Table of Contents

Foreword by Gary Kowalski

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1 Today’s Pets, Today’s Cancer
2 Dogs
3 Cats
4 Other Small Animals
5 Environmental Concerns
6 Drinking Water
7 Nutrition
8 Vaccinations
9 The Role of Emotions
10 Conventional Treatments
11 An Introduction to Alternative Therapies
12 Herbs and Bach Flower Remedies
13 Vitamins and More
14 Homeopathy and Naturopathy
15 Other Alternative Therapies
16 Pet Insurance and PPOs
17 If Your Pet Already Has Cancer
18 Pain Management for Animals
19 Grieving and Accepting the Loss

Conclusion

Appendix A: Resources

Appendix B: Recommended Reading

Appendix C: Glossary

Notes

Index

About the Author

Deborah Straw is a longtime animal, health and lifestyle writer who is based in Burlington, Vermont. She is also the author of an ecotourism guide, Natural Wonders of the Florida Keys, and is a widely published essayist.

Reviews

"The first book to examine the environmental, dietary, and lifestyle-related causes of cancer in pets to assess the full spectrum of treatments--both alternative and conventional. Cancer is now the number one killer of most domestic animals. Readers will discover the many environmental, dietetic, and vaccine-related culprits that may cause cancer in pets, and they'll learn preventive measures that can be taken to safeguard their pet's well-being. Full of knowledge, options, and support, this is an essential resource for protecting your pet."
*The Pet Tribune, November/December 2000*

"Straw's book is a comprehensive examination of the issue, covering everything from the rise in incidence to the emotional distress. It takes up cause, treatment, prevention and grief."
*Green Mountain Bookshelf, The Burlington Free Press, December 24, 2000*

"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."
*Publishers Weekly, Jan. 22, 2001*

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

"She is a very thorough researcher who offers an extensive examination of the possible causes of cancer as well as the conventional therapies and holistic remedies available today. It also provides a wealth of data and encourages the reader to ask questions that they may not have considered previously. Readers will feel better enabled to make an informed choice and more empowered to take charge of their animal's well being. An excellent reference for every pet owner's bookshelf."
*Pet Times, March 2001*

"Maginificently evergreen. . . . It's literally food for thought served with a breezy, unassuming charm."
*Seattle Union Record, December 2000*

"An excellent guide to the causes, prevention, and treatment of cancer in pets. The reader is empowered to take charge of their animal's well-being and become a more responsible consumer of veterinary and pet care services. Offers a judicious and balanced exploration of everything from surgery to herbal remedies, with as much emphasis on prevention as on cure."
*Pets Magazine*

"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*

"The beauty of this book is the wide range of both conventional and alternative approaches to pet health, especially cancer treatment."
*Karen Alene/John Steinbacher, The Challenge, Fall/Winter 2001*

". . . an essential resource for protecting your pet."
*Petagonia.com*

"Straw goes along with veterinary oncologists who indicate cancer is a disease of the aged . . . but she also offers evidence in a journalistically sound manner - that environmental factors, diet and vaccines also contribute."
*Steve Dale, GoodNewsforPets.com*

"The information Straw provides in her book can help us consider changes we can make for our animals to help prevent cancer, and the courses we can take if cancer has been diagnosed."
*Esther Caldwell, Animal, Fall 2001*

". . . 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. It ends with a chapter on grieving and accepting the loss. . . . This compassionate ending to a well-researched and written book is, in itself, worth the purchase price."
*Neil L. Mace, Field Trail Magazine, Fall 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*

"This book is one to be celebrated, studied, embraced and referenced again and again to help us make responsible, informed decisions."
*Rob Gee, The Critter Exchange, November 2002*

“I have given care to domestic animals for over 25 years and sadly, more than half of them have died with cancer. With The Healthy Pet Manual beside me, I feel more confident as I continue this work. I will now be better able to hopefully prevent cancer before it appears and also ease the way for those animals who already have cancer, coming into my family for quality end-of-life support. In this extraordinary volume, author Deborah Straw offers us one of the finest and most essential tools for providing optimum care to the animals we hold dear. I can’t thank her enough for that.”
*Rita M. Reynolds, author of Blessing The Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyon*

“The Healthy Pet Manual is a must-read for those who consider their companion animals family members. This book considers all facets of our pets’ health, including their emotional needs, and thus is a refreshing approach to keeping our four-legged kids healthy. If everyone showed the respect and consideration for animals that Deborah Straw demonstrates, we would not only have healthier animals, we would live in a world free of unwanted and abused animals. Two paws up!”
*Randy Grim, author of Miracle Dog, subject of the book The Man Who Talks to Dogs, and founder of Str*

“I have long encouraged pet owners to learn as much as they can about behavior so humans and pets can better communicate and live in harmony. The same emphasis should be on the health of your pets, including prevention and treatment. Deborah’s Healthy Pet Manual deals openly with the changing world of animal healthcare including the causes of disease, amazing advances in care and treatment, and costs. Her insight is valuable for maintaining a healthy pet and provides a lot of transferable insight into human health.”
*Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis, world-renowned dog trainer and host of the PBS series Wo*

". . . could not, in my opinion, be better presented. . . . spread the word about The Healthy Pet Manual, that we may all help to give the very best care to the animals in our lives, when they are in good health, and when illness--especially cancer, strikes."
*Rita Reynolds, la Joie, Summer 2005*

". . . includes the most recent information about environmental, dietary, and vaccine-related culprits that may cause cancer in our pets and the measures that can be taken to prevent the disease."
*New Spirit Journal, Nov 2005*

". . . a wonderful book, richly researched and written with uncommon intelligence."
*Phil Hart, New York Resident Magazine, Nov 2005*

"I recommend this book to all animal lovers, including veterinarians genuinely interested in staying abreast with the latest developments in treatment options."
*Liz Illgen, Practical Magik, New Age Retailer, Trade Show Issue 2006*

"I cannot praise Deborah Straw and her excellent book, The Healthy Pet Manual, enough, It's a keeper."
*Linda Davis Kyle, The Midwest Book Review, Aug 2006*