Infopet || Books: Dogs: Health and nutrition

Dogs: Health and nutrition If you want to buy a book, clicking on the book cover will take you directly to that book on the Amazon.co.uk web site. See also: Dogs: General Dogs: Books on single breeds Dogs: Origins, canine evolution and wolves Dogs: Puppy and manners training Dogs: Skills training: Agility and training games Dogs: Skills training:Sheepdog, gundog and scent work Dogs: Behaviour and training philosophies Dogs: Breeding and kennel management Dogs: Fiction and biography relating to dogs

Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs: The Definitive Guide to Homemade Meals Lew Olson North Atlantic Books,U.S. (22 Jun 2010) ISBN-10: 9781556439032 ISBN-13: 978-1556439032 ASIN: 1556439032 This is a well researched book which covers both raw feeding and homecooked meals for dogs. There is a lot of information on canine nutrition, including the needs of younger and older dogs, and those with medical problems such as kidney disease, heart problems, and digestive system problems. There´s help with preparing meals, and advice on how to give dogs balanced diets. There are benefits to feeding dogs home-prepared food that you can see in the short term, like better skin, and healthier teeth and gums, and home prepared diets can also help dogs to live longer. Just improvising with leftovers and a few butchers´ scraps isn´t really enough. Owners need information on nutrition and food preparation to be able to prepare nutritionally sound diets that suit their particular dog. This is probably the best guide around if you are just buying one book on home-prepared food. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Canine Cuisine: How to cook tasty meals and treats that your dog will enjoy Elaine Everest How To Books Ltd (25 Jun 2010) ISBN-10: 1845284089 ISBN-13: 978-1845284084 This is a very useful book if you want to cook meals for your dog. It is easy to understand, fun to read, and well researched. It´s practical, there is advice on using leftovers, which is sensible, since most owners don´t want them to go to waste. There are a lot of recipes, and they are quite easy, and don´t need complicated lists of ingredients. There are biscuit recipes, main meal and kibble replacement suggestions, and ideas for healthy treats and titbits. There´s also help on how much to feed dogs, and what to feed them if they have put on a bit too much weight. There´s also information on what owners should avoid allowing dogs to eat. This book is very good value for the ideas and information it gives you. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals Linda P. Case MS, Leighann Daristotle DVM PhD, Michael G. Hayek PhD, Melody Foess Raasch DVM Mosby; 3rd edition (29 Jun 2010) ISBN-10: 0323066194 ISBN-13: 978-0323066198 This is what it says, a resource for professionals. It gives more detail than the average pet owner needs, but is very useful if you have a kennel, or are a professional working with dogs. It is up to date, and covers diets for dogs with various medical conditions, as well as diets to keep dogs healthy. It´s a book you can use for reference if you are a vet or trainer, to be able to advise clients, and their questions with confidence, because the team which wrote the book has a great deal of accumulated specialist knowledge. The book is pricey, and expensive for the average dog owner, but is a good investment if you work with dogs. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	The Dog Owners' Veterinary Handbook John S. M. Bower, David Youngs The Crowood Press Ltd; 2nd edition (28 Mar 1994) ISBN-10: 1852238267 ISBN-13: 978-1852238261 This is a very easy to understand book, geared to pet owners who have a sick dog. It deals with all aspects of canine health, from pups to older dogs. The great benefit of this book is that it is easy to read, though it´s not quite as thorough as ´The Dog Owner´s Home Veterinary Handbook´ by Debra M. Eldredge and others, which is also on this page. This book is more reassuring though, and less likely to make you imagine your dog has all sorts of ailments that he may not have. It´s especially helpful if used together with a vet, and can help you to communicate much better with your vet. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Anatomy of the Dog: In Straightforward Terms Kerstin Mielke Cadmos Equestrian; Reprint edition (7 July 2010) ISBN-10: 3861279797 ISBN-13: 978-3861279792 This is a useful book for people who like drawing dogs, as well as for canine health professionals. It´s a very accessible guide, rather than a deeply technical work, and has nice, clear illustrations. Kerstin Mielke works as a physiotherapist for dogs, so is well able to explain how a dog´s body works, and different aspects of canine anatomy. The stress is on how dogs move, though this is a comprehensive guide, also covering inner organs, skin and coat, the nervous system and the senses. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	The Gundog Veterinary Bible [Illustrated] (Spiral-bound) Harvey Carruthers Quiller Publishing Ltd; Spi edition (29 Jun 2009) ISBN-10: 1846890500 ISBN-13: 978-1846890505 The Gundog Veterinary Bible a very useful manual for anyone who likes an active life with their dog, not just gundog owners. There is help on what to do in emergencies, such as when a dog has eaten something poisonous, or broken a leg. There is also advice on preventing problems, which is well worth reading, so that you do not have to use the advice for emergencies. The author is the vet columnist of Shooting Times, Harvey Carruthers MRCVS. The book is very accessible, clearly written, with good illustrations. It is a handy size to take on journeys, and is also spiral bound, so it stays open on a car seat, which means that you can follow instructions and check on the dog at the same time. Very highly recommended. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Natural Nutrition for Dogs & Cats: The Ultimate Diet Kymythy Schulze Hay House ISBN: 1561706361 This book is a very useful reference manual for people who want to give their cats and dogs home-prepared food. There is a lot of practical help, with information on nutrition, as well as menu plans, and a troubleshooting guide for dealing with health problems. It's an especially useful book for people whose pets have allergies, or have otherwise reacted to commercial foods. This is especially true in Europe, since we usually get precious little information on what goes into commercial pet food, compared to people in the US, and that can be a problem for people whose pets have food intolerances. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Work Wonders: Feed Your Dog Raw Meaty Bones Tom Lonsdale Publisher: Rivetco Pty Ltd; 1 edition (Nov 2005) ISBN-10: 0975717405 ISBN-13: 978-0975717400 A few decades ago, dogs were fed scraps. Gradually, canned food and biscuits, and then kibble crept into their diets, and we were told that this was healthier for them. A few years back I visited a friend in Spain, and watched her dog munching chicken's necks. His teeth were in excellent shape for an 11-year-old. A while later I shopped in a hardware store where a sales rep was complaining that pet owners just cared about whether dog poo was easy to pick up, not its nutritional content. So that was what the company focused on. The local stockmen carried scraps to their guard dogs every day. The kibble 'burned up the dogs' they said. So yes, kibble may be better than giving dogs human junk food, but there are alternatives that dogs much prefer, and this book explores them. Dr Tom Lonsdale covers different aspects of raw food for dogs and cats in eight chapters, including sourcing, storage, and prepararation of raw food. He also deals with possible risks, as well as advantages. On the plus side, this book is clearly written, and a great help both for people starting out on raw food diets, as well as people with more experience. It is not an academic treatise, which means it's easy to read. Critics may argue that there should be more scientific backing for some of his claims, but this is an excellent introductory guide on raw feeding for dogs, and is enough for the needs of most pet owners. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food Ann Martin NewSage Press; 3rd edition (23 July 2008) ISBN-10: 9780939165568 ISBN-13: 978-0939165568 ASIN: 0939165562 Owners who would rather not worry about what goes into pet food should not read this book! Ann Martin could be described as an obsessive, though it's easy to understand why, given her account of her dealings with the pet food industry after she experienced problems with commercial dog food. At the very least, this book points to the need for pet owners to ask questions of pet food companies, such as what additives they use, and why, and to tell them about problems we have when we use their products. Owners often say they switch brands because one brand upsets their dog's stomachs. It's worth telling the companies about this in case they think we don't buy their food because it hasn't enough pretty colours! This book also points to a need to campaign for better consumer information on cans, so we can make informed decisions on our pets' behalf. This is a consumer issue. Most of us haven't time to make tasty dog meals, so we have to use what the pet food companies supply. Some owners might argue that Ann Martin is not 'scientific' enough. But even if you discount seventy five percent of what she says, it still leaves some awkward questions. Those readers who assume that the British market is better regulated, so British pets are always offered safe food, could maybe reflect on BSE and the debate on the human food industry! Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	The Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition and Health Linda Case WileyBlackwell; 2nd Edition edition (18 Jul 2005) ISBN-10: 0813812542 ISBN-13: 978-0813812540 Linda Case is a nutrition specialist, and an academic, as well as a trainer and dog behaviourist. This is an excellent reference book, both for animal care students and professionals and for ordinary dog owners. It is solid and well-researched, while being accessible to non-specialists. Owners with more than one dog, or who plan a lifetime of dog ownership, will find this book well worth investing in, both for the material on dog behaviour, and for the information on nutrition. There is also help with understanding canine physiology and preventing and dealing with health problems. This book is perhaps more suited to people aiming for a career with dogs, because you do need some commitment to get through the more technical sections, though the background understanding of canine physiology which she provides is useful for ordinary pet owners in understanding their dogs' health needs. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook Debra M. Eldredge DVM, Liisa D. Carlson DVM, Delbert G. Carlson DVM, James M. Giffin MD, Beth Adelman John Wiley & Sons; 4th edition (Aug 2007) ISBN-10: 0470067853 ISBN-13: 978-0470067857 This is an excellent dog-owner's veterinary guide though it is geared to a US market. It's easy to use, and has clear explanations, rather than trying to blind you with science. It's no substitute for a vet, but can help you make better use of your vet's advice, and help with emergencies, while you wait for a vet. It provides as much information as the average dog owner is likely to need. No vet book designed for non-vets to use is perfect. Kennel owners or dog breeders may need a more comprehensive work, but this is probably the best vet book of those which are easily understood by non-specialists. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Dog First Aid: A Field Guide: Emergency Care for the Hunting, Working, and Outdoor Dog (Field Guide) Randy Acker, Jim Fergus, Christopher Smith (Illustrator) Wilderness Adventures Press ISBN: 1885106041 This is an excellent short guide to first aid for your dog, which is very useful for anyone taking a dog hunting, camping or on long walks in the middle of nowhere. It is clearly written, with helpful illustrations, so is easy to use in an emergency. It's well worth taking this book with you if you go on holiday with your dog. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals Don DVM Hamilton North Atlantic Books ISBN 155643295X This is an easy to follow guide to homeopathic care from Don Hamilton, who is a vet who specialises in homeopathic care. He explains homeopathy and the processes of disease, as well as providing remedies for a number of common afflictions, such as flea trouble, gum disease, digestive and respiratory problems. He also provides help for people whose pets have behavioural problems. There is enough in this book to interest those who already have a knowledge of the subject, as well as people who know little about homeopathic remedies for pets. Don Hamilton's book deals with homeopathic care of cats as well as dogs, and this helps give a broader understanding of homeopathy, though this book is a bit more expensive than George Macleod's book. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Dogs: Homeopathic Remedies George MacLeod Rider; New edition (Oct 2005) ISBN-10: 9781844131969 ISBN-13: 978-1844131969 ASIN: 1844131963 A very popular, comprehensive guide to homeopathic remedies for dogs. George Macleod is a vet who has built up a vast amount of expertise, treating different animals with these remedies, often being successful when conventional medicines did not work. It's a guide that is easy to read, and you don't have to be a 'natural dogs care nut' to find it useful - homeopathic remedies can be used alongside conventional remedies, in consultation with your vet. As vets are starting to take homeopathic treatments more seriously, you may find that your vet has read the book, or wants to borrow it from you! Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Dr Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats Richard H. Pitcairn Rodale Books ISBN: 0875962432 This is a very popular and accessible guide to holistic cat and dog care. There's a lot of help with both diet and health care. Some of the recommendations on nutrition are controversial, but there are many good ideas for improving your pet's diet. All aspects of care are dealt with, including exercise, grooming, and tackling emergiencies. Much of what Dr Pitcairn says about commercial pet foods and vaccinations is not new, but the detail he gives for alternative approaches is very helpful, especially for owners of pets prone to allergies. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog, Wendy Volhard Howell Books ISBN: 1582451532 This is a revised edition of a thorough and fairly comprehensive guide to holistic health care for dogs. It's more demanding than Richard Pitcairn's book, which is perhaps easier for most people to start off with, unless they have special veterinary knowledge. Topics covered include diet, vaccinations, homeopathic remedies, allergies, and understanding lab tests. Canine diet is a highly contentious area, and not everyone agrees with Volhard's recommendations, but she does explain the rationale behind what she recommends, and it is up to readers to decide. Any pet owner with an interest in holistic medicine is likely to find this an invaluable resource. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Control of Canine Genetic Diseases George Padgett Hungry Minds Inc ISBN: 0876050046 A very useful book for anyone who wants to breed from their dog and cares about producing healthy pups. It is geared to the US market, but the practical advice given is helpful for UK breeders as well. Padgett provides a clear explanation of how diseases can be inherited, and how to analyse pedigrees, without overwhelming you in theory. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	The Genetics of the Dog A. Ruvinksy, J. Sampson Cabi Publishing ISBN: 0851995209 This is a book for people with a particular interest in dog genetics, either as breeders, or because they are more generally interested genetic issues relating to dogs. It's quite technical and expensive and is very thorough - not a book for most pet owners! There are nineteen articles which examine different aspects of canine genetics, such as origins of dogs, the impact of domestication, and genetic issues relating to disease and behaviour. The book is as up to date as is possible in a fast changing field, since it came out in 2001. It's a key text for students of canine genetics. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Veterinary advice on Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Gary Clayton Jones BvetMed, DVR, DSAO, MRCVS Ringpress Books ISBN 1860542271 Hip dysplasia is sadly a common condition that most dog lovers have at least heard of, if not lived with. This book is aimed at pet owners who may be either living with a dog who is already suffering from the symptoms of hip dysplasia or researching breeds that are particularly prone to this condition. Each stage of hip dysplasia is clearly explained, with clearly drawn diagrams and x-rays. More complicated medical terms are spelt out for the reader within the context of the sentences where they appear, and you are guided through from the understanding of how a healthy hip should work; how hip dysplasia affects the joints; possible causes and contributing factors; diagnosis and treatments; and finally the author looks forward to prevention and control of the disease in future generations. Although all medical names and terms are well-explained as they appear, I still felt that for a ‘medical book’ aimed at owners of pet dogs, a glossary at the back of the book would have been useful. On a few occasions when they reappeared, I had to stop and remember what the some of the words meant, and I could have found them faster with a glossary. Of course, if you suspect your dog might have this condition your first port of call should be to your own veterinary surgeon for diagnosis and advice specific to your own dog’s needs, but this book fills in all the little gaps, answering questions about why your dog might need a particular type of treatment, questions your own vet might not have time to answer. It can also help you ask the right questions when you go back to your vet, and it can help you understand what your vet needs. Quite often, when we first hear a sad diagnosis we are too shocked to take in what a doctor or vet is saying, so it can help to go back and listen to the vet again, when we have had time to reflect and find out more from sources such as this book. As a reader with first hand experience of a dog who suffered with hip dysplasia, I personally feel that this book is an invaluable resource and would strongly recommend it – I only wish it had been available when I was in the position of making difficult decisions for my dog. Top of page See also: Dogs: General Dogs: Books on single breeds Dogs: Origins, canine evolution and wolves Dogs: Puppy and manners training Agility and training games Sheepdog, gundog and scent work Dogs: Behaviour and training philosophies Dogs: Breeding and kennel management Dogs: Fiction and biography relating to dogs