I honestly didn't want to read this book. I have been interested in alternative food choices for my animals and have read several books on the topic - most of the advertising their "brand". Thought this would be another one. I read a few pages- put it down - then thought if give it one more shot.
I'm so glad I did! Not only was it not an advertisement - I learned so much!! One of the big things was to learn to trust myself when dealing with my pets. I've had many horrible run ins with medical doctors and veterinarians and always felt afterwards that I should have listened to my inner voice. Dr. Marty confirmed this.
I am taking several things from this book and researching further! My pups are already enjoying their home cooked meals and say thanks Dr. Marty!

Though I haven’t read Dr. Goldstein’s first book, The Nature of Animal Healing: The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat, I can already say that I’m glad there was a follow-up book. The Spirit of Animal Healing is bound to have lots of new information, since the science of medicine is advancing daily, as well as holistic procedures.

The book covers so many interesting things. To be honest, I felt that some information was easy to comprehend, while other things were somewhat over my head. But I still enjoyed reading and learning.

I’m always a fan of alternative treatments and ways to possibly prevent disease. When Goldstein talked about acupuncture and dog food, I quickly perked up. Both very interesting topics.

I wish more Vets were trained in holistic medicine and that as pet owners we had more information available regarding healthy food for dogs. Marty Goldstein addressed so many topics in a way that the subject never felt dry. I found myself scurrying through the chapters with great interest.

My appreciation to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Essentials for an ARC and the ability to post my opinion.

I must admit, after reading the introduction to this one, I had to pause and look to see if I had Dr. Marty's first book already on my shelves, because a lot of this felt so familiar. But, it turns out that this is my first experience with him! Some readers may be familiar with Dr. Marty through his appearance on Oprah or from his SiriusXM show on Martha Stewart's channel - or even from his own pet products. This book, though, references the fame that Dr. Marty has achieved, but it's not the focus of the book - nor does this feel like an extended informercial to push his own line of products. He outlines his own tenets for healthy pets - revised and updated from his 1999 book. It sounds like there is some overlap between the two volumes, but I think that this will feel more relevant and modern - as it is written in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and makes direct references to that in several places.

Dr. Marty is pro-raw food for pets with some home cooking as well and he errs on the side of caution in regards to vaccines. The book is an interesting read with some miraculous sounding anecdotes - though some may find equal amounts of awe in how much wealthy clients have spent on private jets for pets, attaining foreign equipment and foods for their well-being. It's also the first time that I have heard of a vet buying a pet from an actual pet store and not an adoption event! So, I think some may not be as impressed with this one. But, I do think that a holistic approach to health makes sense for many pets. I had hoped that he would have gone into even more detail into the supplements. We have a now senior dog and we have been giving him vitamins for years - so I wanted more from that angle. It would have also been nice to have some more down-to-earth examples of caring for pets, as not everyone has access to a private jet in the case of an emergency.

One of the takeaways from this book, after reading thru it, was basically you, the pet owner, need to decide what is best for your pet. The author does not like vaccinations but loves supplements. This type of attitude reminds of those who are anti-vax for human beings. Supplements can take you so far but it vaccines help to prevent illness in your pet when they interact with other animals. I would take his advice with a grain of salt, as the saying goes.

The Spirit of Animal Healing
By Marty Goldstein

Dr Marty Goldstein delivers another winning book for our most beloved animals, our fur babies, our family. I loved the stories, and how the information was delivered in very understandable and enjoyable read about how we can keep our animals healthy and living longer and healthier lives. Complementary and alternative medicines are included in this book which I find fascinating to read the about on the latest integrative medical knowledge masterfully delivered by someone like Dr. Marty and his over 45 years of experience. He has so much to share with the readers and the way the book was written and the delivery of information is what I really enjoyed the most.

This book is not only a wonderful guide for pet owners on what to do when something goes awry but its focus on prevention of diseases and chronic illness is quite fascinating and very important to read about. I feel that any pet parent should read this book. This would also make a great gift for pet owners new and old. There will always be something to be learned from this book that can help save our pets' lives and help them live healthier and longer.

This book is truly fantastic and one I highly recommend.

Thank you St. Martins Essentials for the gifted book. All opinions are my own

Dr. Goldstein shares with us his 45 plus years in veterinary practice and the latest integrative medical knowledge about animals. He provides insights into treating and healing our pets in the least invasive ways. Animal medicine has changed so much that I truly appreciate the options and information offered about vaccinations, diseases, & treatments for our pets! Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for a gifted copy. This is my honest review.

Integrative Medicine for Your Pet

People with pets want the best for them, but sometimes it seems like you spend quantities of money and don’t improve your pet’s health. This book gives some reasons why.

Food is a main reason pets don’t thrive. I have read other books about the lack of quality in pet food. Dr. Marty’s solution is more raw food for your pet. I have a friend who worried that her pets might not thrive because she was cooking food for them rather than giving expensive dog and cat food. The opposite is true. Her pets have shiny coats, resist disease and even in old age are playful.

Another problem of modern medicine is vaccines. Dr. Marty points out that vaccines should not be one size fits all. The weight of the animal should indicate how much is required. Another caution is that vaccines may be given too often. Immune systems need a chance to develop protection on their own.

I highly recommend this book if you love your pet. Whether you’re already a fan of holistic medicine of not, this book will make you think. My only reservation about the presentation is that is sometimes becomes repetitive. However, since Dr. Marty has good things to say, they probably bear repetition.

I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.

I've had dogs and cats in my life since the day I was born and as an adult pet parent I followed all of the rules of vaccinations and food, etc. Most of them lived to a ripe old age but I always felt that something was missing in the care that was being offered. Food first and foremost. I was sure it wasn't people grade. I worried about side effects of those vaccinations, too. But it was hard to find alternatives. After reading Dr. Goldstein's book I now feel like I have a whole new arsenal at hand for the care of any future furbabies.
As I was reading this a friend had a terrible health scare with two of her cats, due to an OTC vet med - glad to say both will recover - but this is one book I want her to read. I won't stop taking my vet's advice but I will be asking a whole lot more questions and seeking out alternative treatments to try in conjunction to standard, conventional care. I will certainly suggest that my friends add this book to their to be read list.
My thanks to the publisher, St. Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A Wealth Of Information For Keeping Your Pets Healthy

I thought I had already read all the information available on pet health. This book proved me wrong. There is a wealth of information here, presented in a logical and easy to understand format. Having lost one pet to cancer 25 years ago and another to uncontrollable seizures 13 years ago, I have embraced a raw diet and healthy treats for my now 10 year old rescue dog. Cisco still thinks he is a puppy, running and playing and “protecting” us from people who ring our doorbell or just walking by on the sidewalk out front. After reading The Spirit of Animal Healing, however, I realize there is much more I can do to assure he will remain healthy for many years to come. Years that we will enjoy together in good health.

If you love your pets you will want to learn about all the ways you can contribute to their well-being that haven’t been revealed to people outside the industry before now. There are tips to help you recognize when your pet is in trouble as well as a world of information to help you head off problems that could be lurking in the future.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and author Marty Goldstein for an advance copy of the valuable information in your book.

Interesting, informative, and written so as not to be boring. Very useful and knowledgeable book. Not something I usually read but I did appreciate the knowledge I acquired. I would definitely recommend for anyone who loves their animals. I was given this book to read and this is my voluntary, honest review.

I found this book really helpful and important, we adopted a senior dog recently, and this book was just what I needed. For pet owners this is a must read, I loved his perspective on healing.

Thank you St. Martin’s Essentials for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

http://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeepleasemx

Dr. Marty Goldstein’s The Spirit of Animal Healing is a good resource for any animal lover. Dr. Goldstein questions everything in modern veterinarian medicine including vaccinations. While I can’t say that I agree with everything Goldstein presented, it is always good to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible.

Dr. Goldstein touches on the current hot topic of the lack of control and oversights in the pet feed industry. The topic never ceases to shock me. Unfortunately, he doesn’t offer up any DIY suggestions for preparing food for your pet. The topic I appreciated most was nutritional supplements for your pets. It was very interesting to learn about the various supplements you could give your pet and how it improved their health. Some of the information mirrored a book I recently read about human gut health!

From high-dose vitamin c to an elixir made of mushrooms, Dr. Goldstein promotes homeopathic medicine for both humans and their pets. His passion on the topic is evident in his extensive research. I loved that he referenced ancient remedies and holistic and ayurvedic medicine.

Dr. Goldstein casts a practiced eye on the health and wellness of dogs in this comprehensive veterinarian knowledge based book for small animals. It is an enlightening look into the cloistered profession of veterinary medicine and some of the prejudices Dr. Goldstein had to overcome.

Holistic medicine has been around for thousands of years. Herbal healing and acupuncture are also thousands of years old. However, the re-introduction of these practices for animals was met with the same prejudices and resistance as they were in human medicine. The book alludes to these problems often. We really are what we eat.

The introduction of healthy diets and abstinence from genetically modified organisms is enlightening. The changing of an animals’ diet can sometimes reduce or actually eliminate tumors and other maladies of the animals being treated. Heavy metals and other results of our mechanized civilization adversely affects the well being of many animals.

Through the efforts of the worlds’ veterinarian associations, the identification of these problems and in many cases their elimination is directly sourced to vigilant practicing doctors in these fields. Doctor Goldstein is one of the doctors who works to identify and halt bad practices. Instructive and informative—and recommended. 4.5 stars - CE Williams

I'm giving Dr. Goldstein 2 stars because he is sincere in his beliefs, and does make a strong case for "integrative" veterinary medicine which combines traditional "Western" protocols that often include invasive surgeries and drugs that have side effects almost as bad (or worse) as the disease they are designed to treat, and "alternative" therapies like acupuncture, diet, and supplements. I do share some of his beliefs, especially regarding the consequences of over vaccinating our pets. However, I take strong offense with his statement: "Disease is not something that just happens to you or your animal companions, but something that you allow to happen, either consciously or unconsciously." This "principle" was included in his previous book The Nature of Animal Healing, and is repeated in The Spirit of Animal Healing. Our golden retriever was diagnosed with pancreatitis at six months after drinking some contaminated water. We manage this with a strict diet, probiotics, and vitamin B-all things touted by Dr. Goldstein. Neither our golden or my husband and I-we would take a bullet for our beloved dog-consciously or unconsciously allowed this to happen. She's a puppy and did what puppies do-eat and drink whatever they find. I think of all the bablies and young children with cancer or other life threatening diseases. They "allowed" it to happen?? Really??? For this reason I cannot recommend The Spirit of Animal Healing.

I had not read Dr. Marty's previous work, so this was my introduction to his integrative practice of veterinary medicine. I appreciated the discussion of how he came to explore the various methods used in his clinic such as acupuncture, nutraceuticals (nutritional supplements), magnetic wave therapy, etc. Since I have friends who have used magnets in treating fibro myalgia and supplements for conditions from arthritis to acid reflux, I know that surgery and standard prescriptions are not the only ways that can be used to improve health. And I have heard of holistic and integrative vets, but have not seen firsthand how they use the various approaches for treatment.

Dr. Marty includes plenty of examples from his practice to illustrate how increasing vitamins or minerals for various patients helped to clear up stubborn issues, or how he was willing to try the Magna Wave himself before offering it to his animal patients. There are also short articles/essays by other experts that he has consulted or worked with to explain how they developed their approach and shared it with him.

If you are looking for a different way to care for your fur babies and appreciate less processed food, holistic treatment, and trying to rebalance the natural systems within your animal friend's body - then you should read this book and get some pointers on where to look for more information about products to try and finding practitioners in your area. The discussion on the lack of quality nutrition in pet food is probably worth the price of the entire book, and that is just one section within all the information presented.

This is Dr. Marty's second book, the first being written in 1999. Overall, I thought the book was ok. He has obviously had a very interesting life, treated some challenging cases, and met some interesting (and famous) people. I felt like this book was almost more of an autobiography as it seemed like there were more stories about his patients and his life than there was information about what he's found to work. It's interesting that many of the stories that he shared usually involved extremely rich pet owners with private jets and unlimited budgets for treatment. That is not something that the average pet owner can relate to. I was hoping for more specific suggestions on promoting health and well-being in our companion animals (he did suggest titers once your pet before vaccinating and also made some general suggestions about feeding). While I have many reference books in my pet health library that I refer back to, I don't foresee the need to refer back to this one.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing a copy for my unbiased review.

Being a dog owner, I’d like to think that my Vet has the correct answer for everything. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my vet! But I also know there are many different ways to solve problems and no one way is the right way.

As the owner of 3 dogs, one 11-year old Shih-tzu, one 3-year old Golden Retriever and one 3-year old rescued German Shepard mix, it’s easy to see that all dogs have their own varied health requirements and what works for one dog almost never works for all 3! <<SIGH>>

I loved that the focus of this book is on healing and that much of that has to do with love, overall wellness, love, nutrition, love and supplements. Oh yeah, and love. That’s the best place to start, isn’t it? While the title references spirit, I didn’t directly find that in the writing. However, I was often reminded of how important it is for the body to work together, to find it’s balance, and to me that is the spiritual reference Dr. Goldstein may be referencing without placing the human elements of spiritualty into a dog’s universe.

The part I didn’t love was the huge focus on Big Pharma being the Big Bad Wolf. I agree that there is a problem with cancer being on the rise for our beloved pets. I have a Golden and I know that cancer rates have been on the rise with that breed for years now and that’s really scary. But I don’t think that all comes from vaccinations or medicines. So some parts of the book I did have to take with a grain of salt.

Overall, this is a very interesting and important read for dog owners and I highly recommend it.

375 pages

3 stars

This is an interesting and useful book. I enjoyed reading about the alternative ways in which we can help our pets be healthier and happier.

There were many side trips into knowledge that I did not find useful, however. There were some repetitive areas from Dr. Marty's earlier books. I glossed over those pages.

I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Essential for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read and review. The opinions here are my own.

I found this book incredibly interesting. I have been integrating holistic practices into my life as well as that of my beloved pets for years. I use it in combo with traditional medicines and treatments as needed because I don’t believe all or nothing works either way. This provides a lot of information and that can help to educate even the most skeptical. There is so much we can control with food, supplements and treatments that can help to keep our beloved fur family members safer, healthier and for much longer than if we only follow what has been traditionally taught in schools. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves their furry family members. It may not all be for you, but little steps at a time can only serve them well. This was well written, well thought out and offers some wonderful suggestions and ideas of how to best serve our pets. I know my sweet girl is going to benefit from some of these ideas.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity of reading and reviewing this wonderful book. If you are thinking of getting a puppy or if you already have a dog this book is a must-read. I have had dogs my whole life and much of what Dr. Goldstein talks about I have wondered about. Vets in my area don't understand much of this. It seems like as the dog owner you are always questioning if such and such are really needed for the health of your beloved pet. For my own health, I have used homeopathic meds for colds and small things. I am not against conventional Doctors. I just feel over-medication is a dangerous thing. I feel the same way for my furry friends. Thank you Dr. Goldstein for writing this book giving me a voice for my dog.