Chiropractic Visits Offered:  Office (Cat / Dog), Haul In (Equine / FFA / 4-H), Farm Call, House Call.

 

Chiropractic adjustments are very gentle. In animals there is often no "popping" or "cracking" sounds heard like is often heard in humans. This is due to differences in the physics of joints in a four-legged animal versus an upright, two-legged human. Many animals look forward to their chiropractic adjustments. They know what helps them feel better. In the beginning, however, new and different things can trigger an animal’s fight or flight response. This is a natural instinct which makes the pet reactive at no fault of his/her own personality. I work very slowly and patiently with the animal to help gain their trust and increase their comfort level. I may use herbal or essential oil calming remedies during the adjustment to provide relaxation and comfort for your animal. (If you are already using or planning to use these for your pet, remember to ask your personal veterinarian first before use as some herbs and essential oils are toxic to various species.)

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After the adjustment it is common for animals to feel relaxed and want to nap. Depending on what conditions were present pre adjustment, your pet may have some soreness for a couple days after the adjustment. Others respond by acting “younger” again due to feeling better right away.

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For Cats: 

As many cat lovers know, cats can be very particular about how and where they are touched. It is very important to me that my patients are as comfortable as possible. I often use treats as a distractor and to help release positive endorphins, and I like to use the Calm and Cozy Cat Wrap for adjustments (https://calmcozycat.com/). This is a calming wrap that applies deep constant pressure around the body of the cat which has been shown to decrease blood pressure and heart rate. Don’t be surprised if over time your cat comes to look forward to seeing their “chiropractic servant”. Cats love being served, and they know what helps them feel better.

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For Horses, Sheep, and Other Farm Animals:

Barn cross ties are generally best when adjusting horses, 4-H animals, and show animals. Please ensure your animal is halter trained and comfortable standing in barn cross ties prior to their chiropractic exam and adjustment. I grew up a horse-loving girl and particularly enjoy "equine therapy" time when adjusting your horses. Please let me know if you would like chiropractic care for other farm animals as well; I am happy to discuss and see what may work best.

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For Dogs:

During the adjustment I often use food as a distractor and to release endorphins as it is very important to me that my patients are as comfortable as possible during their adjustment. My favorite thing is to use squeezy cheese on a lick mat – which specifically has a soothing effect and releases endorphins – or inside a basket muzzle. Most dogs think it’s grand! Adjusting dogs requires me to often be in a hug-like position over the pet. Hugs are instinctively interpreted by dogs as a dominant gesture and may trigger the fight or flight response. This means that the pet may bite as an instinct at no fault of his/her own personality. For this reason I often use a basket muzzle. This is a muzzle that allows the pet to accept treats and pant freely, allowing comfort for the pet and safety for those handling.