Book Reviews: The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats

Authors: Paul McCutchean & Susan Weinstein

Thank goodness!  Finally we are taking the emotional lives of our pets into consideration.  I have been a dog nutritionist for 15 years now, and I so believe in holistic methods for our pets, along with a diet that is at least as nutritious as our own.  When I adopted Clem he had been in a pet store and was near death.  At six weeks, he had had 32 immunizations, going from broker to broker to pet store.  32 shots, in a tiny 2 pound body.  I got him well through nutrition, herbal remedies, raw food and sheer love.  So when I was given the opportunity to review Dr. McCutcheon’s book, I raised my arms and shouted Alleluia (I know my spelling is horrendous – forgive me, my forgiving and patient readers!!)

Per Dr. McCutcheon, our dogs and cats measure their health and happiness against the stresses in their lives.  They cannot escape situations that we place them in, as they have no control over their lives.  All the more reason that their humans MUST tune in to their emotional needs.  Dr. McCutcheon delivers the message and examines how the holistic philosophy to pet care allows pets to remain healthy and overcome the stresses that come their way.

In my favorite book of all time, “Pack of Two” by Caroline Knapp, describes how we humans react to our dogs. 

“And yet this is exactly what amazes me, the way a person’s core sense of self – anxieties, insecurities, grandiosity, fantasies of self and other – can come bubbling up when it comes to controlling a dog, even in the smallest and seemingly most inconsequential ways.”  Sometimes, we are out of sync with our dogs because of our own stresses and inner turmoil.  We HAVE to be mindful of our pets as OTHER BEINGS that have needs and stressors of their own.

Part I:  In Healing Concepts, Dr. McCutcheon explains how to integrate all approaches to animal healthcare and explains that this means more than a set of treatments or remedies.  For we are dealing with a species not exactly human, but still with many of our same needs.

I am in total agreement with Dr. McCutcheon.  Time and again I have seen pets that suddenly start defecating in the house.  Usually, a new baby, or some kind of stress induces this behavior.  The dog is not BEING BAD.  He is being an emotional, feeling companion.

Part II:  Dr. McCutcheon explains how to determine and manage stress in your pet’s life.

Part III:  Dr. McCutcheon defines how to assess unwellness long before the illness sets in (this is a magnificent chapter – read it, oh beloved readers!!)

Part IV:  The Secret to Healing – explores therapies for wellness.  These are holistic methods and I have used them all.  Little Clem shines with health.  Acupuncture, herbals, Chinese medicines – good human food – follow the yellow brick road and your dog or cat will bloom with health.

Part V:   Final Passage – helps you transition your pet and how to deal with your stress upon the loss of your best friend

These issues DO matter.  Our dog’s energy levels match our own.  When I eat well, I feel well.  So Clem and I eat organic.  I feed him what I eat, and we both glow.

I can’t stress enough how important this book and others like it (Dr. Pitcairn comes to mind) as we HAVE to begin to realize that our pets suffer like we do from stress.  Stress causes disease and cancer – I have seen it over and over – and this is a book that NEEDS to be in our homes.

The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats: The Stress-Health Connection can be purchased at Amazon.com.

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Overall: 3.5

Review by Broad “A” – Ava

We received a copy of this title for our book review. All opinions are our own.