Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets?: How You Can Protect and Treat Your Animal Companion [Paperback]

Deborah Straw (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2000

The first book to examine the environmental, dietary, and lifestyle-related causes of cancer in pets and to assess the full spectrum of treatments--both alternative and conventional.

• Foreword by Gary Kowalski, author of The Souls of Animals.

• Cancer is the leading killer of cats and dogs, but this book explains that it is often preventable.

• Includes research on dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

• A valuable resource for all pet owners, whether their animals are still healthy or not.

Cancer is now the number one killer of most domestic animals. This fact raises a fearsome specter for those who know how confusing and painful it can be to endure the course of this disease in their pets. Having lost four animal companions to cancer, author Deborah Straw became frustrated by the lack of concrete knowledge about the causes, prevention, and treatment of cancer in pets. This thorough and comprehensive guide to every aspect of the disease in animals is the result of her search for answers.

Readers will discover the many environmental, dietetic, and vaccine-related culprits that may cause cancer in pets, and they'll learn preventive measures that can be taken to safeguard their pets' well-being. Should your animal's diagnosis be confirmed, the full spectrum of both conventional and alternative treatments is presented, from chemotherapy and laser surgery to herbal therapy, acupuncture, and touch therapy. Readers will find information about both caring for a sick animal and grieving its loss. Full of knowledge, options, and support, this is an essential resource for protecting your pet.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In the U.S., cancer is the second leading cause of death in humans but the number one killer of pets, primarily cats and dogs. After losing four pets to four different forms of cancer, longtime journalist and animal lover Deborah Straw decided to investigate the matter further. The result of her considerable and careful research is Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets?: How You Can Protect and Treat Your Animal Companion. Without endorsing any particular form of care, but stressing the value of expert intervention, Straw discusses cancer prevention, traditional and alternative cancer treatments and how to cope with the loss of a pet to this relentless disease.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"The first book to examine the environmental, dietary, and lifestyle-related causes of cancer in pets to assess the full spectrum of treatments--both alternative and conventional. Cancer is now the number one killer of most domestic animals.  Readers will discover the many environmental, dietetic, and vaccine-related culprits that may cause cancer in pets, and they'll learn preventive measures that can be taken to safeguard their pet's well-being.  Full of knowledge, options, and support, this is an essential resource for protecting your pet."  (The Pet Tribune, November/December 2000 )

"Straw's book is a comprehensive examination of the issue, covering everything from the rise in incidence to the emotional distress.  It takes up cause, treatment, prevention and greif."
(Green Mountain Bookshelf, The Burlington Free Press, December 24, 2000 )

"Without endorsing any particular form of care, but stressing the value of expert intervention, Straw discusses cancer prevention, traditional and  alternative cancer treatments and how to cope with the loss of a pet to this relentless disease."

(Publishers Weekly, Jan. 22, 2001 )

"Straw offers a thoughtful and balanced exploration of everyting from surgery to holistic remedies, emphasizing prevention, cure and treatment of cancer in pets."

(Catfancy, April 2001, Vol. 44 No. 4 )

"She is a very thorough researcher who offers an extensive examination of the possible causes of cancer as well as the conventional therapies and holistic remedies available today.  It also provides a wealth of data and encourages the reader to ask questions that they may not have considered previously.  Readers will feel better enabled to make an informed choice and more empowered to take charge of their animal's well being.  An excellent reference for every pet owner's bookshelf." 

(Pet Times, March 2001 )

"Maginificently evergreen. . . . It's literally food for thought served with a breezy, unassuming charm."
(Seattle Union Record, December 2000 )

"An excellent guide to the causes, prevention, and treatment of cancer in pets.  The reader is empowered to take charge of their animal's well-being and become a more responsible consumer of veterinary and pet care services.  Offers a judicious and balanced exploration of everything from surgery to herbal remedies, with as much emphasis on prevention as on cure."

(Pets Magazine )

"Straw's book is the first to bring together much needed and encouraging information, in depth, in one reference volume."

(Rita M. Reynolds, Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients, August/September 2001 )

"The beauty of this book is the wide range of both conventional and alternative approaches to pet health, especially cancer treatment."

(Karen Alene/John Steinbacher, The Challenge, Fall/Winter 2001 )

". . . an essential resource for protecting your pet."

(Petagonia.com )

"Straw goes along with veterinary oncologists who indicate cancer is a disease of the aged . . . but she also offers evidence in a journalistically sound manner - that environmental factors, diet and vaccines also contribute."

(Steve Dale, GoodNewsforPets.com )

"The information Straw provides in her book can help us consider changes we can make for our animals to help prevent cancer, and the courses we can take if cancer has been diagnosed."

(Esther Caldwell, Animal, Fall 2001 )

". . . a good resource for those interested in creating the healthiest environment possible for their four-legged companions."

(Kathleen Head, Alternative Medicine Review, Vol. 6, Supplement, 2001 )

". . . clear, concise, and revealing.  It ends with a chapter on grieving and accepting the loss. . . . This compassionate ending to a well-researched and written book is, in itself, worth the purchase price."

(Neil L. Mace, Field Trail Magazine, Fall 2001 )

"This thorough guide to every aspect of the disease in animals is the result of her search for answers."

(Pet New Zealand, September 2001 )

"This book is one to be celebrated, studied, embraced and referenced again and again to help us make responsible, informed decisions."

(Rob Gee, The Critter Exchange, November 2002 )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089281926X
• ISBN-13: 978-0892819263
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,601,716 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book That's Needed To Have Been Written for a Long Time, February 12, 2001

By 

Marilyn G. Putz (Highland Park, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets?: How You Can Protect and Treat Your Animal Companion (Paperback)

Deborah Straw has addressed a problem that has been plaguiging more and more pet owners daily. This well documented book looks carefully at causes, preventions, treatments and very cautiously at cures for the epidemic of cancer which is devastating our pets today. She covers every aspect of the subject and makes her statements credible with references to the many professionals with whom she has consulted. Straw's understanding of this disease and its ramifications is thorough and comprehensive. She deals with traditional as well as non-traditional aspects of prevention and treatment, leaving out nothing. Thereby, she offers the reader a myriad of choices as well as the power to take charge when that dreaded diagnosis is made. As a pet health care professional and an owner of four dogs who have died of cancer, as well as one who has survived the disease, I found Straw's book enlightening and hopeful. It is a book with which every pet owner should be familiar.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST-READ FOR PET LOVERS!, October 8, 2000

By 

Nancy Means Wright "Nancy" (Middlebury, Vermont, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets?: How You Can Protect and Treat Your Animal Companion (Paperback)

Deborah Straw's book is at once comprehensive and compassionate. She has written it, she tells us, "because animals have enriched my life, and because I see our role regarding animals as that of stewards." The work is rich with interviews, poignant case histories, colorful anecdotes, and plain hard facts. It deals with methods of prevention and the emotional history of animals, as well as with treatments, both conventional and holistic. Our pets are dying from cancer in greater numbers than ever, the author allows: from brain and bone tumors, from melanomas, from head, nose and neck cancers. They have fallen prey to pesticides and pollution, to second hand smoke, to high levels of stress, and to certain toxic vaccines--the author's cat died of a vaccine-induced feline sarcoma. And yet, she insists, "Do not consider a diagnosis of cancer as a death sentence." This beautifully written book is filled with fascinating--and frightening facts. Did you know that Siamese cats are more prone to cancer than other breeds of cats? That indoor pollution levels are much higher than outdoor? That clay-based and clumping cat litters can lead to disease and death? That some rawhide chews contain lead and arsenic? That cats have a lower stress threshold than humans? That many commercial pet foods contain rendered, euthanized pets and rotten meat from supermarket shelves? No wonder our pets are getting cancer! Veterinarians differ, the author notes, in the treatment of cancerous animals, but Straw describes all treatments, in full and specific detail. Do we go with radiation and chemotherapy--or with acupuncture, herbs, and hands-on healing? Whatever you choose, this book will give you new knowledge--and hope. I look now at my fifteen-year-old cat Bennie with fresh eyes. Tomorrow I'll make us both a home cooked meal of turkey with brown rice, squash, and clover sprouts, as one vet recommends. Tonight I'll give my cat companion a warm hug.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why is Cancer Killing Our Pets?: How You Can Protect and Tre, June 18, 2001

By 

Mel Bailey (Burlington, VT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets?: How You Can Protect and Treat Your Animal Companion (Paperback)

I recently discovered my beloved Rottie has cancer and this book helped me learn of the many options out there for treatment and how much of a problem companion animal cancer is becoming. It helped me center myself and get a better idea of the directions I could go. This book also helped me understand what to do from here on out, to help all my companion animals so that they live a healthy life. It explained the importance of a good, not overly processed diet. I am a board member of an animal protection organzation and have had dogs my entire life, and even with that I learned so much more from this book. If you love your animals read this book for them, it could change their lives and yours!!!