The idea of chiropractic care for pets might be a new concept to some—but for Leslie Zook, D.C. and John Zook, D.C., it’s all in a day’s work.
“Veterinarians do an excellent job providing healthcare for animals who need immunizations, prescriptions and general surgeries,” Dr. John explains. “But at Cincinnati Animal Chiropractic, we specialize in mobility. Our focus is to provide an all-natural approach, helping animals out of pain and discomfort without the use of drugs or surgery.”
According to Dr. John, there are only about 7,000 certified animal chiropractors in the world. It just so happens, Dr. Leslie and her husband Dr. John live and practice right here in Greater Cincinnati.
The couple first launched Glendale Family Chiropractic in 2014 and, over the years, have assisted thousands of neighbors with wellness and maintenance care.
Then, in 2022, Atlas, their German Shepard, lost sensation and muscle strength in his hind legs and couldn't walk. Two veterinarians advised the family to prepare for euthanization—but Dr. Leslie and Dr. John thought a chiropractic care approach might help. It was a game-changing realization. After receiving chiropractic treatment, Atlas enjoys life today with no issues whatsoever.
That experience inspired the Zooks to enroll in an animal chiropractic school themselves. After enrolling in Options for Animals in 2023, completing over 210 hours and passing the required board exam they’re both now certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.
Some of the more common conditions that Cincinnati Animal Chiropractic treats include those of elderly animals struggling to complete everyday tasks, and animals who appear stiff or rigid when walking.
Additionally, the practice provides care for foster animals in the care of some local organizations, such as the Stray Animal Adoptions Program.
“Providing care to assist an animal in finding their forever home brings us an immense feeling of joy,” Dr. Leslie says with pride.
Pets who are limping or dragging of a limb, have issues related to spinal disc injury, or are coping with degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), arthritis and hip dysplasia have also received treatment from the practice, as have working animals unable to perform routine tasks.
The Zooks treat any animals with a spine: they’ve treated dogs, cats, bearded dragons and horses. “Barn calls” are sometimes necessary.
“A division of our practice includes ‘barn calls’ to treat local horses,” Dr. John says, explaining that many of the horses they see are utilized for various levels of competition. “Our main focus is addressing any mobility issues a horse may have, along with providing care to promote long-term wellness.”
It is a win-win scenario: As board-certified human chiropractors, the practice is often able to treat both riders and animals in the same onsite visit.
But no matter the patient, Dr. John says, “Our goal from day one was simple: treat each patient how we would like to be treated. That means little to no wait times, proper diagnostics, ensuring the best overall outcomes for each patient we see and providing continued wellness care to prevent conditions from returning.
Dr. Leslie doesn’t hesitate to share her favorite part of the job—how it can change lives.
“Seeing the look on an owner's face, smiling with joy and tears of excitement,” she says, “when a beloved pet who arrived into our care unable to even walk is able to leave, happy and easily able to live life once again to its fullest. It can be a life-changing moment for the pet,” she says.
It can also have a significant influence on the pet’s owners as well.
“The impact of providing animal chiropractic extends much further than helping an animal,” Dr. John says. “When an animal’s quality of life benefits, it affects the entire family.”
CincinnatiAnimalChiropractic.com | 1125 Congress Avenue, Cincinnati | 513.805.2040