Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook and Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

Book review:  The Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook and The Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook, Drs. Debra M. Eldredge, Liisa D. Carlson, Delbert G. Carlson, and James M. Giffin, 2007.

I bought the handbooks around the time that I learned my first dog had cancer.  Since that time, I have referred to the dog handbook too many times to count.  (Any time I write a post about something that has happened to Gracie or Kiki, you can bet I looked in these books for information.)  The handbook is filled with useful, detailed information every pet owner should have at his or her fingertips.

The inside front cover contains an index of signs and symptoms that is very helpful.  The book itself has pictures for certain conditions and anatomical diagrams for others.  I especially like that it describes in details which conditions should prompt an immediate vet visit and offers practical advice for those conditions that do not.  For example, the authors have a detailed explanation of various forms of diarrhea, offer home remedies, and discuss various causes beyond the usual food intolerance.  Yes, it is a bit gross, but that’s life!

I am sure the cat handbook is just as helpful.  Thankfully, I have not needed it – yet.  I highly recommend adding these books to your library.

Rescue Mommy

Essential Books

I have written about this book before. If you did not take my advice and buy it, I highly recommend that you do.

The book is Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook (Third Edition) by Doctors Debra M. Eldredge, Delbert G. Carlson, Liisa D. Carlson, and James M. Giffin. They have a dog version too that you should have in your library if you are a dog parent.

The books are invaluable. I turn to them every time I have a question about something happening to my pets. With my dogs Perdy and Dino, the dog version explained some of the terms the vet used when discussing their conditions. With Maddy, the cat version helped me understand the possible outcomes from all the different problems she might be having.

I am an analytical person. I need information. I need facts so I can understand what is happening, and, hopefully, I can make good decisions not based purely upon emotion. Both books give me that much needed information. I strongly encourage you to add these books to your library.

Rescue Mommy

Kennel Cough

My grandmother’s new dog Brownie brought into her home instant fun, love, and…kennel cough. It is extremely common among shelter dogs. What is it?

According to my favorite source of veterinary information (see below), kennel cough complex is not one disease but a group of respiratory diseases. The complex is highly contagious, hence its prevalence in shelter situations. A symptom is a harsh, dry, hacking unproductive cough that may be accompanied by gagging and retching. The dog may be otherwise fine, without fever or loss of appetite.

In most cases, kennel cough is mild and can be treated with antibiotics and a little TLC. It should be taken very seriously, though, because kennel cough can lead to pneumonia. Be sure to keep healthy dogs away from any dog who has kennel cough.

A vaccine is available for your healthy pet. If you are thinking about bringing a new dog into the family, please consider getting the vaccine in advance. The vaccine is not guaranteed to prevent kennel cough; it lessens the severity. Also, keep in mind that some kennels will not allow you to board your pet unless he/she has been vaccinated for kennel cough.

I am happy to report that the antibiotics are working well. When I saw Brownie on Saturday, he raced around the living room as he played with his toys. Fortunately, he received treatment early and is well on the road to a speedy recovery.

Rescue Mommy

Source: A Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook (Fourth Edition); Drs. Debra M. Eldredge, Liisa D. Carlson, Delbert G. Carlson, and James M. Giffin; 2007; Wiley Publishing, Inc., pages 320-321.