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.
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.
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.
Holistic care for emotional balancing
Natural ways to restore balance
Holistic therapies for emotional balancing include craniosacral adjustments, BICOM therapy, flower essences, and nutritional supplements and herbs.
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.
From our blog
Reading on stress and anxiety
How to Recognize Fear, Anxiety, and Stress in Pets Does your dog ever pant and seem hyperactive when he is normally calm? Will he jump up and down, hide, or even freeze when he is somewhere new? Does… Read more 
7 Tips to Reduce Separation Anxiety in Pets Many people are growing tired of our pandemic lifestyle changes. They are longing for things to go back to “normal.” For many people, part of going… Read more 
How to Reduce Noise Phobias in Anxious Pets Noise Phobias: thunderstorms, vacuums, and fireworks. Oh my! Read more In their words
The hearts we’ve touched
“I arrived with a bag of pills and not much hope for Fina’s quality of life. Dr. Strickfaden listened, and within weeks my German Shepherd was on the road to recovery.”
“Years ago when all other vets gave up on my older dog Katy, Dr. Strickfaden got her back to agility competition form with acupuncture. I’m a big fan!”
“Countrycare Animal Complex is what I wish for all pets. Your compassion and genuine caring makes all the difference. Duke is a happy dog because of you.”
“Everyone there was great — from making the appointment to the vet tech to our vet. Everyone was super friendly and nice. They took their time. We didn’t feel rushed. We were very happy and grateful to the staff.”
“Dr. Heintz was so gentle and compassionate with our dog. The vet tech was so kind and understanding with all of the questions that I asked her. They made me feel comfortable with the decisions that we made for Maddie.”
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