The Nature of Animal Healing : The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat (Paperback)

~ Martin Goldstein D.V.M. (Author) "We live in a society that's riddled with disease..." (more)
Key Phrases: conventional veterinarian, intravenous ozone, adrenal supplements, Smith Ridge, New York, Seven Forests (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

As an accomplished doctor of veterinary medicine, Martin Goldstein is well respected for his 25 years worth of experience in the field--experience he effectively utilizes in conjunction with his expertise in holistic medicine in his new book, The Nature of Animal Healing: The Path to Your Pet's Health, Happiness, and Longevity. Goldstein begins with a broad explanation of the origins of diseases in pets, then moves on to taking action against those diseases, not only offering thorough discussions of specific ailments--including cancer, allergies, and arthritis--and the holistic medicines available to help in the healing process, but also speaking to the "dubious legacy of vaccines" as well as the questionable quality of pet food. Finally, Goldstein turns his attention to the spiritual realm, addressing both the bonds that we have with our pets--and how those bonds aid in preventing and fighting our pets' health problems--as well as dealing with the death of a beloved pet. Goldstein's expert advice, inclusion of inspiring real-life cases, and thorough resource "compendium of holistic books, newsletters, Web sites, veterinarians, and associations" make this book a valuable addition to any pet owner's library. --Julia King --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Responding to an alarming increase in cancer and other diseases in ever-younger pets, Goldstein, founder of the Smith Ridge Veternary Center in upstate New York, offers a vivid and engrossing account of how toxic environment and poor diet are proving as deadly to our animals as they are to us. "Cancer is the far marker, the defining outer limit of how toxic our world has become, and of what those toxins can do to animals," writes Goldstein. Declaring himself one of a growing number of holistic veterinarians, Goldstein outlines an approach to healing that revolves around strengthening the immune system through diet and such holistic healing techniques as acupuncture and homeopathy, so that an animal can heal itself. Describing how he has treated an alphabet of medical problems, Goldstein reveals that the most radical vision is often enacted through small, commonsense steps?anemia requires iron, wasting diseases such as cancer indicate a need for increased protein. Although some readers used to conventional medicine will find Goldstein's views and proposed cures too drastic, the case he builds is exuberantly persuasive and actually inspiring rather than dire, which is not surprising since veteran Vanity Fair writer Michael Schnayerson is his co-writer. Goldstein also acknowledges the works of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, which in this case lends the notorious guru a bit of the author's positive, compassionate spirit. This is a life-affirming book that should interest any pet owner. 100,000 first printing.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (June 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345439198
• ISBN-13: 978-0345439192
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (131 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,920 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #1 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Medical > Alternative Medicine > Holistic Medicine
  #1 in	Books > Science > Medicine > Alternative & Holistic > Holistic Medicine
  #2 in	Books > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > Cats > Care & Health

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

165 of 169 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pet owners, read this book!!, May 28, 1999

By	B. Smawley (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Nature of Animal Healing: The Path to Your Pet's Health, Happiness, and Longevity (Hardcover)

If you do not to read, hire someone to read it for you!! Your pets will thank you.

I lost a cat to cancer two years ago. My feeling that I was somehow responsible for his demise at such a young age wasn't entirely grief related. For instance, was there something wrong with feeding an animal the same old stuff day and night for his/her entire life, often dried stuff at that? If so, what other options were there? And how about tap water? If we the people are concerned about drinking it, what about our pets? Inquiries about diet to everyone, vets included, almost always elicit the same response: do not feed table food or "scraps." Trouble is, most of us just do not have a scientific and/or medical background with which to argue the point. Dr. Goldstein discusses food and tap water and how it affects health in this book.

All that is required for reading this book is an open, active mind and the ability to strive for something better. People who have added lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and, yes, even soy products to their diets know that they feel better, look better, and are healthier. And so it would be with animals. My 3 remaining cats are doing much better after only two weeks on real MEAT, grains, and vegetables. I know my cats so you can trust me on this point. Some people will want studies. Well, scientists have concocted chemicals for making the RENDERED BY-PRODUCTS in commercial pet food appealing to animals via smell and/or taste. But show me a study which says it's GOOD for our animals. Isn't it golden age advertising and hasn't it worked, especially in this busy world!! Incidentally, several natural pet food brands are mentioned in the book for non-cookers.

Finally, I've concentrated my comments on diet (and maybe one or two too many on my own opinions :)) because health starts with food and food is one aspect we pet owners really have control over. However, Dr. Goldstein covers many other topics including vaccines, herbs, supplements, natural remedies, and devotes an entire chapter to cancer. Many of his patients are very sick. He explains why he believes in helping an animal heal itself by treating the disease rather than the symptoms. Feeding real food is part of the process. Dr. Goldstein writes from experience. He even admits he doesn't understand how or why some of the holistic methods work; he's just seen it work year after year. His final chapters deal with the spiritual realm, including our relationship with our pets, and death of pets (choosing when to let go, euthanasia, grieving). There is an extensive resource guide at the back.

I also recommend FOOD PETS DIE FOR by Ann N. Martin. She spent 7 years investigating the ingredients in commercial pet food. If you read that book first, you'll surely want to read this one (or vice versa).

Whoa, did I get ever get carried away here. But I've waited a long time for this book. Thank you, Dr. Goldstein, for writing it.

78 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Introduction to Holistic Pet Care, August 22, 2000

By	Sasha (Southern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Nature of Animal Healing: The Path to Your Pet's Health, Happiness, and Longevity (Hardcover)

While written for the average pet owner who is not familiar with terms such as vaccinosis or nosodes, even those of us who have been into natural rearing for a long time can find some useful information in this book. The section on heartworm, for instance, is excellent. Few vets are even aware of the fact that alternative heartworm prevention and treatment methods exist. Also excellent: the chapters on vaccinations and the nature of disease.
The chapter on nutrition points the reader in the right direction (i.e., away from processed pet foods and toward homeprepared fresh food diets), but there's not enough information to enable readers to formulate a balanced homemade diet for their dogs or cats (Dr. Pitcairn's book is better in that regard).
Dr. Goldstein is not a classical homeopath and some people may object to his use of homeopathic remedies. Nonetheless, his A-Z guide to canine/feline ailments and their possible cures is thorough and full of useful information. He uses dietary supplements, glandulars, Western and Chinese herbs, homeopathy, flower remedies, and occasionally even allopathic drugs. His motto seems to be "whatever works." The chapter on cancer is good but would have been even better if Dr. Goldstein had addressed the important dietary guidelines for cancer patients and survivors.
The book concludes with a wonderful chapter on the spiritual connection between us and our animals and a great chapter on coping with the death of a beloved pet.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This will change your views of the veterinary profession!, December 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Nature of Animal Healing: The Path to Your Pet's Health, Happiness, and Longevity (Hardcover)

I have been providing our dogs with alternative health treatments since 1995. I was fed up with conventional care--too many pills that merely masked underlying illnesses and no real treatment. Our dogs have glowing health and everyone remarks on their vigor & beautiful coats. Dr. Goldstein, because of his successes with cancer & chronic illnesses, has conventional veterinarians quaking in their boots. So much of medicine is run by the profit motive, totally denying the Hippocratic oath taken by doctors and vets. Think of the marketing of pet foods and vaccinations in the office of the vet--two of the biggest money-makers in the industry. It is no wonder those boots are quaking. I implore you to read this book for the sake of your pets' health.