The healing power of pets : harnessing the amazing ability of pets to make and keep people happy and healthy / Marty Becker with Danelle Morton.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Becker, Marty, 1954-

Contributor:

Morton, Danelle, 1955-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Pets--Therapeutic use.

Pets.

Physical Description:

x, 270 pages ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Hyperion, [2002]

Summary:

Modern medicine is now discovering the amazing power of animals to detect, treat, and cure a host of diseases and conditions. There are pets who can sniff out cancers that are undetectable to highly trained doctors with sophisticated medical equipment; others who can sense when their owner is about to have a heart attack, seizure, or panic attack; and many who provide a safe passage in the world for the physically or emotionally challenged. Increasingly, medicine is recognizing the special relationship between pets and people as one of the most powerful weapons in fighting disease and treating chronic conditions. In fact, many doctors are routinely "prescribing" pets for their patients. In The Healing Power of Pets, Dr. Marty Becker, Good Morning America's veterinary correspondent, blends revolutionary scientific discoveries with deeply moving, personal stories of pets and their owners -- stories of people who have learned how to triumph over chronic pain, paralyzing phobias, sedentary lifestyles, and life-threatening conditions. How? Through the unconditional love and companionship of a loyal animal. The Healing Power of Pets shows that the best medicine may not be in the medicine cabinet but could be at your side -- tail-wagging or purring -- if you know how to activate it. To this end, Dr. Becker includes a step-by-step guide that teaches pet lovers how to deepen their relationships with their pets for the benefit of everyone.

Whether you are a senior citizen or one of the 50 million baby boomers searching for optimal health, or a child growing up in a high-tech, high-stress, low-touch world, The Healing Power of Pets is the perfect healing remedy for all.

Contents:

Preface: The Bond

The Cementing of Science and Soul 1

Part 1 The Healing Power of Pets 21

A Healthy Start

The Power of Childhood Pets 23

Untying the Knot of a Troubled Childhood 47

Bypass Heart Problems 60

Cancer Cures

How Pets Are Giving People a Second Chance 78

Chronic Pain

Take Two Pets and Call Me in the Morning 99

Sedentary Lifestyle

A Heart-to-Heart Walk 111

Hippotherapy

Horse Sense 122

Animal Assisted Therapy

The One-Eyed Wonder Drug and Other Animal Healers 134

Assistance Animals

I Get by with a Little Help from My Friend 145

Seniors

Everyday Miracles from the Love of a Pet 164

Part 2 The Pet Prescription 183

Finding the Best Pet for What Ails You 185

Are You Pet-Ready?

Tests and tips to help you define the perfect pet for your health and well being 189

Looking for Love in All the Right Places

How to pick the right dog or cat at the shelter or the breeders using the Tripp Tests 202

Filling the Perfect Pet Prescription

Pets and their role in some major illnesses: asthma, allergies, aging, arthritis, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, and heart problems 211

Part 3 Deepening the Bond 225

Getting the Most Out of Your Relationship 227

Quiz Time: Grading Your People-Pet Bond 229

Health Care Checklist 237

Achieving the Ultimate Bond 240.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [259]-270).

ISBN:

0786868082

OCLC:

47863193