Book Review: The Holistic Dog Blueprint
Book cover image from Amazon
The Holistic Dog Blueprint, by Vanessa Richie, is an excellent resource book designed for both novice and experienced dog owners who want to add a more holistic routine to their dog’s life.
I was impressed by the breadth of knowledge that the author covered. The chapters were well thought out in scope and intensity, and ranged from general nutrition, exercise, and aromatherapy to also include various other alternative therapies shown to ameliorate specific illnesses.
The charts in the book are easy to understand, and perfect to take with you to the vet when you have a question as to whether a specific supplement would benefit your dog’s health.
I was happy to see that in each chapter of The Holistic Dog Blueprint, the author reminds the reader to check with their vet before starting an alternative therapy. This may often be forgotten when people decide to choose one modality over another. Richie reminds the reader that Eastern and Western medicine work best in harmony. Always check with your vet.
As an alternative healthcare provider for animals as well as people, I was also excited to see a mention of acupuncture, acupressure, sound healing, and chiropractic care.
I have had experience with these modalities as my Service Dogs and other pets have progressed in age. My current SD receives chiropractic care occasionally. My late little ShihTzu, Tiger, received CBD for his cancer. Richie’s book is the first one I have seen that has included CBD as a healing supplement for dogs.
The only healing modality I wish she would have mentioned is Reiki. It is a form of energy work, and would have fit beautifully between acupressure and sound therapy.
Richie leaves the reader with a treat at the end of the book in Appendix A: Recipes for a healthy dog. Again, check with your vet before trying, but cooking for your best friend is a true bonding moment. It may just keep both of you physically, mentally and emotionally healthy.
The Holistic Dog Blueprint is one book that I will keep close, take to the vet with my dog, and refer to often. I hope you can gain as much from it as I have.
Here are a few more reviews and thoughts for you to enjoy.
- My Grandmother’s Hands – Review of an Emotional Trauma Healing Book
- Amazing Women in History – Roundup of 12 Memoirs
- The Cat’s Value – Poetry
- The Tiger – My Favorite Things Essay by This Author
Sue Cook lives in Freeport, Illinois with her husband Randy and two dogs. Her passions include assistance dogs, rescue dogs, music, acting, theater, poetry, and Doctor Who. She’s been in both film and theater and is a regular cast member of the podcast Doctor Who’s Line is it….Anyway? Sue is an advocate for the use of Service Dogs to assist their disabled handlers to maintain their independence. Quigley’s Quest, her first children’s book, addresses how a dog becomes a Service Dog.
