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Further Reading

Here are some books that I have found to be particularly helpful, and which you might like to consider for further reading. I have written a review of each, and the pictures link to the book on Amazon UK's website, where you can see reviews from other readers and purchase on-line.

If you've read these books and wish to comment on them, or if you've found my reviews helpful, please let me know.

Dogs: Homoeopathic Remedies

George Macleod MRCVS DVSM VetFFHom

Amazon's synopsis: George Macleod was one of the few veterinary surgeons to use homeopathic medicines wholly and exclusively. He has treated all types of animals, from thoroughbred racehorses and pedigree cattle to household pets with homeopathy, with great success, often where other forms of treatment had failed.

My thoughts: A useful book if you are interested in knowing more about using homeopathy on your dog. Although the introduction covers basic principles of homeopathy (including nosodes as an alternative to vaccination) it could prove difficult to a complete newcomer to homeopathy. The book is well laid out in sections covering each area of your dog (e.g. digestive system, eyes, lungs, etc) and under each section are lists of remedies and the disease and/or symptoms they apply to. An excellent resource for anyone who regularly uses homeopathy to treat their dog.

An Owners Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet – The Greyhound

Daniel Braun Stern

Amazon's synopsis: This is our seventh set of Happy, Healthy Pet titles. Like the others, they are books pet owners can turn to for the essential information they need to raise a healthy, happy pet. All books contain information on: feeding, grooming, housing, health care, what to expect from the pet, and basic training. As our series expands and focuses on different kinds of pets, the emphasis remains on making the pet a companion. Owners of more unusual pets will particularly appreciate the expert advice in these books because professional care for exotic animals can be hard to come by. As always, the instruction on the books is from experts -- people who know their pets intimately but always remember what it was like to have one the first time. Happy, Healthy Pet guides are rich with professional quality colour photos and are designed to be enjoyable and easy to learn from. Most new Greyhound owners will be acquiring an ex-racer as a pet, so we've chosen Daniel Stern, an activist for the cause of Greyhound adoptions to write this straightforward guide covering all aspects of their care.

My thoughts: Another book about greyhound ownership that starts well, and then about halfway through it becomes totally non-specific, and offers general advice on dog ownership. If you were going to get a book specifically about greyhounds, then I would not recommend this one.

Natural Healthcare for Pets

Richard Allport

Amazon's synopsis: Like their owners, pets can suffer physically and emotionally from the effects of modern life. Many pet foods, for example, contain potentially harmful additives and preservatives. The increasing business of our own lifestyles also effects those of our pets - the time we have to lavish on them is constantly being eroded by other demands. "Natural Healthcare for Pets" provides a practical solution. It points out what aspects of your pet's lifestyle may contribute to poor physical or mental health and discusses simple ways to introduce your pet to a more natural way of being. Many complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage, are effective and safe methods to maintain or restore your pet's health. A section on common pet ailments includes an introduction to animal disease, as well as specific conditions of the respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems. From aggression to infectious disease, each illness accompanies a safe, natural remedy to relieve symptoms and promote healing.

My thoughts: This is about the best book around on the subject of natural healthcare. It is clearly illustrated with beautiful photos throughout, is basic enough for someone totally new to this subject, while also offering plenty for more experienced owners. It deals with treatments for most companion animals from dogs to fish. It covers a wide range of treatment types including; homeopathy, flower essences, herbs, aromatherapy and nutrition.

If you are only planning to buy one book on natural pet care then, as far as I am concerned, this should be it.

Care of the Racing Greyhound

Blythe, Gannon & Craig

My thoughts: Although the title of this book refers to racing greyhounds, it is actually an invaluable reference book for anyone who owns a greyhound. It is not light reading, but contains excellent information on all aspects of dog raising, care, and medical conditions. It is well illustrated both with pictures and photos, and I have often taken it along to the vet when one of my dogs was ill. Particularly invaluable if you have a vet who hasn't had a lot of experience with greyhounds.

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets

Mary L Wulff-Tilford & Gary L Tilford

Amazon's synopsis: Discusses ways to take care of a pet's health the natural way with holistic herbalism, natural nutrition, and homeopathy.

My thoughts: This book is the ultimate guide to using herbs as a part of your pet's diet. It is very in-depth, and possibly a little too heavy going for the average owner. It is full of all sorts of useful hints and tips on how to prepare your own herb mixtures to benefit your pet. It also has sections covering other aspects of natural healthcare such as diet.

Natural Health for Dogs and Cats

Richard & Susan Pitcairn

Amazon's synopsis: Discusses the nutritional value of commercial pet foods and recommends drug-free treatments for common diseases.

My thoughts: This book looks at all aspects of your pet's lifestyle with suggestions on how to change and improve them. There are lots of helpful suggestions on diet, allergies, alternative therapies and a comprehensive section on medical problems and how to support and ill pet. Basically there is something in here for everyone and even if you choose not to embrace all of the principle discussed you are likely to learn something just by reading this book.

Getting in Touch with Your Dog. How to Understand and Influence Behaviour and Personality

Linda Tellington Jones

Amazon's synopsis: Whilst her Tellington TTouch Method offers a positive, no-force approach to training, it is much more than just a training method. Using a combination of TTouches, Leading Exercises, and the Confidence Course (exercises over obstacles), a dog's performance and health are improved, common behaviour issues are solved, and physical problems are positively influenced. Linda clearly explains how dogs can be helped to overcome problems such as: excessive barking and chewing; leash pulling; jumping up; dog-aggressive behaviour; fear-biting; timidity and shyness; resistance to grooming; hyper-activity; nervousness; car sickness; hip dysplasia; fear of thunder and other loud noises; and more. A list of common behavioural and physical ailments with the recommended corresponding TTouch solutions is included. Case studies involving different breeds of dogs demonstrate how many owners, some at their wits end, have used the TTouches and the Confidence Course to solve all manner of difficulties, with happy results.

My thoughts: I bought this book after attending a one-day course on the TTouch massage for dogs. I was so impressed with the method and what I had learnt in a day, that I was keen to be able to extend my knowledge back at home.

I was initially sceptical that you could learn something like massage from a book, but this one is very clear and explains all of the concepts well. It uses lots of case histories and describes what type of massage can be used for different problems. It also has a whole section on improving behaviour through training. Very useful indeed, and the dogs just love it (the massage not the book!)

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