A white French bulldog licks a Countrycare team member’s face while her colleague laughs

Conditions we treat

Emotional and behavioral treatment

Each animal has his or her own personality and temperament.

Emotions and moods

Animals feel, just like we do

As humans, we sometimes forget (or ignore) the fact that animals have emotions and moods just like we do. Each animal has his or her own personality and temperament.

They react to people, animals, environment, and situations with a diverse range of emotions. These include joy, affection, pain, anger, fear, jealousy, depression, grief, and shame.

Connect with us
A Countrycare team member laughs as a ferret nuzzles her face

Stress and behavior

What behavior can tell us

Everyday stress

Animals undergo stress in their daily lives, also. A few examples include:

  • Visitors to the house
  • Trips to the vet or groomer
  • New additions to the family
  • Being left at home when everyone goes to work or school

When behavior changes

An animal’s behavior may be an indication that they are experiencing difficulty with their surroundings or a physical illness. Their behavior may be self-destructive, fearful or aggressive.

Treatment often includes tranquilizers or anti-depressants, or the emotional state and behavior are ignored or punished.

Our philosophy

Complete care, mind and body

Our philosophy of complete care includes addressing the emotional and mental needs of your animal, not just the physical needs. We offer many natural solutions to help with your animal’s general disposition, moods, and emotions naturally.

Remember that the mental and emotional state in animals (and people) can also lead to physical sickness and disease. Sometimes a pet’s emotional issue is so intense that medication is necessary to help. We can help with that option too.

Explore holistic care
Two Countrycare team members sit on the exam room floor with a black-and-white border collie

Holistic care for emotional balancing

Natural ways to restore balance

Holistic therapies for emotional balancing include craniosacral adjustments, flower essences, and nutritional supplements and herbs.

Explore holistic care
Gentle, hands-on Craniosacral therapy A gentle hands-on procedure for evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system, the system surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Because it encloses the brain and spinal cord, it influences the entire nervous system, affecting many body functions: the brain’s important pituitary and pineal glands, hormonal balance and emotional state.
Several hundred essences Flower essences Flower essences are homeopathically prepared from the flowers of non-poisonous plants, bushes and trees. There are several hundred flower essences, each helping with specific mental and emotional states.
Balance from within Nutritional supplements and herbs An essential component of balancing the emotional center of the brain. There are many different supplements that can be beneficial, and the specific herbs and supplements we recommend are based on each individual pet’s needs.

Summary

Care for mild and early cases

These holistic treatments can be very helpful in pets with behavioral or emotional issues and may be able to replace the more conventional treatments in mild or early cases.

The mental and emotional state in animals (and people) can also lead to physical sickness and disease.

In their words

The hearts we’ve touched

“We love Countrycare because of the sense of caring & concern we feel the minute we walk in the door. Our English cockers have been patients at Countrycare for about 11 years. The acupuncture that was administered to Bubba for his disc issues added 6 years of quality to his life. When he passed in 2006 Doctor Karen was there with us to share our loss. Our latest concerns are with Shore and her kidney failure and Mickey’s battle with Addison’s disease. Again doctor Karen never gave up until she was able to properly diagnose Mickey’s condition and devise the proper treatment plan. The support staff at Countrycare is always more than willing to address our many concerns. It is comforting to know they will be there when we need them. For us Countrycare is well worth the 30 min. drive from Two Rivers.”

Dean & Marilee H. · Two Rivers, WI

“Thank you for seeing Harlie. She was well taken care of and I was happy that you offered natural alternatives to traditional medicine. She seems to be enjoying her new therapy routine.”

Sheila & John F.

“Frosty receives excellent care, and everyone is friendly, knowledgeable and compassionate. Staff does their best to schedule at times that are convenient for me to drive up from Appleton. And I feel Dr. Strickfaden is absolutely invested in the best outcome for Frosty given his multiple medical challenges.”

Christine M.

“When I first walked in the door with my chocolate lab, I felt a sense of trust that I never felt at a veterinary clinic before. Dr. Strickfaden made me feel heard and trusted on my way to a “less” toxic lifestyle for my lab. Highly recommend to any pet owners wanting to have a more holistic lifestyle not only for themselves but for their pets.”

Tiffany & Cole D.

“Staff very friendly, helpful, and caring. It was great to see a Dr. Strickfaden look at Emma’s health as a whole. We look forward to seeing Emma’s overall health improve with continued visits. Thank you for making options in veterinary care possible for Emma.”

Melanie & Jim O.

“I drive almost 3 hours to bring my dog there because of the excellent care you provide. My dog, Willow has had a great life because of the treatment you have provided. I completely trust the team there. Thanks for all you do.”

Angie K.

“Country Care Animal Complex treats my dogs like their own. I travel over an hour one way to see Dr Strickfaden and get treatments for my golden retriever’s allergies. Both my dogs love going to the vet! Country Care has exceptional staff from the front desk to the techs to the doctors. It is obvious to me they truly love what they do.”

Susanne L.

“Very much appreciated the candid conversation regarding vaccinations for Macie. It’s so refreshing to hear an integrative approach to pet wellness. Their office is welcoming; the staff is friendly. You can tell only animal lovers work here. We finally found the “right” clinic for our pets.”

Debi & Kurt L.