When a doggie comes in for treatment, we cannot ask them directly how they are going. We can check their spines for issues and watch how they are moving. But we rely heavily on the owner’s observations and impressions, often these are direct indicators of how the dog is going.
We love when the owners say things like….
“since commencing the treatment, my dog seems so much happier! They are so much more engaged in play, seeking out toys they haven’t played with for some time and have started reinitiating play with their doggie friends! And they are back to some of their activities such as zoomies around our home and at the park, and are back to chasing birds”.
This is why consistency is key! Bringing your dog in regularly makes a world of difference, not just for their physical health, but for their overall mood and happiness. Those of you who visit us consistently already know this! Your pups come in full of energy, tails wagging, excited to bounce around the treatment area. We love hearing how their spirits are lifting and how even small improvements in their mood are shining through at home.
There is some really interesting research….
Reported in “The Canadian Veterinary Journal.” Titled Effectiveness of Combined Acupuncture and Manual Therapy Relative to No Treatment for Canine Musculoskeletal Pain. The randomised control trial involved canine manipulation and acupuncture.
What they found was exciting….
The dogs that were treated showed a significant increase in play behaviour.
They also found improvements in mood and attitude. Above and beyond that, they also found significant improvements in their ability to walk, trot, jump, descend stairs and rise from a lying position.
The methodology used in the study was really unique and creative…
What they did at the start of the study, was separating the 47 dogs into two randomised groups. In the first part of the clinical trial, only one group received treatment, and the other group did not, they acted as a control comparison. The owners were not informed which dogs received treatment. They were however, asked to answer questions related to some of their dogs' behaviours. Then halfway through the trial they did something very interesting. Without informing the owners who are observing the behaviours and filling out the forms. They switched the groups! In the study, there was a correlation between when the dogs were treated and the positive observations by the owners such as increased playfulness.
We know what it is like as humans…
When we are in discomfort, we tend to disengage, and when the pain goes, we reengage. This relates to the intriguing aspect above where spinal Manipulation and related therapies may potentially boost our happiness and mood by the absence of pain and activation of parts of the central nervous system that contribute to happiness beyond the absence of pain.