Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog (Howell Reference Books)

It's a book that you will refer to over and over - the first thing you will consult when you think there might be a problem.
We have used the diet recommended in the book for two for more than 5 years. Our vet applauds our efforts.


Holistic Guide for A Healthy Dog   May 6, 2004
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This diet has been backed by years of documented laboratory research. I had read books and listened to others regarding raising my dogs the way nature intended but only Wendy's book really made sense to me. Since switching my dogs from "cardboard" dog food to raw I wonder why it took me so long! My dogs are thriving on the Volhard Natural Diet. Not only does the book advise on diet but also vaccinations, kinesiology, homeopathy, complementary therapies and the five element theory. Thanks, Wendy, for a life style change for my dogs . . . and me!


Good reference material for non-holistics too   June 14, 2003
 17 out of 17 found this review helpful

This book is NOT just for people who believe holistic is the only way to go! So although many reviewers write from that perspective, I strongly suggest that people who love traditional medicine consider it because it provides clear explanations of how a dog's system works, the functions of the organs, and what the various nutrients do in and for the dog. It also provdes an excellent explanation of each section of a blood test or urine test and what the results *mean.* And, it has simple but very complete charts in the back which cover various things from *both* the traditional and the holistic points of view in causes and treatments.

What made me respect this book was that they offer traditional medicine causes and effects, tests and medications, treatments and solutions ... as well as holistic ones. So, both "sides" can get plenty out of it, and perhaps learn something from the beliefs of the "other side" too to get a much more balanced picture of what is going on with their dog.

It is not as simple as most of the consumer oriented books, but it is also not as complex as reading the veterinary medicine web sites. It definitely provides more detail than you may be accustomed to in a "pet health" book.

It provides a good base to research from so you can go look at traditional and alternative medicine web sites and know what the heck you're looking for.

If you don't care for the diet they recommend, or any other "holistic" parts, you can easily ignore them. It's a good reference book, and if you are the type who wants to be really involved in your dog's care and want to know more than what the vet told you, then get this book. You can find out what you need to know in order to ask the vet good questions and be able to insist on good answers (not just a quick answer, but one that means something to you).

I highly recommend this book whether you prefer traditional, holistic, or a blend of veterinary medicine styles.

Whatever you do, though, if you think your dog has a problem, find a darned good vet and go there now. If you feel uncomfortable or confused, or hope there are more options out there, get a second opinion from another primary vet, or ask for a referral to a specialist. Any good vet will gladly refer you to a specialist regardless of whether he thinks you really need one. You are your pet's only "human" voice. Be in charge and be responsible and don't give up until you have the information you need.


everything _but_ the diet   April 28, 2003
 16 out of 23 found this review helpful

overall this is a pretty good book. if you use it for what its title suggests, you should be pleased. that is, a holistic guide to a healthy dog. using it for the purpose of creating a new diet for your dog is another matter. the author's "natural diet" is certainly, without a doubt an improvement over most of the garbage fed to dogs in the form of commercial dog food.

however, having said that, if what you are really looking for is a guide to creating a healthy, _raw_ diet for your dog you definitely could do better than this book. ian billinghurst's "give your dog a bone" is what you are looking for. the volhard diet doesnt quite "get" the concept of the BARF ("Bones And Raw Food" _or_ "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food") diet...and unfortunately it _tries_ without much success. the volhard "Natural Diet" is too rigid as well as mis-informed in many cases, and in my opinion too much of a sales pitch.

This book definitely contains some useful info, especially regarding vaccine options, homeopathic remedies, laboratory testing ,etc. For those topics it is excellent. For the topic of "raw diet" i would look at billinghurst.