Canine
Chiropractic
Helping your dog stay active, comfortable and happy for longer.
Whether your dog is slowing down with age, recovering from an injury or simply doesn't seem quite themselves anymore, gentle McTimoney Veterinary Chiropractic can help improve mobility, reduce discomfort and support long-term wellbeing.
You know your dog better than anyone.
Has their day-to-day behaviour changed? Does something feel different?
Dogs have an incredible ability to adapt.
Unlike us, they rarely tell us when they're uncomfortable. Instead, they quietly adjust the way they move, play or rest, often without us noticing until those little changes become part of everyday life.
You may find yourself lifting them into the car instead of watching them jump in.
Perhaps they take a little longer to get up after sleeping.
Maybe they no longer chase the ball with quite the same enthusiasm, or they've stopped jumping onto the sofa altogether.
These changes are often put down to ageing, but they can also be signs that your dog isn't moving as comfortably as they could be.
Early intervention can make a real difference, helping your dog stay active, confident, and enjoy the life they love.
Looking Beyond Today's Symptoms
No two dogs are the same, which is why no two appointments are either.
Rather than focusing on one sore area, I take time to understand the bigger picture. I'll ask about your dog's medical history, lifestyle, previous injuries, daily routine and any changes you've noticed, before carefully assessing the way they move.
Sometimes the cause of discomfort isn't where the symptoms first appear. By understanding the whole dog, it's possible to create a treatment plan that's tailored to their individual needs and supports long-term wellbeing, not just short-term improvement.
From the moment you book, you'll be guided through the process so you know exactly what to expect.
Before your appointment, you'll receive simple preparation advice to help get the most from your visit. During the consultation, I will talk through your dog's history before carrying out a gentle movement assessment, observing them walking before examining areas of tension or restriction.
Treatment itself is calm and unhurried. Using gentle McTimoney Chiropractic techniques and, where appropriate, soft tissue work or laser therapy, I will tailor each session to your dog's individual needs.
Before leaving, I'll explain what I’ve found, answer any questions and provide personalised aftercare advice, including exercises or massage techniques that you can continue at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Chiropractic is a treatment that consists of spinal adjustments carried out by the hands of the practitioner. It is a safe,non-invasive therapy that works to realign and balance the animal’s musculoskeletal system, restoring health and movement, soundness and performance. John McTimoney developed this approach in the 1950s, modifying the human adjusting technique to apply specifically to animals.
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Appointments usually last up to 45 minutes for dogs and up to 1 hour for horses, but this will vary depending on each individual animal and the nature of the problem.
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Your animal will need to have been exercised before the appointment, as it is most likely that they will need some quiet time post treatment. Horses need to be brushed off and dry, so this may mean getting them in from the field in time for them to dry off. To evaluate the animal’s way of moving I need to have an area where we can walk and trot the animal (usually on the yard for horses and down a pavement or hall for dogs) and there needs to be a flat area for me to treat on.
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Firstly, we will discuss your animal, and I will take down a detailed history. I will then watch them being led in walk and trot on a straight line and in small circles. The gait analysis is followed by palpation (where I feel over the animal for any pain or tension) and then I carry out any adjustments that are needed. I then work on releasing any tension that is still present before running through aftercare advice.
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Yes, I will need someone there to walk and trot up the horse or dog and then someone to hold them whilst I am carrying out the adjustments. I will give the handler instructions on where to stand as a work around the animal.
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McTimoney chiropractic has been developed for young, old and nervous animals alike and is a safe effective treatment for all animals. Most animals are relaxed and happy to receive the adjustments and often show signs of release and relaxation.
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LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It's a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate the body's cells and help them repair. The light is absorbed by the cells, which boosts the mitochondria (the cell's powerhouse) so they can produce more energy for healing. It also helps reduce inflammation, calms sensitive nerves so the area becomes less painful, and encourages better circulation — meaning more oxygen and nutrients reach the tissue to help it heal faster.
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SCENAR stands for Self-Controlled Energy Neuro-Adaptive Regulation. It's a gentle, non-invasive electrotherapy that uses small electrical signals applied to the skin to stimulate the body's nervous system responses. It's used with animals to support muscle relaxation, increase circulation, and provide pain relief.
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Yes — both can be used alongside chiropractic treatment to support recovery. Laser therapy is often used to help reduce pain, ease inflammation and support tissue healing, while SCENAR is used to encourage muscle relaxation, improve circulation and provide pain relief. Every treatment is tailored to your animal's individual needs and may be incorporated into an appointment where appropriate.
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Yes. Both are safe, comfortable and non-invasive treatments, with no needles or medication involved.
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Most animals tolerate both treatments extremely well. With SCENAR, your horse or dog may notice a gentle tingling sensation, though many animals appear completely relaxed throughout. Laser therapy is typically felt as a mild, soothing warmth. Both treatments are adjusted to suit each individual animal, so the experience stays gentle and comfortable.
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Every animal responds differently, so the number of treatments required will depend on the condition being treated, how long it has been present and your animal's individual response.
Following an assessment, I'll discuss my recommendations and, where appropriate, suggest a treatment plan tailored to your horse or dog's needs.
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Most horses will need the day off after the treatment and dogs will need to be on short, controlled walks for a few days to allow the body to adjust to it’s new alignment, before carrying on with normal work/exercise. I will also give aftercare advice including exercises and/or massage to carry out between appointments, to help keep the animal as soft and supple as possible.
Help your dog get back to doing what they love.
Whether that's chasing a ball, jumping into the car, enjoying long walks or simply getting up more comfortably each morning, gentle chiropractic care can help support their movement, comfort and wellbeing.
