Holistic The whole animal Holistic Veterinary Medicine focuses on the entire animal—encompassing their physical, mental, and emotional state, as well as their environment—rather than isolating a specific disease or symptom. It heavily prioritizes complementary modalities, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and veterinary spinal manipulation therapy, aiming to restore the body’s natural balance. 
Holistic Veterinary Care in Green Bay, WI
From symptoms to systems: navigating holistic, integrative, and functional medicine
While these three approaches share a common goal of moving beyond strictly conventional, symptom-based treatments in veterinary care, they differ in their core philosophies and clinical applications.
Three approaches
Different philosophies, one shared goal
Holistic The whole animal Holistic Veterinary Medicine focuses on the entire animal—encompassing their physical, mental, and emotional state, as well as their environment—rather than isolating a specific disease or symptom. It heavily prioritizes complementary modalities, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and veterinary spinal manipulation therapy, aiming to restore the body’s natural balance. 
Integrative Conventional and holistic, together Integrative Veterinary Medicine is the deliberate, coordinated blending of conventional (allopathic) medicine with holistic therapies. It does not reject standard pharmacology or surgery but expands the clinical toolkit to optimize outcomes. A classic integrative approach might involve managing a canine orthopedic injury with standard surgical and/or medical intervention like medications, while simultaneously supporting tissue healing with regenerative treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and acupuncture. 
Functional The root cause Functional Veterinary Medicine utilizes a systems-biology approach to identify and resolve the root physiological or biochemical causes of chronic disease, rather than just managing the resulting symptoms. It relies heavily on advanced diagnostics—such as evaluating the gut microbiome, cellular health, metabolic markers, or environmental toxicities—and uses targeted nutritional or metabolic interventions to correct underlying dysfunctions before they cascade into irreversible pathology. Over 30 years of holistic practice
Dr. Strickfaden’s approach
Dr. Karen Strickfaden is certified in both Acupuncture and Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy, bringing over 30 years of specialized expertise to her patients. Having helped thousands of animals achieve longer, healthier lives, her approach transcends traditional boundaries. She seamlessly integrates holistic, integrative, and functional medicine, tailoring each comprehensive treatment plan to the unique medical needs of the patient and the goals of the owner to provide truly individualized care.
How holistic care comes together
The perfect fit for whole-pet healing
Holistic care looks at the whole animal, and the whole picture always includes you. Here’s how the four pieces come together.
Your pet
You
Us
Together
Your pet is more than a symptom
Body, mind, and environment all play a part, so we look at how your dog or cat lives, not just what’s bothering them.You know their rhythms
How they move, sleep, eat, and respond day to day helps us see what’s changing and tells us when a therapy is working.We widen the options
Dr. Strickfaden targets the underlying root causes of illness rather than just masking symptoms, allowing your pet to achieve true, lasting healing and a higher quality of long-term health.Together, the best of both worlds
When the pieces connect, you can feel the shift toward true alignment. Together, we create a powerful partnership where healing thrives.
What we offer
Holistic modalities we offer
- Acupuncture and Dry Needling
- Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy
- Therapeutic Laser Treatments
- Medical Ozone Therapy and UVO3 treatment
- PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma Regenerative Medicine
- Myofascial Pain Therapy, Medical Massage and Rehabilitation
- Western and Chinese Herbology
- Orthomolecular Medicine
- Homeopathic, Flower Essence and Emotional Support Methods
Conventional and holistic medicine
The best of both worlds
We believe your pet deserves a complete spectrum of healing options, which is why our clinic seamlessly blends conventional and holistic veterinary medicine. While traditional allopathic medicine provides us with life-saving diagnostics, urgent care solutions, and advanced surgical interventions, our holistic therapies focus on the root cause of illness and the overall well-being of the patient. By bridging these two powerful approaches, we can design highly individualized, minimally invasive care plans that treat the whole animal—not just the symptoms—ensuring a happier, healthier life by your side.
Where healing meets heart
The heart of our care
“Where healing meets heart” is the very soul of our practice. For over 25 years, we have brought this holistic approach to life for families across Northeastern Wisconsin. Whether your pet is seeking restorative therapies or ongoing wellness support, you can trust us to provide balanced, deeply individualized care delivered with compassion.
FAQ
Common questions about holistic pet care
Can holistic therapies be used alongside my pet’s current medications?
Absolutely. In fact, combining the two is often where we see the most success. This integrative approach gives your pet the “best of both worlds.” Traditional medicine is excellent for diagnostics, acute infections, and surgical needs, while holistic therapies like acupuncture and veterinary spinal manipulation therapy are incredible for managing chronic pain, reducing inflammation, and speeding up recovery. We always ensure any holistic treatment safely complements your pet’s current medical plan.
What types of conditions respond best to an integrative approach?
While integrative care supports overall wellness, it is exceptionally effective for managing chronic conditions. We frequently see excellent results when treating arthritis and joint pain, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), allergies and skin conditions, gastrointestinal issues, and anxiety. It is also a wonderful tool for post-surgical rehabilitation and palliative care for senior pets.
Does Countrycare offer holistic care for exotic pets?
By blending Dr. Heintz’s traditional exotic animal medicine with Dr. Strickfaden’s restorative holistic therapies, we offer unparalleled, integrative care for your unique pets. Together, we bridge conventional diagnostics with gentle, whole-body treatments to ensure your birds, reptiles, and small mammals receive the customized care they need to thrive.
From our blog
Reading on holistic and integrative care
Holistic veterinary care helps pets achieve optimal health “W”holistic medicine focuses on the whole picture of the patient. This picture includes the patient’s general state of health, environmental… Read more 
3 Benefits of Integrative Veterinary Care to Give Your Pet the Longest Possible Life Not all veterinarians have the same approach when it comes to treating your pet. There are some important differences that you should know about. Some… Read more 
Arthritis in Pets, Helping Them Stay Comfortable Through the Years As we all get older, we tend to get some aches and pains. Getting off the floor may not be as easy as it once was, or walking up those stairs may take… Read more In their words
The hearts we’ve touched
“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!”
“I love the relaxed and quiet atmosphere in the examination rooms and the reception area. It makes a big difference having the lights low and soft music playing. I don’t know how my animals feel about it but it calms me down! The doctors are extremely open to alternative healing and always willing to try new remedies. I appreciate their holistic understanding of health so there’s a better chance of getting to the root of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. I love that Countrycare carries raw food and high quality dry food and treats. I also appreciate the large assortment of natural health products available.”
“I brought my 5 yr old hunting dog into Countrycare because when I came home from vacation we found her unable to walk. Dr S. was amazing. After a series of visits she was back to normal and we were even able to use her duck hunting. We continue to bring her in every couple of months for an adjustment. She is running around like a puppy and we are not retiring her this year like we planned. Without Dr. S she would have probably been put down cause of the extreme pain she was in.”
“Thank you to Dr. Strickfaden and the entire team at Countrycare Animal Complex for “thinking outside the box” and providing many excellent alternative therapies and natural supplements for her. Countrycare is a very special place where love is felt from the moment you walk through the door. We are so lucky to have a vet center willing to practice natural and holistic treatments right along with traditional veterinary medicine.”
“I travel to Countrycare because their philosophy and integrated care incorporates the best of conventional therapies with holistic options. The climate is calm and engaging, and the staff are always pleasant. I learn something new at every visit, and my animals’ health and well being are enhanced. We are greeted by name. Veterinarians and all staff share the best success as well as end of life sadness. My family has lived many places. Countrycare is a truly unique setting, and the best veterinary care I have experienced.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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