Where to Care for Your Dog’s Weary Bones – Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

Acupuncture and chiropractic care

Just like in humans, arthritis affects many aging pets and can be debilitating. Fortunately, many pets respond well to acupuncture and chiropractic treatments. Dr. Shantel Julius of Julius Rehabilitation & Integrative Veterinary Services (Hastings, 612-636-9575) made monthly house calls to adjust Chester, one of our writers dogs, for years. His owner says you could see his ridiculously long basset hound spine straighten immediately. Chiropractic for Everybody (952-484-5460) also treats dogs and cats at its clinics in the Twin Cities, Rochester, and St. Cloud.

If dogs could purr, theyd be doing it on Niky Bonds massage table. The Knotty Dogs Canine Massage (651-301-5556) owner and certified canine massage practitioner drops by your home for up to an hour of ultimutt relaxation that can also increase flexibility. Want a DIY option? Dive down a YouTube rabbit hole to learn a little tui na (pronounced twee-nah). The traditional Chinese massage technique used on people and pets means push and grasp and relies on finger pressure at acupuncture points to address patterns of disharmony in the body and promote mobility.

Pets cant tell us what hurts, but digital thermography can. A Digatherm camera lets vets pinpoint where pets radiate the most energy, which can signal pain. Theres no radiationjust information. Ask your vet about this tech the next time Scooter doesnt seem right.

Underwater treadmills are great for rehabilitating and strengthening muscles, and honestly, theyre dang adorable, too. Get jogging at Twin Cities Animal Rehab and Sports Medicine (Burnsville, 952-224-9354) and University of Minnesotas Veterinary Medical Center (Como Park, St. Paul, 612-626-8387).

It sends an electromagnetic pulse to damaged tissue to trigger the bodys anti-inflammatory response and promote cellular repair. Best of all, you can do it at home. Push the button on a necklace-like device called the Assisi Loop and your pupll get a 15-minute treatment while also looking a little like Flavor Flav (assisianimalhealth.com).

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Where to Care for Your Dog's Weary Bones - Mpls.St.Paul Magazine