Q&A with The K9Chiro

Dani Paizis MSc MMAA AHPR is a Veterinary Chiropractor based in North Yorkshire. Dani has spent many years helping regular dog guardians like myself, as well as sports dog enthusiasts, improve their dog’s health, comfort and well-being with the treatments she offers.  Dani has very kindly agreed to explain what professional Physical Therapy for Dogs is, and tell us about her fascinating work as The K9Chiro.

Q&A with The K9Chiro

So first of all, what do all those letters after your name mean? And how do you become a Veterinary Chiropractor?

Well, it takes a little bit of time to train to be a Veterinary Chiropractor, after completing my undergrad degree in Equine Science, I applied to the McTimoney College of Chiropractic to study for a Masters Degree in Veterinary Chiropractic. After 3 hard but fascinating years of study and writing a really long dissertation, I qualified. That was about 16 years ago.

The letters after my name are a bit confusing; the MSc means that I have a Masters Degree. As I am qualified as a McTimoney Chiropractor, (which is a specific type of chiropractic), the MAA is the McTimoney Animal Association, which is my professional membership body, and finally AHPR stands for Animal Health Practitioners Register, which is a register of therapists who have the appropriate qualifications.

In my profession, its really important we maintain our training and standards of technical and professional development, being a member of these professional associations, means I am held accountable to work in a safe way, while constantly updating my skill sets.

What does a typical patient/client look like?

Oh gosh, this is a big question! My typical client looks like the very best sort of dog guardian. By this I mean someone who is tuned into their dog’s needs and can see when they need that extra support, be it to help maintain correct fitness for competition, or to help their dog age gracefully and without stiff joints.

I don’t think I have a typical patient really, I treat all breeds, sizes, shapes, ages and temperaments. In an average work day, I might be working with a 13 year old, 5 kg miniature Jack Russell who has some age related stiffness, to a 3 year old, Grade 7 agility Border Collie is being prepped for their next competition. I think that’s the beauty of my job, its so varied.

What makes McTimoney Chiropractic techniques different to other types of Chiro?

I love this question; The simple answer, it is first and foremost, very, very gentle, which means its readily accepted by my patients, and secondly, because of our training, we can identify really subtle imbalances in the dog’s musculoskeletal system, making the technique very accurate and incredibly effective. Most people notice a difference in their dog’s after their first appointment.

What is the best thing about your job?

Spending all day with amazing dog’s and their amazing guardians and of course helping a dog thrive and live pain free. I am one of those annoying people who is truly living their childhood dream.

Are there any parts of your work you don’t enjoy?

Admin, I would much rather be with a patient!! But on a serious note, one of my specialist areas is working with chronic pain cases and senior arthritic dogs. The inevitability that eventually these dogs will cross over the rainbow bridge, and supporting guardians through this process can be hard. However, I believe it be an honour and a privilege to be able to provide that support, and you know, we can do hard things, its ok to lean in to the tough stuff.

Is it possible for dogs that are anxious or prone to reactivity to receive treatment? How do you accommodate them?

Well, I practice a welfare first, dog centred protocol. Which means, every dog is an individual, and their welfare needs are always of primary concern. If a dog is reactive or anxious, the guardian and I will put together a plan to help their dog feel as comfortable as possible with me. Using lots of positive reinforcement, (usually squeezy cheese), giving the dog control over when and how they are handled in a session and giving them rest breaks, most dogs manage well and even start to enjoy their sessions.

Of course, some dogs will never be that into it; I used to treat a greyhound, who most definitely “tolerated” my presence. He would stand perfectly still for his treatment, he was very obliging and well mannered, but once it was finished, he would go and stand in his garden with his back to me until I left his premises – we had a respectful understanding, and I was cool with that.

I have a senior dog (who is at present, showing no signs of slowing down) and I also care for a number of senior dogs. How can your services help guardians like myself? And are there any treatments that can be used as a preventative measure?

Yes definitely, the sooner someone brings their senior dog to me, the more positive the outcome will be for keeping your dog pain free and active for longer. Sadly, the Western medical modal has taken away our belief that prevention is better than cure, I am constantly trying to deconstruct that message.

Within an appointment, there is so much opportunity to discuss your dog’s needs, make little changes to exercise, diet and environment, which will ultimately help your dog thrive.

I think the best advice I can give someone caring for an elderly dog, is keep their weight down, trim nails every two weeks, make sure teeth are healthy and clean, provide opportunities for enrichment which don’t involve endurance type activity, give you dog plenty of rest and OF COURSE bring your dog to me for regular treatments to help keep their body supple and pain free.

Have you ever worked with anyone high profile?

Every dog is a superstar to me. I’ve worked with quite a few successful sporting dogs, and I’ve met a few human celebrities while treating their dogs too which is fun.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at work?

The funniest moment in my career, was when I had someone bring into clinic their Siberian Huskies which they mushed with competitively and very successfully.

I had never met a huskie before and had no idea what I was letting myself in for. By the end of the session, there was a cloud of huskie hair everywhere. I didn’t know that Huskies could jump like deer, so it was utter carnage, shelving, desk, treatment table, everything was jumped on, treats went flying, paperwork was ripped, it was a total baptism of fire. I tried to style it out in front of the client that I was used to managing huskies in a treatment setting, but I don’t think I fooled anyone!!

That was 7 years ago and rather than put me off, I embraced the huskie life and that person in question is now one of my best friends, I treat all his huskies and absolutely love huskie days!

If you’re interested in finding out more about TheK9Chiro you can visit Dani’s website here.

and you can follow on Instagram @the_k9_chiro_harrogate