Hi! Welcome to our page! We offer animal chiropractic, animal reiki, and canine massage to help your pet heal, provide optimal mobility and function to the performance dog or horse, or to maintain a higher level of health through wellness care.
(Photo-left to right: Kristina Dodge, Dr. Erin O’Connor, Mike McGuigan, Dr. Cat Reczek)
"The beauty about chiropractic is the fact that it works with natural means. It puts nothing new into the body, nor does it take away any natural gland or organ. Chiropractic simply releases life forces within the body, sets free rivulets of energy over nerves, and let's nature do her work in a normal manner." —BJ Palmer, developer of chiropractic
Dr. Erin O’Connor (owner of Vitality) and Dr. Cat Reczek both offer animal chiropractic care. Animal chiropractic care Dr. Erin sees dogs, cats, exotics, and wildlife. Dr. Cat sees small animals at Vitality and also travels twice a week for large animal patients.
Chiropractic is also a wonderful treatment method for not only people, but pets as well. Animal Chiropractic is a gentle, yet highly effective treatment modality that allows the animal to utilize their very own healing capabilities. Chiropractic care deals with the nervous system. The two most important parts are housed within the skull and spinal column. The spinal cord carries nerves that are distributed to every organ, tissue, and cell of the body. The nerves exit the spinal column between the bones of the spine called vertebrae.
Chiropractors have discovered that a misalignment of joint that has lost motion and position, called a subluxation, adversely affect the function of the organs, tissues, and cells supplied by that nerve. Dysfunction of the nervous system can lead to a series of illnesses and conditions. A certified animal chiropractor aims to correct the dysfunction with a specific thrust called an adjustment and restore proper nerve flow as well as proper alignment and joint movement. Therefore, chiropractic aims to eliminate the cause of the problem and not simply treat the symptoms.
Common conditions in which people seek animal chiropractic care for their pet: Showing signs of pain, limping, changes in behavior (such as starting to snap, refusal to play with family members), problems eating or refusing to play with toys, decrease in level of activity or performance, problems or difficulty executing desired movements, seizures or seizure-like episodes, tremors, short or uneven strides, diagnosed conditions, such as arthritis, paresis, sudden back leg paralysis, dragging of the back legs, muscle imbalances, muscle spasms, muscle atrophy, lameness, abnormal gait, abnormal posture, holding tail to one side, abnormal shaking of the head, ear infections, allergies, hot spots, injuries from falls or training, stress, repetitive infections, neurological conditions, weak immune system, wellness to promote optimal health, performance, recently rescued animals, proper development.
“Reiki is the best vibration for helping someone to relax well and deeply. Relaxation is key to human health and recovery because it initiates our natural and innate healing abilities. It is when we are truly relaxed that true healing can take place.” —Chyna Honey
Mike McGuigan provides animal reiki at Vitality on Tuesdays and Fridays.
“Reiki” is a word to describe an ancient form of a natural and gentle healing technique, derived from Japan. Reiki helps bring calm to the nervous system, and an overall balance to the mind, body, and spirit of the animal or individual. Reiki is now widely taught and practiced around the world, and testimonials of the benefits continue to grow every day.
Reiki is based on the premise that Energy and Vibration are present in all living things. These energies are what makes our bodies “work”. When this energy becomes blocked, Pain, discomfort and disease can occur. During a Reiki session, the practitioner will find and facilitate the release of these energy blocks.
Common conditions in which people seek animal reiki for their pet: Pain, fear, stress, anxiety, arthritis, rheumatism, post-surgical, trauma, wounds, sprains, neurological conditions, to bring balanced energy flow to the nervous system, to maintain wellness, to energize and revitalize an older animal, lethargy and depression, provide relief with transitions (moving, introduction to, or loss of, another family member), to help rescued animals adjust to their new surroundings, provide end of life comfort and ease of transition.
“Massage is not just a luxury. It's a way of a heathier, happier life.”
—Unknown
Kristina Dodge provides canine massage, raindrop treatments, and a la carte light grooming services on Tuesdays.
Massage is touch with intent. Various techniques, pressure and movements are used to manipulate every tissue in the body. Massage can include scanning and palpating adipose tissue, ligaments, tendons, connective tissue, some visceral work and of course muscles. Often times stretching and passive range of motion for joint mobilization is included.
Massage is actually very natural and instinctual. Just think, what do you do when you stub your toe? You probably grab it or rub it to soothe it! Dogs do the same. They will lick an area of soreness. Many mammals hold or groom their offspring, especially during development. Trust is one of the most powerful outcomes of touch.
Common conditions in which people seek professional massage for their pet: Stress, strains, sprains, end of life care, muscle atrophy, boost immune system, detox anesthesia or medication, improve agility performance, muscular imbalances, injury or limping, paralysis, amputee, muscle spasm, post surgical recovery, and more.
Grooming services available: nail clipping, nail dremeling, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, paw pad shaving, bang trimming, ear or leg feathering trim.
Therapeutic Essential Oil Therapy Available: Raindrop Treatment (to help facilitate healing)
“The first wealth is health.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
Additional Offerings, if needed: Species appropriate single-protein or single ingredient treats (Vital Essentials, NW Naturals, Primal), Charlotte’s Web CBD oil, Treatibles CBD oil, Herbsmith, Ayush Herbs, Sealogix Fish Oil, Standard Process, Assisi Loop, Raindrop in a Bottle, Essential Oils
Carnivore Nutrition: Dr. Erin is also a naturopathic carnivore nutrition consultant, board-certified through the American Council of Animal Naturopathy. These consults are on raw feeding for our domesticated carnivore companions: dogs, cats, and ferrets. Her consults are through phone or skype through RoaringForRaw.com.
“The passion behind the care that I provide is inspired by each and every sweet furry, feathered, or scaled soul I meet. They deserve our best. It is my goal to help animals heal naturally through animal chiropractic and nutrition. Additionally, I like to educate pet guardians every step of the way. This helps them become confident in the choices they make for their pet’s health, so that they can be their pet’s best advocate.” —Dr. Erin O’Connor
