The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog (Howell Reference Books)

"Whilst this book does contain some useful information, it does have several flaws from my point of view. I want maximum health for my dog based on a sound diet and when necessary homeopathic or herbal medicine for minor complaints.
This book recommends a diet that is 'better' than tinned or dried dog food, but still contains too high a percentage of grains, where in nature do you see a dog with a bag of oats, a saucepan and a cooker? If a dog does eat grains it is usually in small quantities, often part digested in the stomach of a prey animal. There are better books available, and personally my black labrador and her puppies would recommend 'Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats' or 'Give a dog a bone'.
The homeopathy, chiropractic, acupressure and basic herbalism sections are introductions, not enough in depth for good home use, but ok for general reference.
The kinesiology...well it may work on humans who can really understand the question, but I'm not convinced...
An interesting reference book, but lacking practical home holistic care.
Seek better seperate books on the subjects."
~ Written on 2004-12-26

"This is another one of those books that I recommend to everyone interested in holistic care for their canine companions. It's somewhat more technical and scientific in its approach than the equally superb books by Pitcairn and Levy, but that shouldn't put anyone off. Volhard begins with several excellent chapters on canine nutrition which include a very detailed section on supplements. For those determined to feed a commercial food, she provides info on how to read labels, which ingredients to look for and what to avoid. Next she addresses the common problems of allergies and toxins in our dogs' environment, foods, and water, as well as drug and vaccine reactions. Instead of providing the reader with possible alternatives to vaccinating (such as homeopathic nosodes), she recommends a modified vaccine schedule using killed vaccines only for diseases endemic in the area in question and doing titer tests instead of routinely giving annual booster shots. While this is certainly superior to the traditional veterinary practice of needlessly subjecting dogs to potentially very harmful annual combo vaccines, I much prefer Dr. Pitcairn's vaccination schedule for those uncomfortable with using nosodes.

Next, Volhard explains the basics of the canine digestive tract and thyroid and adrenal gland function. This is followed by a chapter on laboratory tests and how to figure out if your dogs' lab results are within normal parameters. After this very technical chapter, Volhard dives into the rather controversial subject of kinesiology which is basically a form of biofeedback. If (like me) you're the skeptical type, this will sound like a bit of hocus pocus to you. While I keep an open mind, I have yet to be convinced that with this method one of my dogs can tell me -- through the transfer of energy -- if she has a bacterial infection or needs extra liver in her diet.

Like virtually everyone interested in a holistic approach to dog rearing, Volhard recommends feeding a natural, homeprepared diet. Unlike many other homeprepared diets, the one she recommends has been clinically tested over a 12-year period, so you can rest assured that it is perfectly balanced. Volhard tells you exactly what and how much to feed as well as how to supplement (there are exact charts for dogs of different sizes). The drawback of this diet is that it must be followed to the letter. There is no room for experimentation here. Another problem is that, like Pitcairn's diet, the Volhard diet contains too many grains. Dogs are carnivores, and while there's nothing wrong with small amounts of whole grains in the diet (unless of course a dog is allergic to all grains), several cups a day are simply too much. Less grains and more pulped vegetables and raw meaty bones would be healthier and more biologically appropriate.

There are several short, very basic chapters on herbal medicine, homeopathy, and other alternative therapies (if you're interested in these subjects, you'll definitely want to read more elsewhere). Finally there is a simple but useful reference guide to certain diseases and possible remedies, profiles of all the amino acids in dogs, and a brief resource guide."
~ Written on 1999-05-12

"This book deserves more than just 5 stars. Besides complete instructions to formulating a natural diet for any kind of dog, incuding puppies and sick pets, Volhard and Brown explain the details of alternative veterinary care options. Also included is an entire section on toxins and allergies, a guide to herbal therapy, and a list of vitamins, minerals, and supplements and there purposes. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the natural diet or in dog health in general. In fact, I recommend this book to simply anyone!"
~ Written on 1998-12-31

"I am so glad my canine nutritionist recommended this book! My dog was plagued with hairloss, pustules that drained and was generally pretty icky feeling. When I started Gobie, my minpin on the natural diet, his whole demeanor changed! I will never feed "other" dog foods again. He has a clear mind and healthy body, thanks to Wendy's book. I have also taken another look at vaccinating, and vetcare. 10+ !!!!!"
~ Written on 1998-04-18

"If you only purchase one book in your life time on canine care, Wendy Volhard's Holistic Guide should be the one. Now considered the canine Bible in my household, Wendy's book pointed me in the right direction for getting care for my Newfoundlands for a problem they had been having for months that was beyond the hands of Western Medicine. The format is laid out in simple terms that lend to the readability for all levels of breeders, dog owners or dog owner want-to-be's! Also included in the book is resource information on where to find products and how to find holistic vets or acupuncturists in your area. Thank-you Wendy for a treasured addition to my library!"
~ Written on 1998-03-22