From Dr. Marty Becker, co-author of the bestsellers Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul, and Chicken Soup for the Cat and Dog Lovers Soul comes a groundbreaking new book that reveals the stirring stories and medical miracles behind the healing power of pets. Pets and people have been living together for thousands of years, but as pets have moved indoors, there have been extraordinary changes in the relationship. In the last twenty years, medical research has increasingly proven the healing effect pets can have for the ill, the elderly, the stressed-out, and the emotionally disengaged. Research shows that people with pet companions have fewer doctor visits and recover more quickly from severe illnesses. In The Healing Power of Pets, Dr. Marty Becker, resident vet on ABC-TVs Good Morning America shows readers how pets can prevent, detect, treat, and in some cases cure a variety of maladies, from arthritis to asthma, and from Alzheimers to depression. Pets decrease cardiovascular risk factors, motivate their sedentary owners to exercise, and help people deal with chronic pain. In addition, the book offers heartwarming true stories of pets who have enrichedeven savedtheir owners lives to reveal the lasting physical, emotional, and social benefits of the human-animal bond. For those of us who have always believed that pets enhance our lives and make us better human beings, Marty Becker drives the lesson home with compassion and wit. Our beloved animals never had a better friend. Nancy L. Snyderman, M.D. Dr. Becker steps confidently and competently into the animal-human arena, adding a strong voice for the healing powers of animals. Susan Chernak McElroy, author of Animals as Teachers and Healers

Modern medicine is now discovering the amazing power of animals to detect, treat, & cure a host of diseases & conditions. Here, Dr. Marty Becker, ÓGood Morning America'sÓ veterinary correspondent, blends revolutionary scientific discoveries with deeply moving, personal stories of pets & their owners -- stories of people who have learned how to triumph over chronic pain, paralyzing phobias, sedentary lifestyles, & life-threatening conditions. How? Through the unconditional love & companionship of a loyal animal. Dr. Becker includes a step-by-step guide that teaches pet lovers how to deepen their relationships with their pets for the benefit of everyone.

A pioneering revolutionary prescription for the health and long life of your pets For two decades, Dr. Martin Goldstein—America's most successful, renowned holistic veterinarian—has healed and helped his animal patients with the same natural therapies that benefit humans. The results have been so astounding that today critically sick pets are brought to him from across the country for a new chance at life and health. In this compelling, very accessible book, Dr. Goldstein explains exactly what holistic medicine is and how it works. By treating the root of a health problem instead of its symptoms, you too can help your animal to regain and maintain its own health, as nature intended. Dr. Goldstein also shares many remarkable true stories of supposedly terminally ill animals who have recovered to full wellness. Inside you'll discover • Why our animals get sick, even when we strive to give them the best of care • An exhaustive A to Z guide of pet ailments—and the best course of action • Why vaccines can do more harm than good • The link between diet and disease—and how the right diet can not only prevent disease but reverse it • How acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, and other alternative options work--safely and painlessly--to restore true health • Specific guidance for the use of herbs, supplements, and natural remedies • The good news (and the bad) about cancer in animals--including extraordinary new treatments and potential cures • Coping with the inevitable death of your pet--both physically and psychologically • And much, much more Plus—the ultimate resource for holistic pet care: an extensive guide to holistic product manufacturers and stores, books, newsletters, Web sites, veterinarians, and associations!

Updating recommendations last made by the National Research Council in the mid-1980s, this report provides nutrient recommendations based on physical activity and stage in life, major factors that influence nutrient needs. It looks at how nutrients are metabolized in the bodies of dogs and cats, indications of nutrient deficiency, and diseases related to poor nutrition. The report provides a valuable resource for industry professionals formulating diets, scientists setting research agendas, government officials developing regulations for pet food labeling, and as a university textbook for dog and cat nutrition. It can also guide pet owners feeding decisions for their pets with information on specific nutrient needs, characteristics of different types of pet foods, and factors to consider when feeding cats and dogs.

One in four pets is obese, and every year owners spends thousands of dollars treating allergies, joint problems, digestive disorders, and serious diseases that could improve dramatically with a nutritious diet. Yet despite promises of complete and balanced meals, most commercial pet foods contain chemical preservatives, indigestible fillers, and dangerous by-products. If your pets are overweight, ailing, or aging‚ or you just want them to be as healthy as possible‚ THE WHOLE PET DIET offers a straightforward plan to achieve lifelong health and well-being. Featuring twenty-five easy recipes for homemade meals and treats, a guide to natural supplements, and practical tips for no-stress grooming and play, this holistic approach to pet care creates optimal health for dogs and cats‚ and it just might change the way you eat, too.

How well can you answer pet owners' questions about proper diet and feeding? Canine and Feline Nutrition, 3rd Edition describes the role of nutrition and its effects upon health and wellness and the dietary management of various disorders of dogs and cats. By using the book's cutting-edge research and clinical nutrition information, you'll be able to make recommendations of appropriate pet food and proper feeding guidelines. Pet nutrition experts Linda P. Case, MS, Leighann Daristotle, DVM, PhD, Michael G. Hayek, PhD, and Melody Foess Raasch, DVM, provide complete, head-to-tail coverage and a broad scope of knowledge, so you can help dog and cat owners make sound nutrition and feeding choices to promote their pets' health to prolong their lives. Tables and boxes provide quick reference to the most important clinical information. Key points summarize essential information at a glance. A useful Nutritional Myths and Feeding Practices chapter dispels and corrects common food myths. New clinical information covers a wide range of emerging nutrition topics including the role of the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid families in pet health and disease management. Coverage of pet food safety and pet food ingredients includes both commercially and home-prepared foods and provides answers to pet owners’ questions on these topics. Completely updated content reflects the latest findings in clinical nutrition research. Information regarding functional ingredients and dietary supplementation provides a scientifically based rationale for recommending or advising against dietary supplements. Guidelines for understanding pet food formulations and health claims differentiate between "market-speak" and actual clinical benefits for patients, with practice advice for evaluating and selecting appropriate foods.