animal chiropractic treatment

Animal chiropractic treatment in Markham: supporting your pet’s well-being

As the first and only Certified Animal Chiropractor practicing in Markham, Dr. Kirsten Thomas is proud to offer specialized chiropractic treatment for cats, dogs, and bunnies from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). With a passion for improving the health and well-being of pets, Dr. Thomas combines her extensive training and expertise to deliver gentle, effective care tailored to your four-legged family members.

What is animal chiropractic?

Animal chiropractic is a form of manual therapy that addresses dysfunction in the musculoskeletal, skeletal, and nervous systems of animals. By focusing on joint restrictions and related issues, chiropractic treatment restores balance and promotes overall well-being.

While animal chiropractic is not a replacement for veterinary care, it serves as a complementary treatment that can enhance the quality of life for pets dealing with pain, stiffness, or injuries.

Benefits

Animal chiropractic offers a wide range of benefits, helping pets:

reduce pain: alleviates discomfort caused by joint restrictions, injuries, or inflammation.
minimize injury: prevents compensatory movements that may lead to further issues.
increase range of motion: restores flexibility and ease of movement.
restore proper biomechanics: ensures joints and muscles function as intended.
improve joint function: promotes healthy mobility and reduces stiffness.
enhance performance: beneficial for working or competition animals.
boost quality of life: improves overall comfort and vitality, especially for aging or injured pets.

How does animal chiropractic work?

Joint restrictions, often referred to as vertebral subluxations, occur when the joints in your pet’s spine or extremities lose their normal range of motion. These restrictions can result in:

inflammation
muscle tension
pain
nervous system interference
compensatory movements, which may lead to further injuries

Dr. Thomas performs a thorough assessment to determine the presence of joint restrictions. This includes:

case history review: understanding your pet’s health background and concerns.
posture and gait analysis: Evaluating how your pet stands and moves to identify abnormalities.
muscle and joint palpation: Detecting areas of tension, stiffness, or pain in the neck, back, jaw, and limbs.

If an adjustment is needed, Dr. Thomas uses a quick, precise, and gentle thrust to restore joint motion and stimulate the nervous system, supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Why do pets need animal chiropractic treatment?

Pets face many challenges that can lead to joint dysfunction, including:

trauma, slips, or falls
repetitive strain from activities such as running, jumping, or climbing
poor leash habits or improperly fitted harnesses and collars
quick directional changes during play or training
aging and related degenerative conditions
post-surgery recovery
crating, confinement, or prolonged inactivity
in-utero constraints or birth-related issues

Even young animals, such as puppies, kittens, and foals, can benefit from chiropractic care. Early assessments can address joint dysfunction caused by cramped quarters in-utero or challenges during delivery, preventing long-term complications.

Signs your pet may benefit from animal chiropractic treatment

If you notice any of the following signs, your pet may benefit from chiropractic evaluation and treatment:

pain or changes in facial expression
altered behavior, energy levels, or sleep patterns
reluctance to be touched, picked up, or harnessed
limping, shortened stride, or changes in gait
trouble with movements such as jumping, running, or climbing stairs
difficulty getting up or lying down
weakness, stiffness, or muscle atrophy
abnormal tail movement or posture
jaw pain or difficulty chewing
coordination issues, such as stumbling
persistent licking, scratching, or signs of discomfort
incontinence or changes in bathroom habits

Specialized training

Licensed chiropractors and veterinarians providing animal chiropractic care must complete rigorous training. Programs approved by the College of Animal Chiropractors (CoAC) or the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) ensure practitioners are highly qualified to treat animals.

Approved programs include:

The Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre/Healing Oasis Wellness Centre of Canada (Brantford)
Healing Oasis Wellness Centre (Wisconsin)
Options for Animals (Kansas)
Parker Chiropractic College (Dallas)

Dr. Kirsten Thomas grew up on a farm outside of London, Ontario, where she witnessed firsthand the incredible benefits of animal chiropractic care on her family’s horses, dogs, and cats. These early experiences sparked her passion for animal care and inspired her to become a Certified Animal Chiropractor.

Dr. Kirsten Thomas completed her animal chiropractic certification at the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre in 2010. Since then, she has pursued advanced training to better serve her patients, including:

Advanced Techniques Course for Canines (2013)
Soft Tissue Therapies for Canines (2022)

Enhancing your pet’s well-being with animal chiropractic treatment

Animal chiropractic is not only about addressing existing issues but also about preventing potential problems. Regular check-ups can help pets maintain optimal health, especially as they age or experience changes in activity levels.

At Dr. Thomas’s Markham office, in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic, pets from across the GTA receive compassionate, expert care in a welcoming environment. Whether your pet is recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply in need of a wellness check-up, chiropractic treatment can help them live their happiest, healthiest lives.

Get started with animal chiropractic treatment

If you’re concerned about your pet’s mobility, comfort, or overall health, contact Dr. Kirsten Thomas, the leading Certified Animal Chiropractor in Markham. With a deep understanding of the connection between musculoskeletal health and overall well-being in animals, Dr. Thomas has dedicated her career to providing expert chiropractic care that enhances the quality of life for pets and performance animals alike. With years of specialized training and a deep commitment to animal wellness, Dr. Thomas is here to help your furry friends thrive!

Animal Chiropractic Treatment Fees

Initial Visit – Small Animal – 30 minutes

Includes a full, detailed chiropractic assessment, report of findings and treatment (time permitting).
$100 (canine or feline)

Subsequent Visit – Small Animal – 10 minutes

May include chiropractic and soft tissue therapy.
$ 55 (canine)
$ 45 (feline)

animal chiropractic treatment in Markham