Book Reviews

Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats
By Richard H. Pitcairn and Susan Hubble Pitcairn
(Rodale)
This updated edition of Dr. Pitcairn’s 1982 resource guide includes the latest research in the field of holistic pet care. It includes information about West Nile virus, mad cow disease, and environmental pollutants, while continuing to discuss the importance of a holistic approach to animal nutrition.


Animal Reiki: Using Energy to Heal the Animals in Your Life
By Elizabeth Fulton and Kathleen Prasad
(Ulysses Press)
Animals that are uncomfortable because of an injury or progressing illness may benefit from the holistic energy-healing system known as Reiki. This book is all-encompassing and encourages this practice on all types of animals. It is suitable for beginners and experienced animal practitioners alike.



Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs
By Amy Ammen and Kitty Foth-Regner
(Wiley Publishing)
Turn your dog’s hyperactivity into playtime. This book provides training suggestions depending on the size of your dog, addresses basic control issues, and discusses fun activities you can enjoy with your canine companion, such as biking, horseback riding, playing hide and seek, and more.



The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs
By Shawn Messonnier
(New World Library)
Cancer is becoming more prevalent in canines and striking younger victims every day. Dr. Messonnier presents cancer treatment options for dogs, utilizing the latest research. Additionally, he writes about a slew of holistic prevention options—such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies—and discusses how to use these therapies as complementary treatments for dogs that have already been diagnosed with cancer.


Kindred Spirit, Kindred Care Making Health Decisions on Behalf of Our
Animal Companions
By Shannon Fujimoto Nakaya
(New World Library)
As technology advances, pet guardians are faced with an increasing amount of choices when their furry friends are diagnosed with a health problem. Dr. Shannon Fujimoto Nakaya takes a holistic approach when determining how to pursue different procedures, and this book assists readers with making similar decisions. She emphasizes interpreting your pet’s non-verbal communications to tap into how he or she feels, allowing you to make the best choices for your companion animal’s health and well-being.


Three Simple Steps to Healthy Pets The Holistic Animal Care Lifestyle
By Lisa S. Newman
(AuthorHouse)
Dr. Newman’s three-step process to pet wellness aims to help pet parents raise their animals “as nature intended,” through healthy nutrition, vitamin supplements, and homeopathic and herbal remedies. Her book outlines this systematic approach, while also discussing behavior modification, dental care, and detoxification. The book includes an A-to-Z symptom reversal guide, addressing everything from arthritis to worms.


Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs
By Don Hamilton
(North Atlantic Books)
Dr. Hamilton, a conventionally trained veterinarian, did his early homeopathic veterinary-care studies with Dr. Richard Pitcairn, author of Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. His new book is a comprehensive guide of homeopathic care, broken up system-by-system. It also includes a guide on specific conditions and complete descriptions of homeopathic remedies.


Adam’s Task: Calling Animals by Name
By Vicki Hearne
(Skyhorse Publishing)
Vicki Hearne has combined her years as an animal trainer with her study of philosophy and developed a metaphysical approach to teaching animals. She asserts that they are able to understand “good”—a concept that many animal behaviorists have rejected. She explains that by addressing a dog by his name, he associates it with importance and a need to obey the command. Her methods, while unconventional, are explained and backed by years of success.