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Holistic Animal Care and Natural Veterinary Books

Compilation of books and ebooks to guide you how to keep your pet healthy with natural home remedies and a healthy diet.


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How Animals Keep Themselves Well and What We Can Learn From Them

by Cindy Engel

Wild Health A timely treatise for a health-obsessed culture, this book takes the idea of "natural remedies" quite literally. Engel, a lecturer in environmental sciences at the U.K. Open University, has compiled a wealth of fascinating laboratory studies and field observations on how animals treat and prevent diseases.

For millennia, humans have observed animals in the wild eating plants and minerals and applying naturally occurring topical antitoxins from the same sources to combat infectious wounds, parasites and internal disorders. Herds of elephants risk injury and death in a perilous journey to hidden salt caves where they supplement their sodium deficient diets. Monkeys rub poisonous millipedes on their fur to repel biting, disease-carrying insects. Birds line their nests with parasite-resistant herbs. Engel details a world where nature is the pharmacy and every animal is its own practitioner.

Animals in the wild stay remarkably fit because they stick to a diet for which they were adapted, while human beings are ill-equipped to handle our current predilection for dairy, grains and processed foods Messages from pharmaceutical-industry-led medicine have misled us for too long. Who realized, before reading Cindy Engel's book, for example, that having a temperature is the body's mechanism for combating harmful infection? Or that secondary compounds in food, some 'toxic', can be deliberately ingested by animals for their protective health effects? Or that, though we know instinctively that lemon and pine are cleansing, we may not be aware that the volatile oils in those plants interfere with bacterial respiration and are commonly detrimental or repellent to arthropods and insects?

Cindy Engel explains that human beings are too much like animals in captivity in the way we have limited our own health care strategies. Like Native Americans, she advocates, we should observe animal behavior as the first step to achieving sustainable health care. Everyone should read this book! It's truly revolutionary and fascinating. It will change the way you think about animals and yourself. The things animals do to stay healthy are mind-boggling, and Dr. Engel is always careful to say what is scientifically proven and what isn't. I've always been suspicious of Alternative veterinary medicine, but it opened my eyes.There are incredible lessons here for human health as well as animal health, and the book isn't heavy lifting at all.

Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Pets

by Martin Goldstein D.V.M.

Dr. Goldstein--a graduate of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine explains his approach to alternative treatment: what it is, how it works, and why it's especially important that animals be treated holistically.

"I have been providing our dogs with alternative health treatments since 1995. I was fed up with conventional care--too many pills that merely masked underlying illnesses and no real treatment. Our dogs have glowing health and everyone remarks on their vigor and beautiful coats. Dr. Goldstein, because of his successes with cancer and chronic illnesses, has conventional veterinarians quaking in their boots. So much of medicine is run by the profit motive, totally denying the Hippocratic oath taken by doctors and vets. Think of the marketing of pet foods and vaccinations in the office of the vet--two of the biggest money-makers in the industry. It is no wonder those boots are quaking. I implore you to read this book for the sake of your pets' health."

Raw Dog Food: Make It Easy for You and Your Dog

Raw feeding is the hottest topic in dog care today. You may have heard about the "BARF" diet - Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods. Learn why and how to feed your dog this new (but really OLD) diet. "Raw Dog Food: Make It Easy for You and Your Dog " explains in simple, friendly and understandable terms the logic behind this approach. This fun and slightly irreverent book shows you how feeding your dog a raw diet can be effective, economical, and easy for you and healthy for your dog. Learn how to make it work for your dog and you!

Raw Meaty Bones - Tom Lonsdale, a graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in London, admits he was slow to recognize problems associated with feeding canned and dry pet foods. 'The truth is rarely pure, and never simple' said Oscar Wilde, but this book lets the truth speak for itself as it lifts the lid on the pet food industry/veterinary profession alliance.

You owe it to your pet to read this book to find out what happens to dogs and cats if their diet is inadequate. Some topics covered: Mouth rot and dog breath - Raw vs cooked food - What's in the can? - The right diet The bite on veterinary dentistry.

Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats: The Ultimate Pet Diet. This book will help pet-lovers enable their dogs and cats to enjoy an ideal quality of life though a species appropriate diet of raw, natural foods.

"My Golden Retriever has suffered from allergies and inflammation most of her life.She has been on the diet in this book for six months. After a detox period (explained in this book) which lasted 6-8 weeks, her overall health has improved tremendously. My dog is off all of her previous medication(antibiotics and prednisone), and her skin is clear, her coat is soft and thick, and her attitude is great.

I would definitely recommend this book. I would also recommend seeking help from a homeopathic vet when switching to the diet." Pauli Reading from Charlotte, NC, United States

It has been proven by experts and dog lovers alike that dogs bark and make noise more when they are restless, tense, hyperactive or aggressive. A good massage therefore helps them relax and ultimately makes them quieter. Just as humans feel a lot of relief to their aching muscles after a good massage, the same happens to your dog. Extremely beneficial for athletic dogs; even for pet dogs who workout of a regular basis as massages strengthen your dog’s muscles. Gentle massage triggers the chemicals called cytokines. These chemicals affect the dog's hormonal system which brings down the level of stress hormones that weaken the immune system. It stimulates blood circulation which then increases the amount of oxygen that reaches tissue and flushes out toxins and waste. Great on dogs suffering from obesity.

Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care

Jean Hofve, DVM - "This book aims to explode every common myth and cover virtually every aspect of canine care; all in an entertaining and painless fashion. The importance of regular check-ups, spaying and neutering, dental care, home and travel safety, and pest control are emphasized. Behavior, housing, surgery, adoption, re-homing, and even death get the same even-pawed, thoughtful treatment. I was particularly glad to see a discussion about providing for your pet if you die first. As a holistic veterinarian, I wish all my clients would read this book.

Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care by Chiclet T. Dog and Jan Rasmusen is a cleverly written manual/guide to rethinking canine health and safety. Written in Chiclet's own voice, he tells how all the things we do to our beloved pets feel from the dog's perspective. The wording is enjoyable to read and packed with valuable information on every aspect of dog care from buying or adopting your new pet to bathing, vaccinating, training and many more aspects.

Homeopathy for Animals: Library

A growing number of veterinarians are turning to homeopathic veterinary medicine as a safe and effective alternative to conventional veterinary practice

I studied homeopathic books at home and I learned to cure my dog Shasta with non-toxic and effective homeopathic remedies. Shasta suffered a series of illnesses, including a stroke with paralysis of the hind legs. I wasn't sure she was going to live another month. Read my testimonial how I saved Shasta each time with homeopathy and herbs and how she fully recovered without the assistance of veterinarians. Shirley

All You Ever Wanted To Know About Herbs For Pets
Gregory L. Tilford and Mary L. Wulff-Tilford

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets is an indispensable resource. This attractive, easy-to-read, yet comprehensive guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to find, prepare, and use herbs to treat common pet ailments. It also provides detailed descriptions of each herb, including a brief history and common alternate names; its appearance, growing range, and harvesting methods; the methods; the medicinally potent parts and current findings of this herb's use on animals.

This book covers North American herbs, including Western, Ayervedic and Chinese herbs that grow in North America, concentrating on the more familiar and widely dispersed native herbs. The Tilfords are recognized experts of veterinary herbal medicine and are owners of Animal's Apawthecary, low alcohol herbal tinctures formulas for dogs and cats

Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog by Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown, D.V.M.

Aimed at dog owners that are already fairly committed to non-allopathic forms of health care for their pets, much of the book is based around author Wendy Volhard's Natural Diet. The Natural Diet is fairly labor intensive, as Volhard is the first to admit, but she provides page after page of testimonials that credit the diet with improved temperaments, better activity levels, and exemplary physical health.

Each ingredient in this diet is discussed in depth, so owners not ready to take the step of providing a complete diet from scratch can still learn about potentially valuable supplements, as well as what ingredients to look for in a commercial diet. It will provide you with a new way to look at canine health in general. Packed with information on diet, skin and ear symptoms, allergies, health, supplements, vaccinations, homeopathy, and the five element theory.

A growing number of veterinarians and animal nutritionists say that many of our pets' disease and suffering can be prevented or cured with nutrition. Holistic veterinarians teach that processed pet food (meaning cooked food) is the main cause of illness, and premature death in the modern dogand cat. For a return to health, pets require a diet which strengthens the immune system.

Wide ranging in its scope, The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care offers caretakers of dogs, cats, bunnies and birds an excellent look at behavior, exercise, nutrition and various alternative/holistic therapies. Clear, concise and informative, this book is full of practical information and recipes. Conversations with leading veterinary healers provide insight into the philosophies & practices of some of this country's most innovative healers. An A-Z of Ailments (dogs, cats, birds & rabbits) gives readers a valuable quick look at the problem and possible holistic treatments. Comprehensive index and a detailed appendix with excellent sources for further information and reading. The Encylopedia of Natural Pet Care is a wonderful book for anyone interested in holistic pet care.

M.L. Tyler M.D -"Drugs do not cure, popular opinion notwithstanding. Cure must come from within; or there is no cure"

Since Rimadyl's 1997 launch, the FDA has received reports of about 1,000 dogs that died or were put to sleep and 7,000 more that had bad reactions after taking the drug, records and official estimates indicate. The FDA says such events are significantly underreported."
Chris Adams, Wall Street Journal


The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs
Cancer is now the number one killer of most domestic animals. This fact raises a fearsome specter for those who know how confusing and painful it can be to endure the course of this disease in their pets. This is the first book to examine the environmental, dietary, and lifestyle related causes of cancer in pets and to access the full spectrum treatments - both alternative and conventional. Cancer is the leading killer of cats and dogs, but this book explains that it is often preventable. Readers will discover the many environmental, dietetic, and vaccine-related culprits that may cause cancer in pets, and they'll learn preventive measures that can be taken to safeguard their pets' well-being.

Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard H. Pitcairn DVM

"For the dedicated pet owner who needs information about nutrition and the real facts about commercial pet food. Along with The Holistic Guide For A Healthy Dog, this is one of the best sources of information on nutrition and how it affects your pets health. I have a 6 year old Rott/Shepard mix who has hip dysplasia and is very overweight. The traditional vet I saw recommended Science Diet low calorie food to take the weight off, but when I read the ingredients(the FIRST ingredient is peanut shell hulls AND it contains BHT and ethoxyquin both known to cause serious health problems in dogs including cancer! I just couldn't subject my dog to the risk of new health problems just to get him to lose weight. I found a weight loss recipe in Dr. Pitcairns book which I make from scratch and the weight is coming off and my dog has never been healthier. Make sure you question methods your vet suggests, especially if it may compromise your dogs health and arm yourself with this book which will prove to be an invaluable source you will look to again and again."

Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats : Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

When it comes to your dog's or your cat's health, you want the best health care available. But did you know that conventional medicine is not the only answer, or even the best answer? Inside you'll learn from a respected veterinarian how the therapeutic wonders of natural medicine can benefit your dog or cat. This comprehensive guide discusses more than 40 common conditions or diseases that can affect your pet and how they can be treated or improved with natural medicine.

An A-Z guide to common health conditions
An A-Z guide to herbs, vitamins, and supplements
Dietary recommendations for specific health concerns
Proven complementary therapies for your pet
And much, much more!

Super Nutrition For Dogs 'n Cats By Nina Anderson and Dr. Howard Peiper

Healthy advice for dogs and cats. Pet owners tell their stories of recovery from illness using natural remedies. Chapters outline nutritional support of maintaining health, charts of supplement treatment for specific illness, environmental hazards both indoor and outdoor along with diagnostic charts for household "poisons" that can affect our pets.

Do manufacturers tell you what they put in their cans or boxes? Is it a dead dog or cat? That may sound harsh, but for some manufacturers, it's true. "4D" is a FDA classification denoting a dead, dying, diseased and disabled meat source. Do they tell you what effect the preservatives and additives may have on your pets health? Of course not! All you see is happy healthy animals lapping up their "yummy" food.

The Well Adjusted Dog by Dr. Daniel Kamen

Dr. Daniel Kamen has been practicing chiropractic since 1981. In The Well Adjusted Dog you'll learn canine chiropractic methods you can do at home. With plenty of illustrations and easy-to-read chapters, you'll learn the pain signals to watch our for and the proper method of treatment.

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Listen to Dr. Jane Bicks DVM 12 minute online audio presentation to learn how inapropriate diet affects our pet's health and how you can improve the well-being, longevity and overall health of your animal. (Dr. Bicks' audio is at the bottom of the page)


Grow Your Pups With Bones by Dr. Ian Billinghurst

The second in the series dealing with feeding your dog for maximum health (Dr. Billinghurst recommends reading Give Your Dog a Bone first if possible). Grow Your Pups With Bones is written to show you how to raise healthy puppies and breeding bitches using the Bones and Raw Food (BARF) diet. The first part of the book introduces the BARF diet for feeding dogs. The second part is about feeding for breeding and part three is growing puppies into healthy adults.

Food Pets Die for : Shocking Facts About Pet Food
Ann N. Martin

A MUST READ for all veterinarians, and for all pet owners! "We need to pay attention to what we are feeding our animals. Not only as this book says, with the food, but also we need to support their immune systems. In Super Nutrition for Dogs n' Cats extra information is provided on all the illness caused by malnutrition, mineral and enzyme deficiencies that we normally don't think of. Ever wonder why there are so many vets?...too many sick pets because of the food and lack of proper nutrients. Everyone ought to pay attention!" An amazon.com reviewer.

Veterinarians Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs: Safe and Effective Alternative Treatments and Healing Techniques from the Nations Top Holistic Veterinarians by Martin Zucker

The world of veterinary medicine is changing. People are realizing that if Alternative medicine is better for them, it's better for their pets, too. Dogs are visiting acupuncturists, chiropractic doctors, and homeopaths. Still, many dog owners are unaware that such simple measures as changing their pet's diet and using vitamins, herbs, and other natural cures can help prevent or heal ailments ranging from excessive scratching to depression to a host of serious diseases.

A must have reference for every dog owner. Zucker compiles recommendations from over 30 of the top holistic veterinarians from across the country in this two part book. Part I covers the foundation of good health, diet and nutrition. In addition the basics on alternative modalities, supplements and remedies are discussed. Part II is organized in an A to Z list of common problems -- from arthritis to yeast infections. Each section contains recommendations and information from a number of holistic vets. This format gives you the opportunity to learn about several different treatment options and decide what's best for your dog's individual situation.

Flower Essence/Bach Flowers for Animals. A behavior problem often becomes a 'terminal disease'. Indeed euthanasia for behavior problems is the main cause of death in young animals, and many people regard it as a treatment. Correcting the behavior problem often saves an animal's life as effectively as surgery or other medical procedures, and greatly reduces the suffering of all concerned. This does not require expensive behavior therapy or extensive behavior modification on the part of the owner. In our animal companions, Flower Essences have their greatest benefit in the treatment of emotional or behavioral problems, such as:

  • Fearfulness
  • - Excessive vocalization
  • - Separation anxiety
  • - Hyperactivity
  • - Elimination problems
  • - Recovery from injury, or surgery
  • - Excessive grooming, licking, chewing, or feather-picking
  • - Failure to adjust to environmental changes
  • - Jealousy and aggression
  • - Stress from boarding or confinement
  • - Grief from loss of human or animal companion
  • - Travel anxiety
  • - Training difficulties
  • - Dealing with chronic illness
  • Performance (in show, working or racing animals)...and many others!
  • Factory farming is an attitude that regards animals and the natural world merely as commodities to be exploited for profit. In animal agriculture, this attitude has lead to institutionalized animal cruelty, massive environmental destruction and resource depletion, and animal and human health risks.

Gallery of Factory Farming Photos and Videos Witness first-hand what farm animals endure. (scroll down that page to view ALL videos)

Please sign the petition to help Enact the Protected Animal Law

"The most common side effects from NSAIDs include vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, lethargy, and diarrhea. Serious side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, perforations, kidney damage, and liver problems." Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D., Director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).

Equine Holistic Health - Natural Holistic Horse Care and Nutrition

Horses just like any other animal or human benefit from more natural care. The best place to start is the diet, as this is the main foundation of any natural health care system. Equine nutritional Therapy, Massage, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Herbal Therapy Homeopathy, Magnetic Therapy, Massage, and more.