Book Reviews

Health & Wellness

Book Reviews by C. Warner Sills   

Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?
By Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori
(Health Communications, Inc)

Ever wonder what’s actually in a hairball? Or why a cat’s tongue feels like medium grain sandpaper? If you’re as curious as, well, a cat when it comes to your feline friend then you’ll want to add this to your shopping cart. Co-written by Marty Becker, the resident DVM on Good Morning America, this collection of question and answers is the perfect companion for cat lovers out there. Ranging from the mundane to the bizarre, this book is a fun gateway to fully understanding why cats are the way they are.

The Whole Pet Diet
Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs and Cats
By Andi Brown
(Celestial Arts)

Does your cat or dog seem heavier lately? Has their spry nature been traded for long lethargic naps and endless biscuit binging? If so, they may suffer from pet obesity, a fairly common and dangerous health epidemic that is sweeping the pet nation. Similarly to human diet guides, this book combines tips on how your pet can live a healthier life with a custom designed eight-week diet aimed to help shed the pounds off your four-legged companion. Through wholesome food recipes and vigorous exercise routines, this book is your pet’s ticket to pristine health and longevity.

Sneeze-Free Dog Breeds
Allergy Management & Breed Selection for the Allergic Dog Lover
By Diane Morgan
(T.F.H Publications)

Tired of constantly hearing your spouse say ‘Gesundheit’ every time Rover rolls over? If your pesky allergies are holding you back from puppy love, this book is dedicated to helping you manage your allergic reactions and find the right “sneeze-free dog breed.” Through air purification and household sanitation tips to information on hairless and low dander breeds, this book will put you on the road to allergy-free pet guardianship. 

The Ultimate DogTreat Cookbook
Homemade Goodies for Man’s Best Friend
By Liz Palika
(Howell Book House)

If your canine companion thinks store bought dog snacks are so passé, then this doggie cookbook will add some much needed spice to her life. This collection of 50 easy-to-read dog treat recipes aims to jazz up your dog’s life through an eclectic array of doggie delicacies. From the most basic dog bones to Texmati Rice & Lentils Doghouse shaped cookies, this book provides dog lovers with healthy and fun alternatives when the brand name treats get too boring.

Cat Biz
A Compendium of Amazing Facts and Anecdotes from the Cat World
By Amanda O’Neill
(Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.)

Chalk up another entry into a long line of books claiming to be the definitive guide to all things feline. This one definitely comes pretty close. Yes, this book contains all the obligatory 101 information on breeds, grooming catnip, and so forth. But there’s lot of unexpected arcana here as well. Did you know that the Virgin Mary is said to have blessed the Tabby cat with the letter ‘M’ (hence the marking on his forehead) or that the oldest living cat in recorded history died at age 34? There’s plenty here to keep the feline fanatic engrossed.

A Good Dog
The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life
By Jon Katz
(Villard)

Jon Katz is one of those rare authors who truly understands animals and knows how to write about them. This book marks Katz’s fifth about canines and tells the story of Orson, a loveable and at times mischievous Border Collie who enters Katz’s life and in turn changes him. The book covers both the easy and hard times of their relationship but never ceases to show that a dog truly is man’s best friend.

Whole Health for Happy Dogs
A Natural Health Handbook for
Dogs and their Owners
By Jill Elliott D.V.M & Kim Bloomer
(Quarry Books)

Ever wonder what’s the best method to perform acupuncture on your Labrador? Or how about knowing the benefits of a raw food diet for your Border Collie? This extremely informative reference guide is a good handbook for anyone with a desire to enhance their dog’s well being. It covers everything from major canine diseases and necessary vaccines to food and nutrition tips and discusses all different kinds of breeds and pedigrees.

Dog Stars
Astrology for Dog Lovers
By Sherene Schostak & Wendy Lam
(Viking Studio)

Help your four-legged friend welcome the dawning of the Age of Aquarius with this astrological guide for dogs. This book explores the secrets of the zodiac from the perspective of canines of all breeds. By showcasing individual astrological profiles and your dog’s various behavioral traits, this collection is a must have for anyone who doubts that planetary alignment and star predictions are solely human fare.