Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats

I took this book out of a Little Free Library in hopes of finding some recipes for homemade alternatives to my cat's diet of 100% canned wet food, on which he has done well since a UTI last year led me to take him off dry food but which is getting to be logistically and financially unsustainable. But the authors lost me with their grain-based recipes. Those may be OK for dogs but not for cats. Then I saw the section urging me to consider a vegan diet for my pet, why not, it will be good for the planet, and I was definitely done.

The rest of the book, which I skimmed, seems to come from the alternative-medicine and ethical-shopping trends of the late 90's and early 00's. While I am as wary of conventional medicine for my cat as for show more myself, I no longer see abstinence from science-based approaches as the way to save the world. I won't be using this book and I don't think I'll pass it on to anybody else either. show less

Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Richard H. Pircairn, DVM, PHD, and Susan Hubble Pitcairn provides a reference for raising healthy dogs and cats. The Pitcairns examine pet health care, feeling pets, exercise, and creating a healthy environment for pets. They also discuss in detail using all natural food and alternative therapies to promote wellness, cure illness, and treat common health problems pets encounter. They include well researched and well thought out recipes for meeting nutritional needs even if the recipes are a bit heavy on the ingredient lists and labor intensive. Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs & Cats is a well written, easy to understand, educational book that provides great insight into raising show more healthy, happy pets naturally. show less

Over 400,000 copies of this treasured classic have been sold since its original publication more than 20 years agoThe book that is the definitive guide to a natural lifestyle for dogs and cats is now completely updated and revised--for the first time in 9 years. Writing with the warmth and compassion that have won them a national following, veterinarian Richard H. Pitcairn and his wife Susan Hubble Pitcairn, noted specialists in chemical-free nutrition and natural healing for pets, show dog and cat owners how to provide the very best in companionship and lifelong care. They now cover environmental matters, including pollutants both inside the home and out, as well as recent hot-button topics, such as Mad Cow disease, Lyme disease, and show more the West Nile virus. They've updated dozens of recipes for delicious and healthful pet food and treats. With a guide to handling emergencies and an in-depth "Quick Reference" section, they give specific instructions for preventing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of animal diseases and disorders-with special attention to homeopathic, herbal, and nutritional remedies. show less

This book is useful as a reference book for alternative or supportive care for mainly dogs and cats.

This book is essential. It's helped me care for my dogs so well.