Book Reviews
“Your Dog’s Golden Years is an essential read not just for anyone who owns a senior or geriatric dog, but anyone who owns a dog. It is a wonderful blend of traditional and complementary care for dogs, with an eloquent explanation of the science and rationale behind many tests and treatments for aging dogs. Often times pet caregivers experience an ‘information overload’ when their pet is diagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal illness. ‘Golden Years’ is the perfect reference to explain and inform caregivers of what their dog may be experiencing in the present or near future. This book should be in the waiting room of all veterinary practices!”
Marti Drum DVM, PhD, CCRP, CERP Clinical Assistant Professor, Small Animal Physical Rehabilitation - University of Tennessee, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Your Dog’s Golden Years, edited by Jennifer Kachnic, CCMT, CRP, fills a long-standing need for owners of elderly canines. Chapters are written by specialists in various aspects of canine care.
The book is thorough, starting with the basics: benefits of adopting a senior dog, senior nutrition, supplements useful for seniors, bloodwork and other basic information with an emphasis on the senior dog, and dental care. A chapter describes how older dogs think and feel, which is very different from young puppies.
In addition, it addresses the special problems of seniors, including common medical conditions, with a discussion of what can be done for them. As chronic diseases these are often very responsive to complementary techniques such as acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs, aromatherapy, and physical therapy. There is a chapter on each one of these modalities.
And finally, there is a discussion of end of life issues. Hospice care and euthanasia are discussed, as well as a chapter on dealing with your own feelings after an older pet’s death.
This book is ideal for anyone owning a dog: sooner or later your dog will be in the senior category, and this reference covers major categories that you will need to know.
Dr. Nancy Scanlan is the executive director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. Prior to her current position, she used holistic veterinary medicine for 16 years in Sherman Oaks, California.
Your Dog’s Golden Years is a well written, thoughtful and comprehensive guide to taking care of your furry friends as they age.
This outstanding book will help dog parents ensure that their companion is happy and as comfortable as possible through their senior years. Kudos to Jennifer Kachnic and the other authors for compiling such a complete resource guide for dog parent’s everywhere. A must read.
Jennifer Brauns, Publisher of Mile High Dog Magazine
Dogs get better as they get older, but like their human companions, they slow with age – and then they leave us all too soon. Jennifer Kachnic and the 17 experts in this book offer hundreds of solutions for dozens of problems that affect older dogs. With up-to-date treatments like lasers, ancient and modern remedies from medicinal plants, laboratory test guidelines for elderly patients, hands-on healing techniques, “old dog” training tips, senior nutrition, strategies for dealing with end-of-life decisions, and helpful advice for caregivers, Your Dog’s Golden Years is truly comprehensive. No matter how much you know about canine health and behavior, you’ll learn something important and your best friend will benefit for years to come.
CJ Puotinen, author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats