​How to tell if my furry friend needs an adjustment?

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It may be hard to realize, but the furry pet sitting on your lap or taking a sun nap in your garden has evolved from wild animals, so they still have some wild traits/instincts. One of those instincts is to not show pain. Showing pain makes them vulnerable to attack in the wild. So when your pet is hurting, they will do everything they can to not show their pain. That’s why it is up to you, the owner, to spot the small things. Some signs that you furry friend is in pain are:

                                                                                                          All animals

• Behavioral changes! This is number one. If they are less friendly, playful, or excitable, they may be in pain.
• Not wanting to jump on the bed, couch, or into your car.
• Puppy sitting.
• Anal gland issues.
• Not wanting to play with their favorite chew toys.
• Starting to tilt their head or their tail is hanging off to the side.
• Not wanting to eat (Maybe their stomach is upset? Or maybe they have a neck or jaw pain that is made worse with chewing).
• Not wanting to look up at you.
• Sleeping much more than usual.
• Dropping chunks of food when eating.
• Changes in gait.

                                                                                                                                Horses

• Willing to eat from hanging stall bail buckets but not eating out at pasture.
• Tilting their head while eating.
• Difficulty flexing at the pole.
• Difficulty with the bit.
• Throwing their head while riding.
• Difficulty changing leads.
• Rough, choppy, or short strides.
• Going wide leaving barrels in barrel racing.
• Hunters bump.
• Drifting to one side when walking.

The main takeaway is if the animal you play and interact with every day is acting strange, trust your instincts. They are likely in some kind of pain and a trip to the vet or a chiropractic adjustment may be exactly what they need to be their old selves again.