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 Holistic Health Guide Reviews Most of us who have dogs in our lives consider them part of the family. We all know how it feels to not know how to help them when they hurt. We have all been in a position where we just don't know where to turn. Even the simple questions can sometimes be difficult to answer. We are fortunate to live in a time when science has made great strides in dealing with health issues for not only ourselves, but our pets as well. We also have the benefit of the ancient wisdom of eastern medicine. With all of these opportunities why just take advantage of one or the other? Dr Doug helps to find the answers. He uses his experience with both Eastern and Conventional medicine to explain how a balanced body, mind and spirit are important not only to ourselves but to our canine companions as well. This is not only an informative read, but an entertaining one.
The focus is, as the title suggests, wholly holistic. Chapters range from natural nutrition, acupuncture and chiropractic to massage therapy, herbal medicine and homeopathy. What I appreciate most about this book (and, actually, there is lots to appreciate) is the very authentic way “Dr. Doug” speaks to his reader. I valued the way he shared his wealth of knowledge in a confident yet unpretentious manner. I liked the fact that he notes some decisions are personal, and that we are wise to take clues from our animal friends. This book doesn’t offer just one “right” way of doing things; rather, it offers a variety of views and many helpful suggestions. In short, this is an excellent guide to help readers extend their holistic regime to include their canine friends, and to understand more fully the huge benefits that holistic health offers to all species. Keila Swan Imagine taking your poodle to the chiropractor for a spinal adjustment. Or your beagle to an acupuncturist who will poke needles into him. After that you might treat Fido to a calming massage. Maybe you think this is a life style reserved for the canine benefi ciaries of Leona Helmsley’s multi-billion estate left to her dear pet, Trouble. Not at all, for as Doug Knueven makes his case in this marvelous book for dog owners, they deserve the best we can provide to assure their good health. A few shots after they’re born and a steady diet of canned dog chow is no way to treat your best friend when he would benefit by holistic natural care. The worst obstacle to achieving canine health is commercial dog food, he writes. And yet many brands claim to offer “a 100% complete and balanced” diet when, in fact, a steady unvaried feeding of them may cause allergies and worse. Labels are often deceptive, he claims, so “there’s no telling what really is in commercial dog foods.” “We start with ingredients that carnivores were never meant to eat, then we strip out all the nutrients with our processing, and finally we sprinkle in some synthetic vitamins and supplements to try the balance the obvious deficiencies,” says Dr. Knueven. So what should they eat? Raw meat (not pork or venison), bones, shredded fruits and vegetables, and organ meat would be preferable. Chicken bones should be ground up to avoid choking. Some veggies are better than others, and a few such as onions should be avoided. The same with fruits, but his book provides details aplenty for offering healthful alternatives to canned dog food or common kibbled chow. Looking beyond feeding, this health guide is exhaustive in its treatment of all aspects of caring for dogs, from the vaccines to prevent diseases to herbal medicines, and even homeopathic remedies. Some more exotic holistic therapies are covered as well, such as aromatherapy: Lavender oil can ease carsickness, and lemongrass may speed healing of injured joints when rubbed on the animal. Craniosacral therapy, Bach Flower remedies, energy healing, Reiki and other holistic techniques may all be applied, preferably by a specialist, with positive results, the author explains. As for chiropractic, since 1985 veterinarians have been taking a 180-hour course to qualify as a veterinary chiropractor. Now there are hundreds of certified chiropractic vets, including the author, who have organized the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. “Proper alignment and functioning of the spine is crucial for canine health,” he asserts. “Chiropractic is the ‘backbone’ of holistic healthcare.” Dr. Knueven has given every pooch owner a wise and thoroughly absorbing guide for rendering unto man’s best friends the best we have to offer to protect and preserve their vitality. It is also beautifully designed, with the most endearing photos of playful puppies and mature four-legged pals, a book that’s gone to the dogs in the best way. A. Robert Smith It's comprehensive, easy to understand, with lots of illustration of the health and healing principles and techniques. Everyone will wish Dr. Doug could be their vet! Susan Lendvay
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