Book Review: Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats

It has once again become the age of "all natural" living for most of us humans. We realize that using and ingesting as many natural products as possible makes us a lot healthier. We are not polluting ourselves nor our environment with harsh, potentially harmful toxins and chemicals.

Do we not owe our beloved dogs and cats the same environmentally friendly care? Dr. Pitcairn addresses these issues, in his wonderfully well written book: Dr Pitcairn's Complete Guide To natural Health For Dogs and Cats.

Dr Richard Pitcairn, D.V.M., PhD wrote the first edition of this book together with Susan Hubble Pitcairn. The book is now on it's 3^rd revised, updated edition and has sold over 400,000 copies. The book contains over 450 informative pages about natural animal health, care and feeding.

It is written in a conversational style that will keep the reader following along as if they might be having a personal chat with Dr. Pitcairn. His advice is fully understandable, practical and backed up with logical reasoning. It is not written in any kind of medical terms that will fog your brain and leave you wondering what in the world you have just read.

The book is divided into sections so that you can easily find what you are looking for. Part One is all about Natural Health For Pets. It is filled with 15 chapters of useful tips and suggestions that would benefit any health conscious pet owner. He even includes healthy easy to make pet food recipes, including those pets with special diet needs.

These chapters cover everything from exercise and grooming to how to cope with losing your pet. Chapter 14 even discusses Holistic and Alternative Therapies for your pet. These first 15 chapters alone are a must read for anyone interested in giving their pet a healthier happier all natural life.

Part Two: Quick References helps you to quickly look up anything you might be searching for about your pets health. Does your dog or cat have ear problems? The quick references tells you to go to page 337. Each disease or ailment is listed in alphabetical order for efficiently researching your pets problem.

There is even a section on West Nile Virus, Handling Emergencies and Giving First Aid and more recipes to make your pet some delicious snacks and treats. Dr. Carvel Tiekert is the founder of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and he recommends this book to anyone interested in the natural or holistic forms of veterinary care.

Don Hamilton, D.V.M. and author of the book Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals, wrote the forward in Dr. Pitcairn's book. He explains that he bought each addition and used the information in his own veterinary practice. Dr. Hamilton also states that he sold copies of Dr. Pitcairn's book to his clients and advised it's use. That's about as good a testimonial as you can get!

Chapter 10 of Dr. Pitcairn's book on natural health for cats and dogs talks about "Emotional Connections and Your Pet's health." This chapter deals with the emotions a pet feels and how these emotions can lead to physical illnesses. (Yes, just like us humans.)

In this chapter Dr. Pitcairn claims that "Pet illnesses often mirror those of the primary person with whom they have bonded." I found this to be interesting as we always found it humorous that my little Shih Tzu would seem to have his seasonal allergy fits the same time I did. Or if I was feeling sick or depressed, he mimicked the same symptoms.

If you are really interested in learning all about how to live with a healthier, happier cat or dog, or even if I have just struck you that this might be an interesting read, I would highly recommend purchasing a copy of Dr Pitcairn's Complete Guide To Natural Health For Dogs and Cats.

I purchased my book at a health store that specializes in people and pets. The suggested retail price on the back is $18.95 US and $25.95 Canada.. Amazon has the book for a cost of $22.00 new and several used for $2.99 and up. I have also recently discovered that Dr. Pitcairn is the founder of the Animal Natural Health Center (www.drpitcairn.com).

You can log onto his website and read a portion of his thoughts as written in the book. I would highly recommend having a copy of this terrific book if you are a pet owner. It is a great source of information and references that you will use for years to come.