Finalist (Animals, Pets)
Title: The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats: The Stress-Health Connection
Author: Dr. Paul McCutcheon & Susan Weinstein
Publisher: Celestial Arts
ISBN: 1587613433
Pages: 256, Paperback
Genre: Pets/Alternative Health
Reviewed by: Barbara Miller, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
If you own a pet or are thinking about getting one, this is not merely recommended; it is required reading in my opinion. Once in awhile, we come across an individual, who has risen above his peers and made quantum strides in a field, but yet has no ego about it. Such a person does so, I believe, because it is their goal to achieve the product, and not so much the reward of their labors. Dr. Paul McCutcheon is one of these rare individuals who has risen to greatness treating animals with the purpose of increasing their health and quality of life rather than merely treating them in methods that the veterinary industry, as a group, has evolved. His practice is holistic in the sense that he uses what works including some unconventional veterinary methods. It’s all about what’s best for the pet.In reading this book, you will encounter case histories of Dr. Paul McCutcheon’s, what he did, what he learned. You discover how he became a holistic vet, having practiced conventionally for a number of years. He was interested in treating animals and improving their lives.
Dr. Paul McCutcheon has a lot to say about diet and it makes sense this one point is such a vital element to an animal’s life. The title says it all: “The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats.” I could never understand how vets prescribe a diet for cats with renal problems that is so low in protein when a cat’s natural diet is diametrically opposite. While it makes sense to not stress the kidneys, removing protein is not necessarily the best approach. Especially when cancer is so prevalent and cancer thrives on carbohydrate diets.
Dr. Paul McCutcheon introduces invaluable information about vaccines. The link between vaccines and ailments, including cancers, is now well-known among many vets that your vet today may well ask if your cat is indoor or outdoor to determine if Fluffy really needs all the vaccines. Compelling information is provided that our pets are grossly over-vaccinated to the point where the vaccines are introducing more problems than they are solving. Don’t count on your local vet to know all of these details. As pet owners, it is really our responsibility to have the final say on what is put into our animal’s body.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the more spiritual aspects of the book, which includes a chapter on the spiritual nature of animals and the death of a pet. Our friends don’t live forever, unfortunately. This part of the book touched on something I experienced that I had previously believed was merely my imagination, yet it was something other pet owners experienced after the death of a pet. It made sense.
It’s wonderful to find a professional who has the credentials for everyone to believe who cares enough to tell the truth about some of the animal practices by vets and who enlighten those of us who care about our animals and are trying to do the best for them — even when we’re wrong about what’s best.
I would recommend this book to anyone with dogs and cats — and especially to people who have animals with severe or chronic ailments.
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