Recommended Reading at Vet at The Barn

Most pet owners aren't aware of the dangers in animal vaccinations that have been discovered in recent years. In this compact, easy-to-understand volume, John Clifton explains the very real risks involved every time a dog or cat gets a shot. The major veterinary associations now agree that vaccinations can trigger all sorts of maladies, from allergies to cancer - but most pet caretakers (and many veterinarians, it seems) haven't gotten the word.
This is an important book for every pet owner to read. In a conversational, direct, non-technical voice it guides the reader in formulating an intelligent approach to animal vaccinations. Clifton lays out all the major issues: whether to vaccinate or not, which shots to give and which to avoid, how to know if and when a shot should be repeated. And, importantly, the risks in over-vaccinating. Holistic as well as orthodox medical opinions are presented. Despite the title, readers are not advised flat out to abandon vaccinations. Rather, they are encouraged to learn about the risks and benefits - and "stop the shots" until they are fully informed.

Learn how to administer proper rewards and reprimands; solve hairball and litter box problems; teach cats to use the scratching post; train cats to come when called; prevent cats from leaving the yard; and deal with shy or aggressive cats. Learn why using a squirt bottle doesn't stop bad behavior; saying "no" in the same sentence as a cat's name is a "no-no", and declawing a cat can end up costing more.

Foreword by Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman (head of Animal Behavioral Department, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Boston MA)

You simply couldn't ask for a better introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine for cats and dogs. In the first section, Dr. Schwartz introduces us to the theory behind TCM. She explains the basics of the Five Element Theory, the Meridians, the Eight Principles, and the Vital Essences in a way that is easy to understand even without prior knowledge of TCM. Section two begins with a chapter on diagnosis using the Traditional Chinese physical exam. In the following chapters, Dr. Schwartz introduces the primary holistic therapies used in TCM: Herbology, Food Therapy, and Acupressure/Acupuncture (emphasis is on acupressure and this chapter is illustrated with color photos of dogs and cats depicting the meridians as well as acupressure points). In section three the information from sections one and two is applied to correct a variety of health imbalances. Dr. Schwartz recommends herbs (Chinese & Western), dietary modifications, nutritional supplements, and acupressure points for health conditions/imbalances involving the eyes, ears, nose and upper respiratory system, teeth and gums, lungs, heart, liver and gall bladder, spleen/pancreas and stomach, kidneys and urinary bladder, large intestine, bones and muscle, skin, and the immune system and glands. It's wonderful to see a book on natural remedies that focuses on correcting the underlying imbalance instead of simply using herbs and supplements to eliminate symptoms

FOR A STRESS-FREE LIFE with a happy, healthy companion animal, no single step is so important as finding the right companion in the first place...An unequaled resource for both pet owner and veterinarian-- here is everything you need to know to ensure the good health, long life, glossy coat, bright eyes, strong bones, alert intelligence and calm disposition of your furred and feathered companions-- from choosing and training your pet to enhancing its life with optimal nutrition and supplements, herbs and homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and other natural therapies

Over 400,000 copies of this treasured classic have been sold since its original publication more than 20 years ago The book that is the definitive guide to a natural lifestyle for dogs and cats is now completely updated and revised for the first time in 9 years. Writing with the warmth and compassion that have won them a national following, veterinarian Richard H. Pitcairn and his wife Susan Hubble Pitcairn, noted specialists in chemical-free nutrition and natural healing for pets, show dog and cat owners how to provide the very best in companionship and lifelong care. They now cover environmental matters, including pollutants both inside the home and out, as well as recent hot-button topics, such as Mad Cow disease, Lyme disease, and the West Nile virus. Theyve updated dozens of recipes for delicious and healthful pet food and treats. With a guide to handling emergencies and an in-depth Quick Reference section, they give specific instructions for preventing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of animal diseases and disorders with special attention to homeopathic, herbal, and nutritional remedies.

From one of the world's foremost authorities on the homeopathic treatment of animals, this book explains an alternative approach for numerous conditions.
Over the past 50 years, George Macleod has treated all types of animals, from thoroughbred racehorses and pedigree cattle to household pets, with great success, often where other forms of treatment have failed

From one of the world's foremost authorities on the homeopathic treatment of cats and animals, these books cover alternative approaches and treatments for numerous conditions.

George Macleod is the President of The British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Consultant to the Homeopathic Development Foundation. He is the author of several books on the homeopathic treatment of farm and domestic animals.

Most people know that good nutrition and proper supplementation together with a healthy dose of exercise are the foundation for good human health. But did you know that the very same is true for your dog? You see, a dog's body is surprisingly similar to a human's in both function and dietary need. Would you eat chemically produced food low in nutrients and high in preservatives as your main diet? Of course you wouldn't! Then why should your dog? Dr. Earl Mindell and Elizabeth Renaghan have compiled years of studies and observations to bring you the most up-to-date reference guide ever on how best to care for your dog. With topics ranging from nutrition to health, inside you'll find out The Amazing Truth About Your Dog's Health

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are not the only cancer treatments. A growing number of clinicians now believe that non-traditional methods-- as adjuncts or on their own-- are viable, "body friendly" alternatives. "The Complete Guide to Alternative Cancer Therapies" presents a balanced and comprehensive overview, replete with hundreds of references to numerous studies of the pros and cons of the standard procedures as well as seventeen different holistic therapies. And the many critical questions patients need to ask before taking up unorthodox treatments are explored, among them:

At what point after diagnosis should I consider choosing an alternative cancer treatment?
What if abandoning conventionality puts me at greater risk?
How effective is the alternative?
How will I find a health professional sympathetic toward me if I want to try an alternative therapy?
Can I make a commitment to an "unproven" treatment?

Poll after poll makes it abundantly clear-- that more and more Americans are turning to alternative medicines. Disillusioned with conventional medicine's answers, they are turning to more "unconventional" treatments. And while he origins and methods of these treatments vary, their philosophies have a common thread-- all attempt to eliminate the disease without killing the patient. In the past, much of the information on alternative therapies has been spotty and hard to come by. Now there is Options.
Options has been written for those seeking a clearer understanding of the alternative therapies used in the treatment of cancer. It covers the full spectrum of available alternative methods, from biologically based approaches to immune-enhancing treatments, dietary and nutritional regimens, herbal and plant-based remedies, bioelectric medicine, and adjunctive therapies. It also includes the latest experimental advances in cancer treatment.
Using plain and simple language, Options accurately-- and without bias-- explains how each treatment works, presents the scientific rationale underlying each method, and provides clinical documentation of the results. The book further examines the myths and misconceptions surrounding alternative cancer therapies from both political and social perspectives. In addition, Options provides important guidelines for choosing as alternative treatment, as well as detailed information on referral services that can help you select the therapies best suited to your personal needs.
To make an informed decision, it is vital to have access to the right information. Options will help put that information in your hands when you need it.