Aches and Pains: How Animal Chiropractic Can Help Relieve Headaches in Dogs and Horses

Drs. Philip and Angela Rodger
Owners of Synchrony Chiropractic

It’s a problem that plagues both humans and animals alike: the dreaded headache. But while we can reach for a bottle of aspirin or a hot cup of tea, our furry (and sometimes equine) friends don’t have the same options. So what can be done to help relieve their aching heads?

As it turns out, animal chiropractic can be a powerful tool for addressing headaches in both dogs and horses. But before we delve into the details, let’s first take a look at the symptoms of headaches in these animals.

In dogs, the most common symptoms of a headache may include:

– Restlessness or agitation
– Sensitivity to light or noise
– Loss of appetite
– Difficulty concentrating
– Rubbing the head or face against objects

Horses may exhibit similar symptoms, as well as some additional ones such as:

– Squinting or rubbing the eyes
– Pawing at the ground or biting at the mouth or lips
– Swelling of the head or face

So, what can be done to help relieve these headaches? One option is animal chiropractic. By correcting misalignments in the spine and other joints, chiropractors can help to reduce pressure on the nerves and improve overall function. This can be especially beneficial for animals suffering from headaches, as it can help to reduce inflammation and restore proper blood flow to the head and neck.

In addition to chiropractic care, there are a few other things that pet owners and horse owners can do to help relieve headaches in their animals. These may include:

– Providing a quiet, stress-free environment: Noise and stress can contribute to headaches, so it’s important to create a calm atmosphere for your animal.
– Using cold or warm compresses: Depending on the cause of the headache, cold or warm compresses may be helpful in reducing inflammation and relieving pain.
– Administering pain medication: In some cases, pain medication may be necessary to help relieve severe headaches. Always consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication to your animal.

It’s important to note that animal chiropractic should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, and not as a standalone therapy. In cases of severe or persistent headaches, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

So if your furry (or feathered) friend is suffering from a headache, don’t despair! Animal chiropractic may be able to help. By addressing misalignments and improving overall function, it can be a powerful tool for relieving headaches and other aches and pains in animals. And with the right treatment, your animal can be back to their happy, headache-free self in no time!

Schedule appointment today!