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

~ (Author)

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

. . . 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. . . . [the] compassionate ending to a well-researched book is, in itself, worth the price. -- Neil L. Mace, Field Trail Magazine, Fall 2001

. . . she also offers evidence in a journalistically sound manner - that environmental factors, diet and vaccines also contribute. -- Steve Dale, GoodNewsforPets.com

An excellent reference for every pet owner's bookshelf. -- Pet Times, March 2001

Straw offers a thoughtful and balanced exploration of everyting from surgery to holistic remedies, emphasizing prevention, cure and treatment. -- Catfancy, April 2001, Vol. 44 No. 4

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

This thorough guide to every aspect of the disease in animals is the result of her search for answers. -- Pet New Zealand, September 2001

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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.com Sales Rank: #806,764 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 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

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.

12 of 12 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" (Cornwall, Vermont, USA) - See all my reviews

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.

9 of 9 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

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!!!