Rating:  Summary: A Must Have encyclopedia for all dog owners! Review: In addition to spelling out the details and theory for a natural diet, the book describes the advantages and disadvantages of particular breeds of dogs and cats (i.e. Burmese and Siamese cats like to travel), covers selecting a dog, basic care and exercise, vaccinations, etc. etc. etc. This is the best single book I've seen - covers many topics better than other books I own that are devoted to just one topic!
Rating:  Summary: Excellent reference, if a bit overwhelming. Review: I bought this book to help me deal with my young Great Dane's delicate stomach. I was very pleased with the depth and breadth of the information contained within, but I must admit I found some of the recipies a bit overwhelming to consider for a dog such as ours, which Pitcairn says may happen. But I liked the fact that a number of different "natural medicine" options are offered to help treat a wide range of issues.
Rating:  Summary: Leo has been on Pitcairn's diet for OVER 7 YEARS Review: After my 2 1/2 old dobbie/shepherd was struck with an auto immune disease (cured at the wonderful Rancho Santa Fe pet hospital in San Diego) that temporarily paralyzed his back legs, I started his healing program, and for the past 7 years, I have cooked the recommened dog recipe almost daily resulting in Leo being 10 and acting 2. He now loves oatmeal, fish, and all veggies. People have kidded over the years that Leo eats better than anyone around, but these recipes for dogs are 100% healthy, effective, and guaranteed to give you one happy and active animal.
Rating:  Summary: Dr. Pitcairn gives us the definitive resource for pet owners Review: Now completely updated and revised, this is an expanded edition of the classic natural pet-care book by renowned veterinarian Richard H. Pticairn and his wife Susan - both well known specialists in chemical-free nutrition, treatment and natural healing for pets. Written with the warmth and compassion that have won the Pitcairns a nationwide following, this guide will help you select the most compatible dog or cat for your own lifestyle and show you how to provide the very best in companionship, healing, nutrition and lifelong care. Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide is widely recognized as the definitive guide to a natural lifestyle for dogs and cats. This valuable pet-lover's resource will tell you:* How to choose a healthy animal * Dozens of recipes for delicious, economical, healthful pet food - with completely updated tables, charts and nutritional guidelines * How to give your pet a checkup * What's really in pet foods and which ones to avoid to ensure your pet's best health * Special diets for special pets * A guide to handling emergencies that includes techniques for external heart massage, artificial respiration and control of bleeding PLUS: An in-depth, alphabetical "Quick Reference" section that gives specific instructions for preventing, diagnosing and treating a wide range of animal diseases and disorders - from abcesses, allergies and behavior problems to vaccination risks, weight problems and worms. The Pitcairn's approach is drug-free and holistic with special attention paid to homeopathic and alternative remedies and treatments.
Rating:  Summary: How We Came to Write This Classic... Review: It has now been almost 19 years since my husband, Dr.Richard Pitcairn, and I wrote the first edition of our book. Ever since we met in 1976 we have shared a core interest natural health and in looking at life in a whole way. So it was just a "natural" to apply this to health care for animals. Having earned his PhD in veterinary immunology in 1972, yet feeling that conventional treatment was missing the mark, Richard was just about ready to leave veterinary medicine. But, in a moment of inspiration, he decided to send in an article to Rodale's Prevention Magazine on natural treatments for dealing with fleas, hoping maybe they'd publish it and give him a free subscription or something. They not only loved it, but wanted him to be a regular columnist. He agreed to give it a try, with my help as a writer. In just a few months Rodale asked us to write a book. Talk about serendipity! We were humbled yet excited by this opportunity and went to work carefully refining and researching and testing our ideas. I focussed more on formulating and analyzing our diet and Richard focussed on the encyclopedia of treatments, emphasizing homeopathy. Together we honed the content of the chapters, seeking to address all the factors that influence health - diet, stress, exercise, grooming, psychological climate, environmental issues, genetics and so on. After about a year it all came together. We were somehow in the "right place at the right time," and feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to write a book which has apparently had a considerable influence on the field. Over the years we have had a lot of feedback that readers have been able to substantially improve their animals' health through using our book, which has been very gratifying. A few years ago Rodale approached us about a new edition, as it has been one of their top sellers. This time we had better tools (computers!) for analyzing recipes and we had more experience under our belts. The result was that the book became more popular than ever, now with over 300,000 copies sold. Richard continues to practice classical homeopathy and nutrition, and has founded a teaching program for veterinarians and the first professional organization for homeopathic veterinarians, The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (AVH). We only regret that we have not been able to help all those delightful readers who have approached us seeking help for their animals. But, as a result of Richard's efforts to teach his colleagues, readers seeking specialized homeopathic care for their pets can get now names of trained DVMs from the AVH website. We wish everyone the best in caring for their beloved animals and in caring for our planet.
Rating:  Summary: This book helped save my dog's life... Review: The authors of this book have the most extensive understanding and experience of the foundations of natural animal health that I have ever seen. Their priciples are 100% in line with nature herself, and with that you can never go wrong. My dogs will live happily and HEALTHILY until their late teens thanks to this book.
Rating:  Summary: If you love your animal(s) then read this book! Review: Dr. Pitcairn's book is a tremendous eye opener. Its full of information that you may otherwise not be aware of. I now know what is in commercial pet food and was horrified. I guarantee that I would NEVER eat it, so why would I give it to my cats? Dr. Pitcairn tells you how you can care for and feed your cat or dog, in a relatively easy manner. I have 4 cats and they have never been healthier. Prior to the dietary change, in a one month period, I had 2 cats that were diagnosed with FUS (urinary tract problems) which were due to diet. Pet food makers suggest low ash diets, but not Dr. Pitcairn. I followed his direction, and now feed my cats a natural, raw, healthy diet. I did this with the blessing of my DVM. My cats love their food, which includes veggies, oats and supplements. All 4 cats have full blown yearly exams and all have had stellar results. They are frisky, happy animals. Their only visits are their annual exams, which are informative more than anything else. I believe that we owe it all to Dr. Pitcairn and his sound, natural advice. Don't hesitate to read this book, its one that every animal loving, pet owner should have. Its fabulous!
Rating:  Summary: Outstanding book with great information Review: This book is great for anyone with dogs or cats who are concerned about their health and well being. Gives a tremendous amount of information about natural and holistic approaches to pet care including pet food recipes, supplements and natural remedies. Wonderful book.
Rating:  Summary: One of the best books on holistic pet health Review: 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.
Rating:  Summary: Excellent Review: This book is wonderful. I have 2 dogs who were the pickiest eaters. They hated dry dog food. I heard about this book on NPR and decided to give it a try. They are very happy eaters now. Their breath is even better (despite the fact that they get garlic every day!), their coats look better, they act like they feel better. I highly recommend it. And it doesn't have to take alot of time. You can make it very quick and feel good about what you're giving them. The medical reference section is great too.
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