Archived: February 2006 Column
(Editors Please Note:
This is NOT a book review; rather, it's a positive recommendation or endorsement)
OF PASSIONS, TEASING, and REQUIRED READING
Teasing isn’t exclusive to schoolyards.
I get teased at times on my discussion list, Healthy Aussies. Frequently I am referencing Dr. Pitcairn or a statement or information from his Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. There is now a revised edition, Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, 3rd Edition. Now, I’m tempted to purchase this newest version. But why, you ask?
I have a passion for the value of this book. This is one book that, in my opinion, every dog and cat guardian should own and read cover-to-cover. Strong statement, isn’t it? If everyone read the important information between these pages, and implemented some of that advice, multitudes of family pets would live healthier and longer lives.
The authors, Richard P. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD and Susan Hubble Pitcairn, help pet guardians understand natural health therapies, how to treat problems without drugs, and how to feed your pet in a healthier manner. The book is a great resource for either the novice pet guardian or a seasoned guardian wanting to learn more.
The book begins with Pitcairn’s personal examples (from his veterinary practice) of the importance of feeding pets in a more healthy way, going away from feeding dry commercial pet products. He provides detailed and varied recipes for dogs and cats, including special needs diets. This first section also covers exercise & grooming, selecting a healthy pet, lifestyles, coping with the loss of a pet, and how to care for a sick pet.
An extensive portion of this book, in Part 2, deals with a practical reference section covering many pet ailments and diseases: including prevention, how to identify them, and treat them without drugs. It also includes a valuable first aid section. Another strength of this book is all the important facts and advice regarding vaccinations and their harmful effects. (Pitcairn’s doctorate is in Immunology).
As the title suggests, Pitcairn deals with a pet’s health in a natural and more holistic manner. He offers sensible, drug-free alternatives, often using some of his client cases as examples. Many pet guardians these days deal with a multitude of skin & ear problems or allergies with their dog or cat. Pitcairn covers these extensively in his book. Filled with common sense information that all pet owners should know regarding health issues whether it’s what the causes are or how some simple, natural methods significantly ease or eliminate these chronic problems.
If this is all sounding too good to be true, let me add a counterpoint -- the big "BUT". Although Pitcairn's recommendation to switch from commercial pet foods (especially the dry cereal most people refer to as kibble) is an intelligent chunk of advice, I don't fully agree with his specific alternatives. He provides a range of recipes to ensure a pet receives the all important variety they need, but his cooked alternatives that rely heavily on grains don't fall into favour with those of us who prefer to feed as Mother Nature intended (grain free). Despite this, his chapters on diet and recipes are an ideal starting point for any pet guardian who is making the wise choice to switch to a healthier form of nutrition.
Whether you’re looking for a better way to feed your pet, how to deal with fleas without toxic chemicals, wondering which vaccinations really are needed (or not), how to perform pet CPR, or approach any other issue dealing with health in a holistic manner, this is the book you really should have at hand.
Pitcairn’s book should be required reading for every pet owner. I wish every dog breeder would read it and give a copy to every person purchasing a puppy, that every dog shelter had a copy, that every veterinary office had one in its waiting room, and when people don’t know what gift to buy for someone with a pet that they’d wrap this book up for special gift giving. This book has great value but it doesn’t cost money – it’s an investment in your pet’s health.
Once you read it, you too will no doubt be singing its praises to every pet owner you know.
DR. PITCAIRN'S COMPLETE GUIDE TO NATURAL HEALTH FOR DOGS & CATS, 3RD EDITION
by Richard & Susan Pitcairn
Publisher: Rodale
Edition: 2005 Paperback, 450 pages
Copyright © 2006 Diane M. Schuller. All Rights Reserved. www.dianeschuller.com
Comments are encouraged ... please let me know what you think.
February's Canine Tip
Ditch the commercial dogs treats/biscuits. Make your own: they're far healthier, have no preservatives, allergens, or other toxins, and are healthy to boot! (Not to mention you can make them at a fraction of the cost of commercial products.) Cats too love these.
RECIPE FOR DIANE'S HEART TREATS:
- fresh beef (pork, lamb, or bison) heart
Cut heart into strips, add enough water to just cover, heat in saucepan over medium heat for about 20 minutes (or less) until nearly cooked through.
Cool and drain the liquid in a container (use this to pour over your pet's next meal(s).
Cut the heart into pea-size pieces for training treats or sugar-cube size pieces for other treats.
Place a small amount of treats into individual freezer bags. Thaw one bag at a time to use.
Heart has a nice firm texture so it's easy to cut up and also easy to use as treats -- won't leave your fingers sticky the way liver will.
