[D-dog Canine Chiropractic] Making Chiropractic Care for Beloved Dogs 'A Matter of Course'

We endorse April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day for announcing dreams. This press release represents the dream of D-dog Co., Ltd. (Location: Ibaraki City, Osaka; Representative: Josuke Inaba), which operates 'D-dog' canine chiropractic.

## 7 Million 'Family Members' Face the Crisis of Aging and Mobility Issues

The number of dogs kept in Japan is said to be approximately 7 million*, and due to factors such as an increase in indoor breeding and higher quality pet food, the average lifespan of pet dogs is increasing year by year.
*From the Japan Pet Food Association's 'National Dog and Cat Ownership Survey'

However, 'mobility problems' are becoming serious with increased longevity. Approximately 40% of elderly dogs are suspected of having joint diseases, and conditions like patellar luxation in Toy Poodles and intervertebral disc herniation in Miniature Dachshunds carry a risk of onset even at a young age.

Dogs cannot express their discomfort in words. Therefore, it is not uncommon for problems to be advanced by the time they are noticed, and many owners resign themselves to it, thinking 'it's just old age.'

But is it really 'unavoidable'?

## The Origin: The 'Hands' That Saved My Mother Were the Beginning of Everything

The origin of Josuke Inaba, representative of 'D-dog' canine chiropractic and a practitioner with over 35 years of experience as an acupuncturist and judo therapist, lies with his 'mother.'

His single mother, who worked hard to raise him, developed rheumatism. Eventually, she could barely walk and even struggled to answer the phone.

After visiting numerous hospitals, her condition only worsened. It was then that they found an acupuncturist and judo therapist. After receiving treatment, his mother gradually recovered and was able to walk on her own again.

Witnessing this, Inaba saw 'the moment when human hands change a person's life.'

His teacher, who performed the treatment, then told him:
'From now on, you must take care of your mother.'

Inaba was in his second year of elementary school. This conversation led him to apprentice, learn the techniques, and continue researching rheumatism for his mother.

## Techniques Born from Over 35 Years of Clinical Experience

Subsequently, Inaba operated 'Inaba Acupuncture and Osteopathic Clinic' (Location: Inaba-cho, Ibaraki City, Osaka) and has faced many patients for over 35 years.

Through years of clinical experience, he gained the conviction that 'the body inherently possesses the power to heal itself.' This idea eventually led to a new perspective: 'Could the same be true for animals as well as humans?'

## An Encounter with a Miniature Pinscher Gave Birth to 'Another Mission'

The turning point came from a patient's remark:
'My dog can no longer stand up...'

Despite visiting numerous animal hospitals, her dog's condition did not improve. The loss of her beloved dog's health necessitated care, completely changing the patient's life and plunging her into deep sorrow.

Seeing the disheartened patient reminded Inaba of his younger self. He thought, 'The techniques I've cultivated for humans might be applicable to dogs,' and told the patient, 'Please let me examine your dog.'

As a result of the treatment—
That dog was able to walk on its own feet again.

This event was the origin of the '178-style Canine Chiropractic' method.

## Oriental Medicine × Chiropractic: The Uniqueness of 178-style Treatment

The 178-style treatment is a unique method that fuses Oriental medicine and chiropractic.

It is not merely a massage; by balancing the bones, muscles, and nerves, it promotes blood flow and nerve transmission, maximizing the dog's inherent natural healing power. This adjustment extends throughout the body, allowing for an approach to the autonomic nervous system and internal organ function.

A characteristic of the treatment is that it is performed with 'soft pressure that the dog finds comfortable,' making it safe for elderly dogs or those with strong警戒心. Compared to humans, dogs have only a fraction, or even a few tenths, of the body weight. If the treatment is not performed with this in mind, it could conversely harm the dog's body.

## Recovery Cases: Wish-chan (18 years old) and Gonta-kun (3 years old)

The 178-style method has treated over 10,000 dogs to date, restoring the health of many beloved pets.

**Wish-chan [18 years old / Hernia of the neck (cervical) and thoracolumbar (thoracic and lumbar spine)]**

Suddenly bedridden, she would thrash her limbs while lying down. She couldn't maintain an upright posture on her own. Wish-chan recovered to the point where she could walk around outside on her own feet.

**Gonta-kun [3 years old / Bilateral patellar luxation]**

Due to bilateral patellar luxation, his hind legs were constantly splayed. Walking became difficult, but after treatment, his legs were straightened, and he could enjoy walks happily again. Since then, regular maintenance has kept his condition stable.

## 'Four Developments' to Save Struggling Owners and Their Beloved Dogs Nationwide

Driven by the desire to 'deliver treatment to every dog that can be saved nationwide,' D-dog Canine Chiropractic was established. In addition to operating four clinics primarily in the Kansai region, activities are expanding along the following four axes:

## 1. Nationwide Expansion of the 178-style Canine Chiropractic School®

Since 2023, courses have been held in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyushu, and other locations, with over 300 students in total.

Among the students, many wish to care for their own dogs, while others aim to become independent chiropractors. Approximately 70 graduates have obtained licenses and are active as chiropractors.

Through this activity, the company aims to increase the number of chiropractors and establish a system to help dogs nationwide who need treatment.
https://178school.net/

## 2. Nationwide On-site Treatment Services

Based in Ibaraki City, Osaka, Representative Inaba himself provides on-site treatment services from Tokyo to Kyushu.

Schedules are published on Instagram, and reservations are also accepted.
https://www.instagram.com/ddog_178information?igsh=bzc2cnJ1cjA2NHNw

## 3. Event Participation and Awareness Activities

As part of awareness-raising activities to convey the necessity of dog chiropractic, D-dog participates in large events such as Dachs Fes and Chihuahua EXPO, as well as collaborative events with dog cafes and rescue organizations nationwide, dozens of times a year.

On the day of the event, chiropractors including Inaba participate and offer trial sessions of the 178-style treatment.
▼Participating events until May 2026▼

## 4. Self-Care Support through Video Content

For those who live far away, whose owners have health conditions, or whose dogs' size makes treatment difficult, or for those who want to thoroughly implement daily care at home, D-dog has started providing video content.
This resolves the issue of 'no way to receive chiropractic care.' http://lin.ee/3MKVYtr

## Representative Josuke Inaba's Proposal: Making Chiropractic Care 'A Matter of Course' as an Act of Love

'Regular maintenance dramatically reduces the probability of illness and injury,' asserts Representative Inaba.

He believes that canine chiropractic should become a 'daily habit' like meals and walks, not a special treatment. Establishing the habit of prevention before treatment.

That is the only way for as many beloved dogs as possible to continue walking with their owners for as long as possible.

**Finally**

A dog's happiness is entrusted to its owner.
And a dog's health greatly impacts its owner's life.

A beloved dog's life is much shorter than a human's.
That's why we want to make that time as happy as possible.

With this in mind, D-dog continues its actions today.
To make chiropractic care an act of love, a matter of course. To fulfill the wish of walking with beloved dogs for as long as possible.