The Nature of Animal Healing : The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat

by Martin Goldstein

The hardcover edition of this book was written in 1999. The paperback was later published in 2000 with the same content. Hence, the copyright year is 1999 and the published date is June 6, 2000.

A pioneering revolutionary prescription for the health and long life of your pets

For two decades, Dr. Martin Goldstein--America's most successful, renowned holistic veterinarian--has healed and helped his animal patients with the same natural therapies that benefit humans. The results have been so astounding that today critically sick pets are brought to him from across the country for a new chance at life and health.

In this compelling, very accessible book, Dr. Goldstein explains exactly what holistic medicine is and how it works. By treating the root of a health problem instead of its symptoms, you too can help your animal to regain and maintain its own health, as nature intended. Dr. Goldstein also shares many remarkable true stories of supposedly terminally ill animals who have recovered to full wellness. Inside you'll discover

- Why our animals get sick, even when we strive to give them the best of care
- An exhaustive A to Z guide of pet ailments--and the best course of action
- Why vaccines can do more harm than good
- The link between diet and disease--and how the right diet can not only prevent disease but reverse it
- How acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, and other alternative options work--safely and painlessly--to restore true health
- Specific guidance for the use of herbs, supplements, and natural remedies
- The good news (and the bad) about cancer in animals--including extraordinary new treatments and potential cures
- Coping with the inevitable death of your pet--both physically and psychologically
And much, much more

PLUS--the ultimate resource for holistic pet an extensive guide to holistic product manufacturers and stores, books, newsletters, Web sites, veterinarians, and associations!

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals, Cats, Health, Green

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 1999

About the author

Dr. Marty Goldstein's Smith Ridge Veterinary Center is in South Salem, New York. He received his D.V.M. from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and has been at the forefront of integrative medicine for pets for decades. He has many cats and dogs, all of which are quite old and healthy. Dr. Goldstein is also the author of The Nature of Animal Healing.

Reviews

[David Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by one of the vets who works with Sophie, one of Oprah's dogs... So you know he must know what he is talking about...
I thought that this was a great book about how to care for your dog or cat holistically, focusing on environment, nutrition and emotions. I love the section on the spiritual connection between pets and the owners. I don't think I've ever read anything non-fiction that addressed that topic before.
The only problem I had with this book is that some of that stuff that Goldstein suggest is controversial and sometimes he owns up to the fact that it is controversial, like his suggestions that vaccines are bad for pets. But othen times he suggests controversial things and doesn't mention the potential problems. For example, he talks about feeding his pets garlic everyday and suggests that readers feed their pets garlic. But garlic is something that most vets reccomend against because it can make some pets quite ill. I don't mind him reccomending it, but I wish he would warn readers of possible pitfalls.
Important reading for animal lovers!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolutely phenomenal read. I usually read books in a day or two, sometimes a week. This book was so dense and had so much great information that it has taken me over a month to finish it and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was informative without bogging me down with unnecessary information or scientific jargon that I wouldn't understand. This book is truly a treasure trove of information provided by Dr. Goldstein on the best way to keep pets healthy in a holistic manner. I loved his book so much that I drove two hours to have my puggle, Baby, treated there. We had recently found out that he had collapsing trachea. It presented as a terrible honking cough that made it extremely hard for my poor boy to breath. We took him to our regular conventional veterinarian. She took some x-rays and told us that the collapsing trachea was very pronounced. She did not believe that we should perform the stent surgery (supposedly the only treatment for such an ailment) as she felt it would only last a year or two at most and there were many potential complications. When we asked her what else we could do, she basically told us that he needed to lose some weight, offered to give us some steroids to help ease the inflammation in his throat, and to hope for the best. My mother and I were devastated. Baby has been with us for seven wonderful years and he is truly my best friend. I don't know what I would do without him. We were utterly distraught. Not even a week after this visit, I stumbled upon Dr.Goldstein's book. I began to read it and knew in my heart that this was the place I needed to take Baby. I called and made an appointment with one of the veterinarians there. By the time we left, I had hope again. Dr. R told us that Baby was many many years away from ever needing any type of surgery and she gave us four different all natural supplements to put him on. She focused on the whole dog, on what was causing the ailment, rather than just treating the symptoms. She told us we needed to focus on getting his allergies under control, as they are what caused the inflammation in the first place. She gave us an arthritic supplement to help strengthen the cartilage in his throat. Now, Baby is acting like a puppy again, his cough completely under control, and with many happy long years ahead of him. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in increasing the happiness and overall lifespan of their pet. Truly one of the best informative books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. This book was truly a God send.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this book almost 20 years ago, it literally changed my life (with regard to my now dearly departed beloved cat, Fred), and I gave copies to everyone I knew that had pets. Because I thought (and still think) everyone who has pets should read it.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book on how to care for our pets holistically. I especially enjoy the information on feeding pets high quality food, including home cooked meals. I also feel that it's most important for people to realize that over vaccination is dangerous to pets and completely not needed.

Although it is more expensive, you can ask for a titer test to determine the antibody levels in your pet for certain vaccines. I just did this for my 1 year old cocker spaniel and he did not need to get re-injected for parvo and distemper.

[Zannyiia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. I read this book because my dog was diagnosed with Mast Cell Tumor cancer in March 2025, June 2025 we had to put her to rest. She was only 7 yrs. Her name was Raven. 😢 miss her like crazy #cancersucks

[Opa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is 20 years old and much progress has been made in the holistic treatment of animals. However, this work gives insight into one of the first successful pioneers of treating animals without all of the drugs, vaccines, and surgeries of modern medicine. It was a very interesting read. We tried some of the supplements he recommends and we're totally blown away about the change in our dogs. In my mind my dogs gave him credence, so, I had to read his book on how it began and how he thinks. The only reason I am not giving him 5 stars is that in one chapter he drifted into spiritual issues of his personal beliefs which he should have kept to himself.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Personally, I found this guy a little hokey... some nice ideas, but too much "miracle syndrome" stuff to be completely believable.

[A W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read, must have! Amazing naturopathic tips for taking care of your puppy/kitty!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book has changed forever how I view vaccines and better vet care for my dogs and my cat. Brilliant.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s an interesting look into holistic medicine but I must admit I wasn’t totally sold on some of it.

[Sweta Gairola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our black Lab was diagnosed with T-Cell lymphoma and a family member had sent me a video link to an interview with Dr. Goldstein. I downloaded this book on Kindle as I was in a highly active state of consuming any type of information that could help our dog regain health. I had been contemplating my own eating and activity habits for months prior. This book gave a perspective on overall health for our animal family members that was not actively discussed with our veterinarian and the conventional method of treatment. The content encouraged me to think more about what we are feeding our pets, focusing on the cause of illness and not just the symptom, and given me a new view on how to approach life not only for our black lab but for myself in general.

[Bill Lucey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I good friend years ago told me the story of his beloved Rottweiler named Whiskey who was saved from near death as a last resort by a veterinarian back in New York. Turns out it was Dr. Marty. He recently passed away and I hope has been reunited with Whiskey the miracle dog. RIP David (BoBo) Pincus.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In depth knowledge to help heal your pet. Although this is not a miracle book, especially if you have a senior pet, but it does give you confidence to try remedies on your own when conventional medicine doesn't work.

[Maridee · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to take what Martin says with a grain of salt, but it had some good information.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A keeper, an excellent resource and go-to guide.

[Mandy Crumb · Rating 3 out of 5]

An older book that still has relevant information on how to holistically provide better care to dog and cat pets.

[Susan Ciliberti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference book for carving for you pet. Half of the book is advice for caring for the animal who is ill. The last chapter about the death of a pet is very comforting.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. I want everyone with a pet or pets, to read this book.

[Andrea Partee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite book for dog health and I keep it in reach as a reference. Having a holistic practitioner for my kids and myself along with self treatment using homeopathy, herbs and food, I hated I couldn't find the equivalent in the veterinary field.

I was looking for something credible for use with the five dogs I had at the time and this book helped immensely. Since Dr. Marty was a traditional practicing veterinarian first, it gives him more credibility for those who still believe allopathic medical treatments using drugs and vaccines is the way to go.

If you read it expecting 'recipes' for treatments of specific dog (or cat) health problems, you will be somewhat disappointed because holistic medicine knows there can be the same symptoms with different root causes. Still, his insight is educational, his suggestions extremely helpful and if you are disappointed with the side effects of drugs and wonder why our pets are living shorter and shorter lives, this book will take the blinders off and you'll have several "Aha!" moments.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another life-changer for my pets. The author is an actual Cornell graduate veterinarian, not some holistic quack. Though he does preach holistic medicine. Thoroughly researched and well-written, this book will make you take a second look at what your vet shoves on your pet unnecessarily every year. Read what he says about those vaccinations. After puppyhood, we didn't vaccinate our dog for six years. A move across country, a plane flight, and several stints in boarding kennels required renewed vaccinations. Two and a half years later, she was dead of cancer. And heart worm? Why would your dog need heart worm pills YEAR ROUND in a climate that's winter six months of the year? Or in a county where there have been no recorded cases of heart worm in five years? They wouldn't. Your vet gets just as much pressure from the pharmaceutical companies as your M.D.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you care about your cat or dog, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book.

Dr. Goldstein provides a lot of information. But, he does a wonderful job at mixing up the medical information with personal anecdotes and stories about his patients and their care-givers. And, it is all really to understand.

The funny thing is that his approach is a holistic one--treating the animal as a whole being. After reading his book, it really all just seems like common sense.

This book has really changed the way we are taking care of our cats. And, I not only see a difference, but the test results for our oldest cat have also improved quite a bit!

[Miranda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Marty as his patients' owners know him, uses a holistic approach to treat cancer and chronic diseases. I was fortunate to have found him when my beloved dog develop soft tissue cancer at 9. With Dr. Marty's treatments and nutritional supplementation, Chance lived another 6 years without suffering a reoccurrence and was his irascible self to the day he died.

There is a great deal of wisdom in this book for pet owners looking to improve their pet's health and quality of life by reasonable means. I also think Dr. Pitcairn's book is invaluable.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for every dog owner as an aid on howto treat your pet before you need a vet and also how to select which type of therapy you approve. How to avoid the tyranny of many vets and dog food manufacturers and decide for yourself the best method for raising your pet. Recognizing the double talk and scams and pressure tactics used upon owners to comply with big business which is not aimed and prolonging the life of your best friend.

I learned a lot and found this book confirmed plus elaborated upon the same themes I have discovered in many other natural rearing books.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because my dog has been severely ill and the more medications I gave her, the more uncomfortable I felt. Part personal anecdote, part scientific study, Dr. Martin Goldstein has profoundly changed the way I view veterinary medicine. I've overhauled both my dog's and my diets, added holistic supplements, and seen tremendous results in both the way I feel and the way my dog is feeling. This book was a game-changer for us.

[Rebecca Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute must-read for pet owners. I got this book when my cat was diagnosed with kidney failure, and it's dramatically opened my eyes about so many aspects of pet health. The chapter on vaccinations is particularly shocking. It's only a shame that it's so hard to find a holistic veterinarian. But that just means as a pet owners we need to be that much more educated and responsible.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My hero.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great learning tool for pet owners. It completely changed the way I feed my dog and holistically look at all aspects of his health.

[Tyra Schutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will change your views of how you feed and care for your pet. Very eye opening and disturbing, but a wonderful reference and a must-read for pet owners.

[Sonia T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opening book to learn about the (natural) health of your pet.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent information, and not overwhelming. Ralphie the dog is already healthier!