's optimal functioning, plan the vaccination schedule accordingly.

This approach not only sets your puppy up for better health but also maximizes the effectiveness of vaccinations, ensuring they receive the best protection possible.

For more detailed information about vaccines, visit my friend, Will Falconer, DVM at https://my.vitalanimal.com/p/rabies-short-course

And it's not just for puppies! Even if you're welcoming an older dog into your home, the same principles apply. Chiropractic care can help them adjust to their new surroundings and thrive in their new environment.

At Animal Chiropractic Education Source, we've seen firsthand the benefits of early chiropractic care for rescue dogs. By prioritizing their spinal health from the start, we've helped these dogs live happier, healthier lives.

So, whether you're in Bosque County, Texas, or beyond, consider making animal chiropractic care your first stop when bringing home a new furry friend. It's an investment in their well-being that pays off for years to come. To find an animal chiropractor near you, visit www.animalchiropracticeducation.com/alumni

Thank you for joining me today, and remember to share this information with fellow pet owners. Let's ensure all our canine companions have the best start in their new homes!

For more information or to schedule a visit, visit us at animalchiropracticeducation.com or find us on Facebook. Together, let's give our pets the gift of optimal health and happiness.

To listen to this blog on You Tube go here: https://youtu.be/NIiNU_m5EGA?si=uMm7hY3pbuaDq5mE

Take care, and we'll see you soon!

Dr. Amy Hayek, Animal Chiropractic Education Source