Dog Chiropractor in Dallas, TX
Specialized chiropractic and rehabilitation care helping dogs of all breeds, ages, and activity levels move better, feel better, and get back to doing what they love.
What is dog chiropractic care?
Dog chiropractic care focuses on the health of your dog's spine, joints, and nervous system. When vertebrae become misaligned, they can interfere with nerve function and cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility throughout the body.
Chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment, relieve pressure on the nervous system, and help your dog move and feel the way they are supposed to.
At In Stride Chiropractic, we see dogs of all breeds, ages, and activity levels. Whether your dog is a weekend hiking companion, a competitive agility athlete, or a senior dog slowing down more than they should be, chiropractic care may be able to help.
Dog chiropractic care may be right for your dog if they are:
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Moving stiffly or reluctantly after rest
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Showing changes in gait or favoring one side
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Recovering from an injury or surgery
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Experiencing a drop in athletic performance
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Showing signs of discomfort when touched along the spine
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Slowing down or struggling with activities they used to enjoy
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Dealing with a chronic condition affecting their mobility and quality of life
If something feels off with your dog, trust that instinct. Reach out and we will help you figure out if chiropractic care is the right fit.
Conditions we can help
In Stride works with dogs dealing with a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. These are some of the most common reasons dog owners bring their pets to In Stride Chiropractic.
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Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common structural conditions in dogs, particularly in larger breeds. Chiropractic care helps reduce compensatory tension throughout the spine and surrounding joints, improving comfort and mobility without relying on medication or surgery.
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Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
IVDD occurs when the cushioning between the vertebrae bulge or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Chiropractic care can be a valuable part of a conservative management plan for dogs with IVDD, particularly in combination with rehabilitation therapy.
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Arthritis and Joint Pain
As dogs age, arthritis and joint degeneration can significantly impact their quality of life. Regular chiropractic care helps maintain joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and keep older dogs more comfortable and active for longer.
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Orthopedic Complaints (ex: CCL tear)
Dogs recovering from orthopedic complaints often develop compensatory patterns that create new areas of tension and discomfort. Chiropractic and rehabilitation can reduce pain and support recovery by addressing the whole body.
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Gait Irregularities
If your dog is moving unevenly, favoring a leg, having difficulty jumping up, or carrying themselves differently than usual, spinal misalignment may be a contributing factor. Chiropractic care addresses the underlying structural issues affecting how your dog moves.
Performance and Athletic Conditioning
For dogs that compete in agility, disc, dock diving, or other athletic pursuits, regular chiropractic care helps maintain peak performance, prevent injury, and extend their competitive careers. We can curate custom exercise routines to help handlers support their canine athletes' unique fitness needs between visits.
Senior Dog Mobility
Older dogs often slow down gradually in ways that owners accept as normal aging. Chiropractic care can meaningfully improve comfort and mobility in senior dogs, helping them stay active and engaged well into their later years.
What to expect on your first visit
Your first appointment at In Stride Chiropractic is a full hour with your provider. There are no rushed evaluations and no assembly line care. Every minute is focused entirely on your dog.
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Here is what the first visit looks like:
Postural and Gait Evaluation
Your provider will begin by observing how your dog stands, moves, and carries themselves. This gives an immediate picture of where compensation patterns may be developing and where the body is under stress.
Hands-On Evaluation
A thorough orthopedic, neurological, and palpatory evaluation follows. Your provider will assess joint mobility, muscle tension, and spinal alignment from nose to tail to identify the areas that need attention.
First Session
Your dog will receive their first treatment during the initial visit. Your provider will use precise, gentle techniques appropriate for your dog's size, age, and condition.
Custom Care Plan
Before you leave, your provider will walk you through a personalized care plan outlining what they found, what is recommended, and what to expect going forward. You will also leave with supportive care techniques you can use between visits.
Financing and Package Options
We offer in-house financing and package options to make ongoing care accessible for your family.
Have questions before your first visit? Browse our FAQ or reach out and we will walk you through everything.
Why dog owners in Dallas-Fort Worth choose In Stride Chiropractic
There are animal chiropractors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. There are very few with Dr. Katie's combination of credentials, experience, and genuine passion for what she does.
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AVCA Certified
Dr. Katie holds certification from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, the gold standard credential in animal chiropractic care. Not every animal chiropractor in the DFW area holds this certification.
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Parker University Graduate
Dr. Katie earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker University, home to one of the most respected animal chiropractic programs in the country. She graduated as salutatorian of the Animal Chiropractic Program.
Chiropractic Plus Rehabilitation
Most animal chiropractors offer adjustments. Dr. Katie goes further. Her blend of chiropractic care and rehabilitation gives your dog a more complete path to recovery and long term wellness.
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She Competes With Her Own Dog
Dr. Katie is not just a practitioner who helps pet dogs. She understands sport dogs as she also competes with her own dog in disc, Fast CAT, barn hunt, and dock diving. She understands what active dogs need because she lives it.
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Collaborative Care
Dr. Katie works directly with your veterinarian to make sure your dog receives fully integrated care. She communicates with your vet, keeps them informed, and treats the relationship as a partnership rather than a formality.
Common Questions About Dog Chiropractic
We know you have questions before reaching out, and we want to make sure you feel confident every step of the way. Here are a few of the questions we hear most often. For a full list visit our FAQ page.
Looking for a chiro-friendly veterinarian?
Finding a veterinarian who is familiar with and supportive of animal chiropractic care makes the authorization process much smoother. Dr. Katie maintains an updated map of chiropractic friendly veterinarians throughout the DFW area to help you find the right fit close to home.​​
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* Indicates In Stride Chiropractic favorites​
"Dr. Lackey Has Been So Good"​
Dr. Lackey has been so good. We are driving from Farmersville about 40 miles to Carrollton.
She’s well worth the drive! She’s quick to respond if we have questions, and is so sweet and patient with my older pup.
- ASM
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"Chasing Balls And Bubbles Like A Puppy"​
Our 11-year-old dog has hip dysplasia, and we were willing to try anything to keep her comfortable. That’s when we found Dr. Lackey. She is incredibly kind and gentle with Maggie, and thanks to her care, Maggie is running and jumping again—chasing balls and bubbles like a puppy.
She’s clearly in much less pain since starting treatment. If you’re looking for a great chiropractor, look no further than In Stride Chiropractic.
- Clarissa H.​​
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"Couldn't Be Happier With The Care"​
We’ve been taking our dog Jack to In Stride and couldn’t be happier with the care he’s received. When we first started going, Jack was having pain just walking, but now he’s doing so much better — even asking to go on walks again! Dr. Lackey is amazing with him.
She takes her time, clearly loves dogs, and really knows her stuff. She’ll even get down on the floor with Jack to help him feel comfortable and relaxed during his session. She also gives us clear, simple exercises to do at home and uses a variety of innovative treatments in the office. We’re so grateful for the difference she’s made — highly recommend In Stride to anyone who loves their dog!
- Seph J.​​
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