Two Dog Health Books That Go Above and Beyond

If you’re looking for meaningful and helpful dog health books for pet owners, then I highly suggest these two options. One book is a bit “new age,” but it completely changed my way of thinking pertaining to veterinary care. I think most pet owners would greatly benefit from reading it. The other book taught me how to become my dog’s health advocate. I can’t recommend these dog health books enough. Both of them should be in every dog owner’s library. 

Speaking For Spot: The Best Health Care Book For You And Your Dog

Many years ago, as a budding pet owner and dog trainer, I had a veterinary reference handbook that I used for just about everything. We didn’t have Google back then, so I had to research symptoms, veterinary diagnoses and general health information the old-fashioned way. This meant thumbing through a thick book. Dr. Google is a good source, but it can scare you to death too. “Speaking For Spot” is packed with extremely valuable information every dog owner should know.

This dog book sets itself apart from other dog health books because it actually teaches the pet owner how to act as an advocate for her dog. If I had this book 20 years ago, I would have learned how to ask educated questions before surrendering my dog to many unnecessary procedures. Also, I would have understood exactly what my vet was saying and been able to have a more in-depth discussion with additional questions and concerns.

What Did This Book Teach Me?

One valuable lesson I learned from “Speaking For Spot” is that if your dog’s medical needs are too complex, you should ask your general practice vet for a veterinary referral to a specialist.

While we assume veterinary specialists are outrageously expensive, it’s a fraction of the cost compared to complications that can arise from the inexperience of a general practice vet. Would you allow your primary care doctor to perform open-heart surgery, repair a torn ACL, address complex skin issues or amputate your leg? I think not. Primary care doctors just don’t perform these types of surgeries enough, so always ask for a specialist.

I’m not bashing general practice veterinarians. These vets must deal with anything and everything that walks through their doors. However, if they diagnose a highly specialized problem, they should refer out when things are out of their skill level.

Why is This Book Important?

Dogs need an advocate because they’re voiceless, innocent creatures. They need someone to speak up and ask questions on their behalf. This dog health book does an amazing job teaching you how to navigate through a regular veterinary visit, how to save money and, most importantly, how to ensure your dog is completely safe in the process.

4 Paws, 5 Directions: A Guide To Chinese Medicine For Cats and Dogs

Please bear with me for a moment. “4 Paws, 5 Directions” is about alternative medicine for dogs and cats. I can honestly tell you that this book on dog health changed my dogs’ lives as well as my life forever. Before you assume I eat granola and wear hemp sandals—I’m not saying this is a bad thing—I think it’s important for you to know I question everything.

I don’t believe anything unless I’ve personally witnessed it working several times. I need to understand how it works completely and make sure it does no harm. Also, I have a very limited patience level; so if something doesn’t work quickly (within a few days or a couple of weeks), I move on. I despise wasting valuable time if either my dogs or I am sick.

What Did This Book Teach Me?

This dog health book explains how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) works and breaks it down from our pet’s perspective. It’s very easy to read and understand. You’ll have a ton of “ah ha” moments, and it’s packed full of real veterinary cases that might sound like your dog’s medical and behavioral issues. You’ll learn how making adjustments in your dog’s diet really makes a difference, how acupuncture and massages benefit your dog’s chronic disease and how to prevent diseases from emerging.

You may also like: Homemade Diets For Dogs

Why TCM?

The difference between TCM and traditional medicine is pretty simple. TCM treats those symptoms that vets can’t seem to do anything about. Symptoms are there for a reason, and it’s usually a precursor before a disease takes over. We all know that if nothing is found during veterinary diagnostics and the symptoms are still recurring, nothing is done except to wait.

I knew something wasn’t right with my dogs about 3-6 months before my vet finally diagnosed cancer or chronic disease. Unfortunately, by then, it was too late. Chemotherapy is always an option for cancer, but interestingly many veterinary oncologists are getting certified in acupuncture. This is to help their clients maintain an appetite and reduce nausea during treatment.

See Also: Holistic Veterinary Care: Is It Really Worth It? 

Does TCM Work?

TCM works, but I’m still learning exactly how. I’ve personally witnessed essential oil cream stop a bacterial skin infection within 12 hours, hemp oil stop anxiety and seizures, herbs reduce chronic tummy pain (IBS or IBD) and diet changes stop chronic skin allergies. I could go on and on, but I think reading this dog health book will change how you think. It’s important to note that TCM should be used in conjunction with traditional medicine. I don’t believe eating dandelions will work better than antibiotics for an infection. However, there are some powerful TCM methods that really work.

The more pet owners learn, the better we can help our dogs!