Whole Health for Happy Dogs: A Natural Health Handbook for Dogs and Their Owners

Whole Health for Happy Dogs: A Natural Health Handbook for Dogs and their Owners, by Jill Elliot DVM and Kim Bloomer VND, is the best book I've ever seen on all things dog, both in its content and layout. It teaches us that health is not just absence of disease but an overall high functioning, vibrant, joyful, and fulfilling life that is available by following the simple yet profound precepts this book contains. Elliot and Bloomer start by outlining how a healthy dog actually appears and acts, all the way from his outer coat to his innermost attitude and personality, providing a user-friendly checklist. All chapters have beautiful photos, illustrations, and bulleted points that make it easy and fast to grasp the many helpful suggestions. The authors present common canine diseases and their causes, give us detailed information on how to choose the veterinarian that is right for our dog, and explain a variety of holistic health care options (such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, massage, and essential oils). They also discuss the pros and cons of vaccination, the needs of dogs at different ages, and solutions to common mental health issues. Their explanation of food and nutrition is especially enlightening, culminating with the many benefits of a raw food diet. There is an important chapter on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as well as more detailed information on both natural and conventional remedies to boost our dogs' general health. The book ends with a much needed discussion of environmental toxins and natural solutions to them. Of the four helpful appendices, my favorite is a detailed table stretching 3 pages listing common ailments together with their suggested natural remedies and appropriate dosages. If you want your dog to be as healthy and vibrant as he can be, follow the invaluable suggestions in this easy-to-read book. Its excellent information and upbeat tone will steer you in the best possible direction for your canine companions! Trisha Howell Actor, author, animal enthusiast

This is the book that every pet owner should have. This book is well written and easy to read and understand. It opens up a world of natural pet care not only for dogs but for other pets as well. Let's take that statement further. The book also gets you thinking about your own health and what you can do to improve it naturally. Once you start reading Whole Health, it is hard to put the book down. It is packed with useful information on treating various ailments and also discusses the problems our pets face in a world filled with man made chemicals and toxins. "Whole Health" is appropriately titled because this book looks at the "whole picture" and brings to light everything in the house, yard, environment and food that effects a dogs health. There are so many things to consider that we do on a day to day basis. Did you ever think of what that floor cleaner is doing to your dog when he licks a crumb off the floor or walks across it with wet paws? Natural pet care is more than what your dog eats. The authors take it a step further by offering additional resources for expanding your knowledge to give your pets the healthiest life that you can. This is a book that I will enjoy reading again and referring to many times. My two dogs are moving around better and I can tell they are feeling better and happier. Thank you Kim and Jill for your passion and dedication to providing better lives for our furry companions.

I proudly place this book in my library within easy reach, as I will be referring to it often. Copies of this milestone book will soon be given as gifts to my family, friends, co-workers, and my vet. Such wonderful information should be shared with everyone who has a dog or is even just thinking about getting a dog. Perhaps the most interesting chapter to me is the one about diet. It makes perfect sense to feed a species appropriate diet, yet so many people are clueless and continue to feed their dogs garbage that's not fit to dump in a compost pile. Fantastic work Dr. Elliot and Kim Bloomer! Your book is truly exceptional!

This book should be a requirment for all dog owners. It is what every new dog owner needs and what people that have had dogs for a long time should have. It is easy to read and understand. It covers feeding and many preventative health care tips. It is not only very informative but a very attractive book with many color pictures. A must have. Edith Chupp

I purchased this book immediately after picking up our new puppy. This book is far MORE than a handbook - I read this book cover to cover the day I received it. It's an easy read, truly full of information on how to naturally care for your dog. The book answered every question I had, as well as provided me with ideas that I wouldn't have ever thought of (and has great pictures, too!) I can confidently say, as a result of reading this book, our puppy will lead a happy and healthy life.