Stress. It’s the single, universal cause of both wellness and illness. While this theory is widely supported in the human medical community, it’s still controversial among veterinarians. Dr. Paul McCutcheon examines the all-important health-stress connection while drawing upon the latest scientific thinking and combining it with a comprehensive, preventive, and holistic philosophy of pet care. So if you’re among the millions of caring, responsible pet owners who visits the vet more often than your own doctor but still wonders what more you can do for your dog or cat, The New Holistic Way for Dogs & Cats is the next best thing to a consultation with Dr. McCutcheon. If only he saw human patients in his practice, too!
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K. S. Hall –
I have shelf loads of books on dog and cat health and training. Conventional, alternative and some that are just fun to read. This book is the only one I’ve seen that makes the clear case for the importance of stress reduction in keeping our companion animals healthy. We know stress makes people sick so this makes sense. I sure wish he practiced in NJ I’d take all my pets to him.
He also makes the case for a true “holistic” approach to pet health and offers concrete suggestions and examples of what you should look for in a vet if that’s the approach you want to take. A lot of this info would be helpful in finding a human doctor as well.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who cares about the health of their animals.
Fair Knightess –
Excellent book. Every dog or cat owner should read and have a copy at home library.
Jack Harris –
did’t tell me anything I did’t already know mostly common sense much better books out there on the subject wasn’t worth it to me
Ann Brown –
HOW EXCITING. Finally a pet care book that is easy to follow and hard to put down. I have recommended to friends within the dog community, as a must read. Learning the approach that Dr. McCutcheon and his staff use regularly to assist an animal in regaining wellness/homeostasis is insightful and touching. Kudos to Co-author Susan Weinstein for recognizing this theory needs to be shared.
The NEW HOLISTIC WAY is pivotal in how health care should be approached and executed by the pet’s people and practitioner
Holly Weiss –
Article originally published at blogcritics.org
Is stress causing your pet to be sick? Dr. McCutcheon believes that emotional and environmental disorder can present serious but unspecific symptoms that can be problematic for both the pet and its owner. There is a direct correlation between the mental and physical well being in humans. So, too for pets. The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats is a comprehensive and helpful guide for keeping your pet healthier by reducing its stress level.
Have you noticed that when you are sick your pet tries to comfort you? The authors explain that the empathy our pet feels for us when we are down is the very same thing that can make it sick. Our stress triggers an emotional reaction in our pets, the underlying cause for many of their physical ailments.
Although working with a trusted veterinarian is essential to your pet’s care, the buck does not stop there. “Because you are the person closest to your dog or cat, you are in the best position to influence her well-being.” These forward-thinking authors include detailed information for doing just that.
Many people readily embrace holistic medicine for themselves. The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats praises acupuncture, herbal remedies, chiropractic and bioenergy as effective tools for keeping what the authors call “the living terrain” (the body) healthy. However, they emphasize that marrying healing medically sound modalities with managing stress is the key to a new, more effective state of wellness for your pet. Mainstream medicine uses terms like “fighting disease.” The new holistic approach talks of “encouraging healing.”
The book is chock full of case studies and practical suggestions. Exercise your pet but take into account its breed and age. Go green with your household products to prevent exposure to harsh chemicals. Don’t expose your dog or cat to second hand smoke. Feed your animal fresh, unprocessed foods. Most of all make sure your pet lives in an environment of joy.
Paul McCutcheon, DVM, is the founder of Toronto’s East York Animal Clinic, serving 5,000 patients, and a former director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. He hosted the popular Canadian television series “Perfect Pet People” and has written extensively about his approach to healing. Co-author, Susan Weinstein, combines her writing skill with a deep understanding of the contexts in which humans and their pets live together.
Topics covered include:
* An Integrated approach to Pet Care
* Stress: the Key to Animal Wellness
* Tuning into Your Pet’s Needs
* Preventing Stress in Daily Life
* Learn the Early Signs – Then Trust Your Instincts
* Working with Your Vet
* Choosing Therapies to Restore Wellness
* Understanding Your Pet’s Last Transition
Impressive endnotes indicate the extensive research and veterinary experience poured into this book. The Appendix contains a stress-buster diet for dogs and cats, bibliography and a listing of veterinary holistic health care associations in the United States.
The book is a comprehensive look at health care for pets, full of helpful advice for finding the right vet for you. Your dog or cat will be happy you read it.
Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont
somanydecisions –
This book is absolutely fantastic – a must have for any pet owner. I found that the information Dr. McCutcheon presented very well written and easy to understand. I loved the way the knowledge included is very logical and not “extreme” – and how it can be applied to your own life very easily (for example, it gave me some great insight into the increased stress my dog was experiencing when I started working again and he was alone in the house for longer periods of time). It’s amazing how stress not only affects us, but our pets as well!
I highly recommend this book to anyone. A+++