Table of Contents
This book is dedicated to two men who have been very important in my life:
My dad, Wray Allen Stout (October 13, 1929December 8, 2008), taught me there was no such phrase as I cant. I have never forgotten that. My dad was always my biggest fan, and at book signings he wore a sweatshirt he had made that said on the front, Im the Father of the Author.
My husband, Paul Allen Palika (June 30, 1950March 21, 2011), passed away during the writing of this book. He supported my writing efforts, was proud of my successes, and commiserated during my failures. I love you, Paul, and miss you.
Introduction
I was first introduced to natural remedies, especially herbal remedies, by my grandmother. Several herbs were staples in her kitchen: peppermint, chamomile, willow bark, ginger, milk thistle, slippery elm, and red clover. I helped her garden, too, and as we planted, weeded, and harvested her flowers and herbs, she taught me about those plantswhat they needed to grow, how they should be dried, and what uses they provided. I loved going down into her basement to see all the herbs drying in bunches. I loved the smell of all those herbs.
What I didnt know at the time was that Grandma was whetting my appetite for more knowledge. I began doing more research into the value of herbs first, then nutrition, followed by other natural health techniques. All of this research paid off when one of my dogs was diagnosed with a serious illness for which there was no cure. I used my powers of research to find some nutritional and herbal remedies that could support my dog and hopefully keep her healthier, even if she couldnt be cured. After consulting with my veterinarian, I implemented those techniques and my dog lived to the age of 13when she died of old age, not the disease.
I have implemented several natural health techniques into the lifestyle I share with my dogs and cats. I also incorporate those techniques with conventional veterinary medicine. I have found a balance between the two that is comfortable for both me and my veterinarian. What I do may not work for you; youre going to have to find the balance that you will be happy with. However, I am more than happy to lead you along on this journey of discovery. I find natural health techniques to be fascinating. I hope you do, too.
How to Use This Book
Part 1, An Overview of Natural Health, talks about what natural health care isand what it isnt. In addition, I introduce you to a wide variety of natural health techniques from around the world.
Part 2, Start with the Basics, details the foundation of pet health care, including vaccinations, grooming and body care, and the importance of play and exercise.
Part 3, Good Food for Better Natural Health, examines the subject of nutrition. Because the adage you are what you eat is as true for our pets as it is for us, I discuss the various options available for feeding your pet, from commercial pet food to cooking for your pet. I also include several recipes, and I talk about supplementing your pets diet.
Part 4, Your Pets Health from A to Z, discusses a wide range of health issues faced by dogs and cats as well as natural remedies that can be used. In addition, I offer suggestions as to when to call your veterinarian for additional help.
Youll also find three helpful appendixes: a glossary of terms that I use throughout the book, a list of additional resources, and several recipes you can make to treat your dog or cat.
Extras
Throughout this book, youll find a variety of sidebars that provide extra information:
DOG TALK
These sidebars offer information of particular interest to dog owners.
CAT CHAT
Check out these sidebars for information that applies exclusively to cats.
GO NATURAL
These sidebars provide tips for how to use natural techniques when caring for your pet, as well as other related information.
PET ALERT
These sidebars alert you to cautions and misconceptions about natural pet health.
DEFINITION
In these sidebars, youll find words and terms related to natural pet health that may be unfamiliar to you.
Thanks to the Veterinarians
Four veterinarians assisted me with this book. They shared their knowledge, provided valuable information, and sometimes disagreed with me. Even the disagreements were goodafter all, many natural health techniques arent proven by scientific studies. Ive shared that information with you, too.
Robin Downing, DVM, is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois. Shes the director of The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management, the first comprehensive pain prevention and management practice for pets in Northern Colorado. Shes a certified veterinary acupuncturist, a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner, and a certified Tui-na practitioner. Shes also certified in canine medical massage and animal chiropractic.
Greg Martinez, DVM, is a graduate of the University of California at Davis. He has been a practicing veterinarian for 30 years, and practices today in Gilroy, California, at the Gilroy Veterinary Hospital. His particular interest is the effect diet and nutrition has on pet health, and for the last decade he has been emphasizing this with his clients. His book Dr. Gregs Dog Dish Diet: Sensible Nutrition for Your Dogs Health (Riparian Press, 2009) has been warmly received by pet owners and veterinarians alike.
Shawn Messonnier, DVM, is a graduate of Texas A&M University, and holds a doctorate of veterinary medicine. His Acupuncture and Holistic Animal Health Care Center is the only pet hospital in the area to offer both conventional and complementary therapies for dogs and cats. He has written extensively about complementary and alternative remedies and treatments. His book Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats (Prima Pets, 2001) is still the reference of choice for many pet owners.
Narda Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, DABMA, FAAMA, is a medical acupuncturist, osteopathic physician, and veterinarian. She has taught at Colorado State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences since 1997 and is an assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences. She directs the CSU Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine. She teaches acupuncture to veterinarians from around the globe.
