All Hands on Pet! #BookReview

Disclaimer: We received a free copy of the book to give our honest opinion. All words and thoughts are our own.  Some Amazon affiliate links are included.

Today we are reviewing All Hands on Pet! Your How-To Guide on Home Physical Therapy Methods for Pets by Susan E. Davis, PT

From the publisher:

Susan E. Davis has been dubbed “Doctor Dolittle of the PT World,” by Northwestern Medicine Magazine, a publication of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. 

All Hands on Pet! Your How-To Guide on Home Physical Therapy Methods for Pets offers safe and effective actions pet owners can apply through the animal’s entire life spectrum. Information provided applies to multiple species: canine, feline, avian, exotics and farm animals (non-equine).•Includes 38 photos with directional arrows, plus informative explanations in an approachable style•Fills the gap where the demand for physical therapy services for pets outweighs the availability of qualified providers•Cross-references to Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for Animals: A Guide for the Consumer•Prudent tips, techniques, and advice typical of that given to author’s own clients•Real stories of courage from the author's actual patient caseload

All Hands on Pet! is a must-read for pet owners everywhere!

All Hands on Pet! by Susan E. Davis, PT is an amazing resource for those interested in pet health and for those of us who care about providing the best possible care for our beloved pets. The book is aimed at pet parents/guardians as a guide to helping them take care of their pets through all stages of their lives. From kittenhood and puppyhood, right through to old age.

With her years of experience and obvious love of animals, Susan guides you to implement preventative measures with your pet at home in a clear, informative manner with easy-to-follow instructions coupled with clear illustrations. The reader will not find the language and techniques described overwhelming.

As pet parents, we all want the best for our fur-children and so it is important to arm ourselves with as much knowledge on how to care for them as possible. Of course, nothing can replace professional veterinary care and this is disclosed at the very beginning of the book. Any alternative therapy administered at home should be given simultaneously with your vet.

As an animal Reiki healer myself and with a diploma in Cat Behaviour and Care I really enjoyed learning the techniques in this book. As a cat mum and animal lover, I am interested in all aspects of animal care. I also found the resources at the end of the book really useful.

In conclusion, this is a must-read for any animal lover and pet parent and it is a book that will definitely join my other animal care books on the shelf where I can pick it up for easy reference.

Before I go, I have to add that I love that the cover of this book is green. Not only does it match our blog colour/theme and Athena's beautiful eyes, but green is also the colour of healing (we all know how calming it can be to be surrounded by the lush greenery of nature). It is also the colour I visualize when using Reiki on animals.

About the author

Dubbed as "Doctor Dolittle of the PT World" by Northwestern Medicine Magazine, Susan is a licensed physical therapist with over 40 years of experience including both human and animal physical therapy. She is the author of a previous book called "Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for Animals...A Guide for the Consumer."

All Hands on Pet!: Your How-To Guide on Home Physical Therapy Methods for Pets by Susan E. Davis, PT is available from Amazon.

Other Pet Care Books that may be of interest 

BLOGPAWS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

KEEP YOUR CAT HEALTHY WITH THE BEST CAT FOOD - Guest Post by Damir Vidan

What are the ingredients for the best cat food without having to name different brands? Like most domesticated animals, cats are sensitive when it comes to getting the food they need. This is because they don’t have access to the nutrients that they usually get from the wild, or in this case, they are less healthy than their counterparts in the wild. If you were to take into consideration what these wild cats eat, you’d be surprised that they can actually point you to the right direction when it comes to picking out food for your cat. Cat behavior is always similar, no matter the size of the cat. 

So, what are the main ingredients of the best cat food? For starters, cat owners have always been advised to go for all-natural food, meaning those containing actual animal meat and none of those preservative- filled cat foods. Raw meat is what you want for your cat because they contain the nutrients that they need. Raw chicken, beef, and pork are just some of the ingredients of the best cat food that money can buy, and some brands will carry a combination of these three along with other types of raw meat like turkey and salmon. 



But why raw meat in a can when you can buy them from your local deli store? This is because cat foods with these ingredients are specially-formulated, meaning that they’ve been combined with other types of food items that are crucial for your cat’s health. Some contain vegetable bits and herbs that will provide cats with other nutrients that will help with their digestive system and immune system. 



But what if I can’t find them? Well, you can still resort to buying meat from your local deli. You’ll find different ways of preparing them, much like one would prepare a home-cooked meal for the family. Some dog owners even go to great lengths to home-cooking their own dog food for their dog, so why shouldn’t this be the case for cats too? 


Written by: Damir Vidan, Owner @ CatsAdvices.com


Posted by: Marie Symeou
Sponsored post: Full Disclosure

A Guide to Nutrition for Older Pets: Guest Post by Erica Anderson

Recently, we were contacted by Erica Anderson, a veterinary technician and pet writer from Tucson, Arizona, offering to guest post for us. Of course we said yes!

A Guide to Nutrition for Older Pets

Your dog or cat is considered a senior when they are around 10 years old, even though some breeds can live as long as 20 years. However, you need to change feeding habits with the times, similar to the way you would care for an elderly family member. Cats and dogs have different needs when they are seniors, requiring careful consideration of food quantity and quality. Proper nutrition for senior pets gives them a long life with a healthy attitude.

Key Nutrients for Cats 

Look for cat foods that offer multivitamin-packed ingredients. If your cat's favorite brand is not a multivitamin type, consider purchasing a veterinarian-recommended multivitamin supplement. Consistent vitamin intake allows the cat to have more mental stimulation, from running and alertness, for a healthy lifestyle. Instead of sleeping all day, for instance, they want to play like kittens. For skin and coat health, look for ample omega-6 fatty acid foods or supplements. Fatty acids work wonders in the body, providing critical anti-inflammatory benefits to aging bodies, including arthritis sufferers. With its cancer-fighting and healing aspects, fatty acids are a must for your cat's senior diet. Also, add in small amounts of sodium, phosphorus and taurine. All the cat's bodily organs need these nutrients for continual support and cellular maintenance. Find these nutrients in supplements, if missing from a food label.

Critical Dog Nutrients 

Dogs also need their share of omega-6 fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid, helping their skin, joints and coat remain healthy over time. Antioxidants are another key component to dog health, as free radicals are enemies of healthy tissue. These particles quickly damage internal organs without the help of consistent antioxidant intake of beta-carotene and vitamin E. Lean proteins are also a critical component of a healthy senior diet. Although protein may be high in calories, moderate amounts contribute to healthy muscles, supporting the internal organs and everyday movements.

Portioning Food 

One of the largest threats to a senior dog's lifespan is obesity. With a heavy body, diseases quickly set in. Portion your pet's food, based on their size. For example, a small cat or dog only needs between one-half and one cup of food each day. However, older pets have slower metabolisms. You can be cautious and purchase pet food designed specifically for older animals. The food often has less calories, allowing the pet to eat the same volume, but with less calories to burn.

Natural Ingredients 

If possible, offer dog and cat food that has natural ingredients. When you read the ingredient list, most of the listed items should be understandable. Long, chemical-based ingredients do not benefit the pet's health, and may even hinder digestion. A pet's body is designed to digest and utilize nutrients from natural sources. Look for ingredients, including real chicken and vegetables. Animal byproducts, in contrast, do not provide the same nutrition as a real chicken part.

Maintain your senior pet's health with ample food rich in nutrients. Encourage a lot of water consumption, especially during the warmer months. Pets need a constant water source to support bodily functions. Get outside with your pet, encouraging running and playing. Although your pet is not a kitten or puppy, activities keep their body and mind stimulated. A happy and healthy pet can fight off disease readily, allowing you to enjoy your loving pet for many years to come.

Erica Anderson is a veterinary technician and pet writer from Tucson, Arizona. She is an advocate for pet hospice, all-natural foods, and homeopathic veterinarians.