These days, quality pet health care is no longer limited to spaying/neutering and immunizations. The emerging field of animal chiropractic offers nonsurgical, drug-free options for correcting bone, disc and soft-tissue disorders related to improper spinal configuration and movement.

In addition to treating human patients, Dr. Jess Whidden—the “Animal Cracker”—provides chiropractic care for dogs and cats at Emerald Coast Chiropractic, in Destin. She also treats horses, typically travelling to their barns or stalls.

While Whidden recommends regular adjustments for animals for health maintenance, she also treats acute conditions such as hip dysplasia in large dogs, slipped discs for small dogs, and accident-related trauma. 

“Anything we can throw at you to make your pet better, I'm all for it,” she says.         

A graduate of Life University in Atlanta, Whidden is the only chiropractor between Pensacola and Tallahassee who is nationally certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, having completed the certification program at Parker University in Dallas. She provides treatment as a complement to veterinary services, which she considers the first line of care for animals. She says she receives referrals from and has a good working relationship with many local veterinarians. 

“I always make sure the animal has been seen by its regular veterinarian first so my treatment doesn't conflict with any of the vet’s treatments,” she says. 

Location: Emerald Coast Chiropractic, 501 Harbor Blvd., Ste. C, Destin, FL. For more information, call 850-654-1850 or visit DestinChiropractor.com.