Alternative Care

Acupuncture

We are delighted to be able to offer the ancient healing art of acupuncture to our patients. Acupuncture is based on a thorough understanding of the body’s meridians and its relationship to corresponding conditions and illnesses along those meridians. Upon examination, a small gauge needle is applied to points to elicit physiological responses to treat almost any disease or condition.  Some of the earliest record of animal treatment by way of acupuncture dates back over 3000 years ago!

Acupuncture has been very beneficial in the treatment of:

  • Pain and inflammation from infections, arthritis and muscular injuries
  • Hormonal imbalances such as the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary and parathyroid functions
  • Organ and system support which in turn help keep the respiratory system, the urinary system and the digestive system working well. By supporting these systems the outward appearance of the coat and skin will reflect a healthy and balanced body.
  • Neurological/ psychological care disorders such as anxiety, epilepsy, and behavioral disorders have responded very well to acupuncture.

Chiropractic Care

Animal chiropractic, just like chiropractic care for people, deals with the nervous system. The spinal cord carries nerves that are distributed to every single organ, tissue, and cell of the body. A misalignment of joints, called a subluxation, adversely alters nerve function to those areas. Altered nerve impulses leaving the spinal column affect the function of organs, tissues, and cells supplied by that nerve. This altered function can lead to pain, disease, fatigue, muscle weakness, balance/proprioception issues, immune suppression, and much more.

When a joint is subluxated, it loses motion and position. A chiropractic adjustment is aimed at correcting the subluxation and restoring the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Chiropractic works to eliminate the root cause of the problem and not just simply treat the symptoms.

It can also be used for wellness care. Healthy pets under chiropractic care may have improved performance, more energy, and better immune response. Additionally, chiropractic may also provide prevention for disease, injury, and arthritis.

Animal chiropractic does not replace traditional veterinary medicine but works very well along side of it.

Dr Erin O’Connor is a licensed and certified AVCA Animal Chiropractor. Entrust the health of your animal only to a trained professional. Certification means your animal chiropractor is recognized by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. By dealing with a Certified Animal Chiropractor, you are assured of the services of a skilled, dedicated professional who will work to provide the very safest care.

Reiki

Rei means “spirit,” and Ki means “energy,” so literally, the word Reiki means “spiritual energy.”  All things have energy to them, energy flows through our energy centers and pathways, also known as chakras and meridians. Reiki allows for an energy space to support self-healing. Reiki helps to balance and open up energy flow allowing energetic balance and harmony which results in physical, mental/emotional and spiritual healing.

Because Reiki is non-invasive, gentle, and does not use contact, animals respond very well to it. Reiki does not cause pain or discomfort and is a low stress way to get powerful results. A healthy pet will respond to Reiki by becoming relaxed and emotionally peaceful. If an animal is sick, Reiki can heal, reduce side effects, help reduce pain and inflammation, help reduce behavioral problems and aggression, help abused animals heal from past mental/physical trauma, support acupuncture, and complement essential oils.

For an owner dealing with their pet’s quality of life diminishing, they can get comfort in knowing that Reiki is a powerful yet gentle way of providing comfort, relief from pain, fear and anxiety. Reiki not only supports a pet as it transitions, but also the family that has to make the difficult decision to help their pet when they will not be getting better.

Essential Oils

Young Living Oils are fantastic oils that we recommend due to their commitment to purity and potency.  A single drop can contain hundreds of molecules that are antiviral, anti-tumoral , antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and so much more. Because of their purity they are safe for animal use. They are helpful and used in relieving pain and discomfort in muscles and joints, to calm nerves, relieve digestive issues and allergies, comfort respiratory ailments and speed up healing from wounds.

Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbal medicine is derived from natural sources (plants) instead of synthetically created drugs.  They are used to help balance the body and restore health.

Therapeutic Laser

The therapeutic laser provides relief.  The wavelength of light is able to penetrate tissues and decrease inflammation, stimulates macrophages to clean up and repair damaged tissues.  It also allows your pet to heal faster after surgery or any traumatic injury.  The therapeutic laser is used for pain relief, wound healing, arthritic conditions, intervertebral disc disease, dermatitis, post-surgical pain and swelling, lick granulomas, periodontal disease, gingivitis, otitis, bladder infections/inflammation, and more.

Classical Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an energy medicine that helps the body restore health.  It treats the pet as a whole rather then focusing on a disease.  Symptoms from the physical, emotional, and mental aspects are considered when choosing a homeopathic remedy.

Homeopathic Principles are:
1)  Like Cures Like
2) The Minimum dose
3) The Single Remedy

Homeopathic Treatment is either:
“Acute” = a recent onset of illness or trauma
“Chronic” = an illness that has been left untreated and has progressed

Massage

Some Benefits of Hands on Canine Massage provided by Kristina:
Puppies
  • Strengthens the bond between pet and owner through touch
  • Soothes muscles due to overexertion
  • Improves socialization skills
Dogs of Adult Age
  • Maintenance for overall health
  • Increases circulation for healthy skin & soft coat
  • Improves muscle tone, posture, flexibility & range of motion
Pre and Post Surgical
  • Promotes healing & recovery
  • Removes wastes & toxins from system (including anesthesia)
  • Increases blood flow & assists with lymphatic drainage
  • Reduces pain & discomfort from stiffness
  • Moves out inflammation
  • Reduces muscle spasms
Pre and Post Event Massage (agility, daycare, etc.)
  • Stimulates concentration and alertness
  • Prepares and warms muscles
  • Improves range of motion for exercise
  • Aids in recovery of post exercise/event
  • Increases agility for dogs while in training or for trials
Senior Pets or those with Disabilities
  • Promotes longevity and slows muscle atrophy
  • Heightens immune system function
  • Soothes the pain of arthritis
  • Balances postural compensation
Recent Adoptee or Rescue 
  • Reduces anxiety and stress due to new home
  • Eases emotional trauma
  • Builds trust, self-confidence and sociability
  • Massage provides overall well-being for your pet