Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #76055 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Synopsis
A guide to pet health by a holistic veterinarian whose clinic is renowned for its pioneering alternative therapies sheds new light on the various causes of disease in animals and the most effective methods for treatment.

From the Author
Nature of Animal Healing
Something tells me that you love animals as much as I do. That's why you're here reading this. And that's why I wrote this book.

So many of us accept that disease for our pets is inevitable-something that just happens(often mysteriously) and can, at best, be treated after it appears. But that's a limited view. So much more about disease goes unrecognized, from its orgins to its course to how it can be reversed, that its true "nature" is all but overlooked. I put the word "nature" in quotes for a reason. The case I make in my book-the lesson above all others that my 25 years of experience as a veterinarian has taught me-is that the greatest contributing factor to healing is the natural force of the body itself.

"The Nature of Animal Healing" will show you how many matters we accept as standard procedure- including the endless battery of vaccines to which pets today are subjected-are in fact contributing to illness. It will also show you what needs to be done to enhance health and healing. As important, you will understand what a sick pet must go through to become, and remain, healthy.

We all know what our animals mean to us emotionally. So another part of my book deals with the emotional-and spiritual-importance that animals have in our lives. Some of my favorite stories in the book are about that. Some, indeed, are stories of my own dogs and cats. (Currently, I have three dogs and two cats in my one-bedroom house. Thankfully, they're all pretty small.)

I co-wrote "The Nature of Animal Healing" with Vanity Fair contributing editor Michael Shnayerson, who's more accustomed to writing about celebrities and media moguls than dogs and cats, but managed to make the leap (As he says, they're all animals.) With his help, the book became much more than a point-by-point, how-to guide. Like Vanity Fair, it's really fun to read!

I hope you'll give it a try. I know your pet will be happy you did.

Customer Reviews

Pet owners, read this book!!
If you do not to read, hire someone to read it for you!! Your pets will thank you.

I lost a cat to cancer two years ago. My feeling that I was somehow responsible for his demise at such a young age wasn't entirely grief related. For instance, was there something wrong with feeding an animal the same old stuff day and night for his/her entire life, often dried stuff at that? If so, what other options were there? And how about tap water? If we the people are concerned about drinking it, what about our pets? Inquiries about diet to everyone, vets included, almost always elicit the same response: do not feed table food or "scraps." Trouble is, most of us just do not have a scientific and/or medical background with which to argue the point. Dr. Goldstein discusses food and tap water and how it affects health in this book.

All that is required for reading this book is an open, active mind and the ability to strive for something better. People who have added lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and, yes, even soy products to their diets know that they feel better, look better, and are healthier. And so it would be with animals. My 3 remaining cats are doing much better after only two weeks on real MEAT, grains, and vegetables. I know my cats so you can trust me on this point. Some people will want studies. Well, scientists have concocted chemicals for making the RENDERED BY-PRODUCTS in commercial pet food appealing to animals via smell and/or taste. But show me a study which says it's GOOD for our animals. Isn't it golden age advertising and hasn't it worked, especially in this busy world!! Incidentally, several natural pet food brands are mentioned in the book for non-cookers.

Finally, I've concentrated my comments on diet (and maybe one or two too many on my own opinions :)) because health starts with food and food is one aspect we pet owners really have control over. However, Dr. Goldstein covers many other topics including vaccines, herbs, supplements, natural remedies, and devotes an entire chapter to cancer. Many of his patients are very sick. He explains why he believes in helping an animal heal itself by treating the disease rather than the symptoms. Feeding real food is part of the process. Dr. Goldstein writes from experience. He even admits he doesn't understand how or why some of the holistic methods work; he's just seen it work year after year. His final chapters deal with the spiritual realm, including our relationship with our pets, and death of pets (choosing when to let go, euthanasia, grieving). There is an extensive resource guide at the back.

I also recommend FOOD PETS DIE FOR by Ann N. Martin. She spent 7 years investigating the ingredients in commercial pet food. If you read that book first, you'll surely want to read this one (or vice versa).

Whoa, did I get ever get carried away here. But I've waited a long time for this book. Thank you, Dr. Goldstein, for writing it.

I wouldn't be without this book
This book totally changed my view about vaccinations which - like lots of dog owners - I just took for granted. My new puppy has had the initial combined shot which, by law here in France, she was required to have. But following advice obtained from this wonderful book she will have no further vaccinations at all. Her natural immunisation will be enough.

This book also gave me much information about pet food, again something I'd always taken for granted. This book makes you start to question everything you once considered to be standard practice. I have recommended it again and again and no-one buying it has been disappointed.

What an enlightened view of animal health and welfare.
This book was recommended to me by a dog breeder. The information contained makes so much sense that I am amazed there are not more vets who practice holistic methods. Here in England most of the vets still advocate that animals are vaccinated every year and pump them full of antibiotics at the drop of a hat. All pet owners should read this book and then lend it to their vet!