If you talk to a few people who have had numerous chiropractic adjustments over the years, there's a good chance that they'll tell you how these treatments have changed their lives for the better. When you own a dog, and especially if the dog is elderly, you may wish to explore chiropractic adjustments with a practitioner who specializes in working with animals — with the goal of improving your pet's quality of life. These treatments can address all sorts of physical health issues but are particularly useful for a dog that has stiff joints. If you've seen your dog struggle in these ways, consider reaching out to an animal chiropractor.

Elevation Change Difficulty

One warning sign that your dog could have stiff joints is that it starts to struggle with elevation changes. While the pet might be capable of walking along the sidewalk, you might see struggles when it has to go up or down. For example, a dog that once ran up and down the stairs in your residence could seem reluctant to do so. Or, a dog that once jumped out of your car upon parking in the driveway now waits until you offer some assistance. These behavioral changes can often indicate a degree of pain in the joints.

Limping

Some dogs slowly develop a limp as they age, and while it's always advisable to visit a veterinarian to determine the exact cause of this mobility issue, joint stiffness is often a culprit. You can often notice a dog limp when it's walking on flat terrain such as a sidewalk or driveway. It might be favoring one or more of its legs, which could be indicative of joint issues in the shoulder, hip, or elsewhere. Chiropractic adjustments in these areas may reduce the stiffness, allowing your dog to once again walk with a healthy gait.

Slower Pace

Young dogs often move around quickly. When you walk a puppy, for example, it will often be in front of you, pulling against its leash. As some dogs get older, their pace slows on walks. A dog on a long leash might walk several feet behind you, even when you're walking slowly. While there can be assorted reasons for your dog walking at a slower pace, it's possible that it could be suffering from stiffness that keeps its legs from moving freely. If you're aware of any of these struggles in your dog, look online for animal chiropractic services.