by Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D. & Susan Hubble Pitcairn
A wonderful start towards becoming a well informed pet owner!
Reviewed by: Jennifer Muzinic
About Jennifer Muzinic
You filthy hippy, conspiracy-theorist, don't trust the grocery store's pre-packaged pet foods to tell the whole truth about meeting 100% of your pet's nutritional requirements. (Oh, come on, don't be so serious--the "on air" light is on, I'm dramatic, and ENTERTAINING, see? Of course you're not a filthy hippy for caring about your pet's health and well being. And it's written by a DOCTOR, which makes everything very serious and very legitimate.)
If you ARE a concerned and loving pet owner, doesn't it make sense to have a knowledge and understanding of your pet's needs? And maybe you should even be aware of some alternative ideas on how to best help your pet meet those needs? Education is key, my friend, and deriving all your knowledge from one source (or, god forbid, the cheapest price or cutest advertisement) does not a well-informed pet owner make.
You can drudge through some of the dullest articles and books ever written--and these are hard to dig up, even when you put a Search & Rescue dog on the case--you can corner your vet at your next examination, listen to sales pitches of half-informed sales reps educated to sell one product (the best), read every label 'til your head swirls with additives, dyes and confusion, and listen to Moonchild next door as she communicates telepathically your pet's individual preferences, but you probably won't find yourself at a better starting point than Dr. Pitcairn's book. Because it is written for you in mind--the average pet owner. You can easily understand the criteria for making a solid decision on how to care for your pet.
Dr. Pitcairn is a practicing vet, he's gone through school and keeps up on the latest information. And he can decipher all that scientific terminology and turn it into something you can work with. He is a little on the holistic side--he recommends feeding a raw food diet, and supplies recipes for meals and treats that can be made cooked or raw--but he also provides you with the ability (and a formula--who said you wouldn't use math after the classroom?) to select the best in packaged, off-the-shelf foods.
Dr. Pitcairn also advises on responsible pet ownership, diseases and illnesses, certain behavior problems and how to care for a sick animal. The inclusion of homeopathic additions or alternatives to a pet's care is worthy of consideration. (I follow many of Dr. Pitcairn's guidelines and am proud to be "mom" to a 10 year old mixed breed that surprises just about everyone with his healthy, youthful looks. And my little black cat has the shiniest coat you ever did see.)
Well-educated pet owners will do well to read and discuss their findings with their vets, care providers, and other pet owners that are also informed. While this book is updated on a fairly regular basis, it IS ultimately, your responsibility to know as much as possible . Balance the lastest research, your instincts, and the invaluable amounts of experience of those that you trust with your animal's well being to make a decision you--and your pet--can be happy with.
I know, I'm preaching. But you if you need to start somewhere, I repeat--you can't go wrong by reading this book.
Click here to buy this book, or read more about it at Amazon.com: Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats
Copyright © by Jennifer Muzinic, 2002
Reviewed by Jennifer Muzinic:
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