Bringing your dog to a chiropractor for the first time can feel unfamiliar. You might wonder: Will it hurt? How long does it take? Will my dog cooperate? Here's a detailed walkthrough of what happens when you visit Boulder Dog Chiropractor, so you and your dog can arrive feeling prepared.
Before the Visit: How to Prepare
Bring any relevant records. If your dog has veterinary records, X-rays, or MRI results related to the issue, bring them along. If your vet has diagnosed a specific condition (hip dysplasia, IVDD, arthritis), let Dr Dylan know in advance.
Capture video at home. If you've noticed a specific movement problem — limping after a walk, difficulty getting up, stumbling on stairs — try to capture a short video on your phone. Sometimes these issues are intermittent, and having video helps Dr Dylan see what you're seeing.
Let your dog be a dog. Don't bathe or groom your dog right before the visit. We want to see your dog in their normal state. A light meal beforehand is fine, but avoid feeding a large meal right before.
Arrive a few minutes early. This gives your dog time to sniff around, settle in, and feel comfortable in the space before the examination begins.
Step 1 — History and Conversation (5–10 Minutes)
The visit starts with questions. Dr Dylan will ask about:
- What brought you in — The specific symptoms or concerns
- How long it's been going on — Days, weeks, months
- Your dog's daily life — Activity level, exercise routine, sleeping arrangements
- Medical history — Past injuries, surgeries, medications, other treatments
- Diet and supplements — Relevant to overall musculoskeletal health
This conversation helps Dr Dylan understand the full picture before ever putting hands on your dog.
Step 2 — Observation and Gait Analysis (5–10 Minutes)
Next, Dr Dylan watches your dog move. This is one of the most important parts of the evaluation.
What he's looking for:
- How your dog walks and trots — Is the stride even? Are there asymmetries?
- How your dog stands — Is weight distributed evenly across all four legs?
- Head and tail position — Are they carried in a neutral position?
- How your dog turns — Do they rotate easily in both directions?
- How your dog transitions — Getting up from lying down, sitting to standing
You might be asked to walk your dog across the room several times or have your dog turn in circles. These movement patterns reveal restrictions that aren't always obvious when a dog is sitting still.
Step 3 — Hands-On Examination (5–10 Minutes)
Now Dr Dylan examines your dog manually, systematically working through the spine, pelvis, and major joints — feeling for:
- Joint restriction — Areas where normal motion is limited
- Muscle tension — Tight or spasming muscles that may indicate an underlying joint problem
- Tenderness — Points where the dog flinches, tenses, or pulls away
- Heat or swelling — Signs of inflammation
- Alignment — Whether the spine and pelvis are symmetrical
Most dogs tolerate this examination well. Dr Dylan works slowly and gently, building trust with each dog before moving to the adjustment.
Step 4 — The Chiropractic Adjustment (5–15 Minutes)
This is the treatment itself. Based on what the observation and examination revealed, Dr Dylan applies gentle, precise adjustments to the joints that need correction.
What it looks like: Dr Dylan positions his hands over a specific joint and delivers a quick, low-force impulse. The motion is small and controlled — nothing dramatic or forceful.
What it sounds like: Sometimes there's a soft pop (similar to when you crack your knuckles). Sometimes there's no sound at all. Both are normal.
How dogs react: Most dogs relax noticeably during the adjustment. Some lean into it. Some lick their lips or yawn (signs of releasing tension). Very few dogs resist or show discomfort. If a dog is anxious, Dr Dylan adapts his approach — slowing down, using even gentler techniques, or taking breaks.
Areas commonly adjusted: Cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (mid-back), lumbar spine (lower back), pelvis/sacroiliac joint, shoulders, hips, and knees (stifle).
Step 5 — After the Adjustment (5 Minutes)
After the adjustment, Dr Dylan observes your dog moving again. It's common to see immediate changes: smoother gait, more even weight distribution, greater range of motion, and a more relaxed posture.
He'll then discuss:
- What he found — Which joints were restricted and what that means
- The care plan — How many follow-up visits he recommends and how often
- At-home guidance — Activity modifications, stretches, or environmental changes (like adding a ramp instead of stairs)
- When to come back — Typically 1–2 weeks for the next visit during the initial series
Common Questions About the First Visit
The adjustment is gentle and low-force. Most dogs don't show any signs of discomfort. Some dogs may experience mild soreness for 24–48 hours after the first visit — similar to how you might feel after a good stretch or your first massage.
Plan for 30–45 minutes. Follow-up visits are shorter, typically 15–30 minutes.
No. In Colorado, you don't need a veterinary referral to see a certified animal chiropractor. However, Dr Dylan is happy to coordinate with your vet.
Most dogs benefit from an initial series of 2–4 visits spaced 1–2 weeks apart. After that, monthly maintenance visits help maintain the improvements. Your dog's specific condition determines the plan.
Absolutely. In fact, most dogs do better when their owner is present. You're welcome to stay for the entire visit.