Caring for Your Dog: The Complete Canine Home Reference (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

It's always exciting to see a new book by noted veterinarian Fogle (Natural Dog Care), and his latest, which offers a clear, concise text and more than 600 full-color illustrations, is required reading for all serious dog owners. In an opening section comprising fewer than 100 pages, Fogle covers the essentials of selecting a dog, developing a human-canine partnership, and assuring responsible breeding. The remainder of the text focuses primarily on "Diseases and Disorders" and "First Aid and Emergencies." Just about anything average dog owners might encounter during the life of their pet is covered here in chapters organized by body system, e.g., "Hormonal System" addresses pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, and other disorders. There are also sections on geriatric health and euthanasia, nutrition, diagnostic aids, and medical interventions such as vaccines, antibiotics, holistic therapies, and surgical procedures and aftercare. Along with a thorough index, two valuable appendixes-an in-depth glossary and a section on zoonotic diseases-conclude this worthy volume. While UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Book of Dogs: A Complete Medical Reference Guide for Dogs and Puppies, edited by Mordecai Siegal, features similar treatment and organization, it lacks the exceptional illustrations found in Fogle's book. Highly recommended.
Edell M. Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Fogle, a Canadian with an extensive veterinary practice in the U.K., has produced a useful and comprehensive reference for both the public library and the pet-owner's library. Chapters are arranged into three sections: "Your Family Dog," "Diseases and Disorders," and "First Aid and Emergencies." The section on diseases is the most extensive, with chapters covering topics such as nutrition, the immune system, the various body systems, and geriatric health. Within these chapters are entries on specific conditions, terms, treatments, and so on. The text is clear and nontechnical, with a good glossary at the end. There are many sidebars, including weight charts, lists of breeds at risk for particular ailments, and questions and answers. Flow charts for specific processes such as whelping can tell a pet owner when something is normal and when the vet needs to be called.

A good introductory section covers selecting, living with, and training a dog. A thoughtful consideration of euthanasia comes essentially from the Western tradition but acknowledges that for other traditions the decision may be fraught with conflict. The "First Aid and Emergencies" section has a flow-charted "emergency action plan," a suggested first-aid kit, and recommended first-aid actions until one can get the animal to the vet. The section on poisoning covers dangerous household items, plants, and animals. A "Clinical Signs Rapid Reference" can be found at the beginning of the volume and a good general index at the end.

As with all DK titles, the text is liberally illustrated with high-quality diagrams and photographs. Illustrations of diseases or injuries are presented clearly. Recommended for public libraries for both the reference and circulating collections. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st edition (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789489295
• ISBN-13: 978-0789489296
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #640,842 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars QUITE LIKELY THE BEST BOOK OUT THERE ON THIS SUBJECT. , April 14, 2008

By	D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

If you own a dog then you really should have this book on your shelf. If you have only one book concerning the treatment and care of dogs, then this is the one you should own. I wish there were a way to give this one more that five stars. The infomation contained in this volume enhances the ownership of these wonderful animals, can help make their, and your, lives so much better, and can literally save your dogs life.

This work covers everything from selecting your family pet, to diseases, injuries and disorders and what to do about them. There is a wonderful section on first aid and emergencies and absolutely hundresds of tips on the care and treatment of your pet. As has been pointed out, the bulk of this book discusses diseases, injuries and disorders and goes quite indepth in their discussion. The text is quite easy to understand and is not overloaded with technical terms which usual need a different volum just to decypher. There is also a very helpful seciton called "A Successful Partnership" which is suggestions and tips for living with yur dog. Subjects such as training, feeding, lost dogs, care, grooming, etc. are extensively covered.

The photography in this book is wonderful, accurate and fits the text perfectly. I have owned and been with dogs all of my life, actally liking them much better than I like most people. This book, since its publication, has been a constant companion and often used book. I have yet to have a question, not matter how complex or how obscure, that I was not able to find an answer to in this work. Truth be told, there are around 445 pages in this book, and it really should be required reading for everyone before they even think about getting a dog. It should be required reading for anyone who owns a dog at present.

Needless to say, I cannot recommed this one highly enough. It is an absolute must for all dog owners and dog lovers. You simply will not be sory for owning it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for any dog owner (or would-be owner.), March 4, 2004

By	Daniel L Edelen (Mt. Orab, OH USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

As man's best friend, dogs have had more than their share of books written about them. But in a world of throwaway pet guides comes "Caring for Your Dog," an exceptionally complete and beautifully put together book that should be mandatory reading for anyone who loves dogs, or even those merely considering purchasing one.

A classic Dorling Kindersley book, this is a well-bound, finely constructed book with thick pages, clear text, truly helpful sidebars, excellent photography, and intuitive layout of the info. DVM Bruce Fogle writes authoritatively on all aspects of dog care, particularly diseases, with technically accuracy that will not overwhelm laymen. There are even carefully constructed flowcharts for helping in diagnosing illness and attempting first aid.

The sheer breadth of info included in the 448 pages of this book is staggering, but despite this, the book is still readable and interesting for its own sake (apart from merely being a reference.) The section on choosing a dog is helpful for those looking to start out, comparing numerous breeds for their trainability, noise, size and suitability for children. There are training tips, breeding advice, nutrition information, and much more. The largest section in the book, by far, covers diseases and treatment. While it is definitely clinical in its approach, this section is essential for maintaining your dog's health and is quite helpful in pointing out how humans and dogs differ in the diseases they get and how owners need to think along these lines when their pet is not itself. Again, for first-time buyers, there is extensive sidebar coverage of the susceptibility of certain breeds to disease and genetic problems in purebreds. (After reading this book, for instance, I wonder why any first-time dog owner would want a German Shepherd due to the extreme range of illnesses this breed suffers.) Lastly, its recent publishing date makes the treatment info current in a time when medications and treatments change quickly.

In summary, even though too many books get awarded five stars, this book truly deserves the rating. A must for any dog owner or anyone considering the purchase of a dog. Your dog will love you for it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this even before choosing a breed!, August 26, 2003

By	T. McRae (Wallingford, CT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased this reference because I liked its detailed outlines of congenital diseases that affect certain purebred dogs. Having lost two cherished canine companions over the years because of cancer, I wanted to avoid the next time, if possible, breeds prone to such major illnesses. Thanks to this volume, such precaution is now possible. This is a work of major interest and value to serious owners or breeders of purebred dogs, but lay persons can learn much from Dr. Fogle's presentation as well.