Raising an almost perfect pet does not happen by accident. When people acquire pets, they may not be certain about what to expect, but few anticipate the problems that can result—including expenses, health care issues and bad behaviors—or the emotional investment that comes with a true commitment to another living being. Being prepared, having realistic expectations, and raising pets with desired outcomes can make the experience one to be treasured. This handbook is a complete guide to dog and cat care aimed at pet owners wishing to raise healthy, happy pets and to foster a lasting, loving relationship with their four-legged friends.

Lowell Ackerman is a veterinary specialist, a recognized global expert on pet health care, and a frequent author and lecturer on health care topics. He has authored or co-authored several books, and has lectured extensively on a global basis, on topics in both health care and management. He lives in New England.

Rebecca Ackerman graduated from college with a dual major of psychology and sociology and then pursued graduate studies in psychology, graduating with a Masters degree. She lives in New England.

Lowell Ackerman and Rebecca Ackerman
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 220
Bibliographic Info: 53 photos, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2022
pISBN: 978-1-4766-8607-3
eISBN: 978-1-4766-4508-7
Imprint: McFarland

Authors’ Note v
Preface 1
1. Path to an Almost Perfect Pet 3
Why Own a Pet in the First Place? 4  •  The Concept of Pet Ownership 5  •  Planning for Success 8  •  Each ­­Pet-Owner Relationship Is Unique 11  •  ­­Pet-Specific Care 12  •  Putting It All Together 15  •  Case Example 17
2. Appropriate Pet Selection: A Companion for Life 19
Acquiring a Pet: Check First Before Ever Selecting a Pet 19  •  Pet-Proofing Your Living Space 20  •  Other Considerations 23  •  The Selection Process 26  •  So Many Choices 28  •  Sources of Pets 30  •  Next Steps 33  •  Case Example 36
3. Purebreds, Mixed Breeds and Everything in Between 38
Purebreds 38  •  Hybrids 41  •  Mixed Breeds 42  •  Hybrid Vigor: Is It Real? 47  •  The Big Picture 49  •  Final Thoughts 52  •  Case Example 52
4. Personalizing Health Care for Pets (­­Pet-Specific Care) 55
Why Embrace a New Approach? 57  •  Maintenance Schedules 61  •  Playing Detective 62  •  Predisposition to Disease 65  •  Family History 68  •  Horses and Zebras 71  •  Personalizing Cost of Care 71  •  Letting Go 72  •  Case Example 75
5. Pet Health Care Delivery in an On-Demand World 77
The Veterinary Team 78  •  Telehealth 81  •  Remote Monitoring 85  •  Pet Portals 87  •  Blockchain 88  •  Case Example 91
6. Prevention: The Best Medicine 93
Controlling the Situation 93  •  Controlling Infectious Diseases 96  •  Parasite Control 99  •  Exercise and Weight Management 102  •  Oral Care 104  •  Start with Healthy Stock 105  •  Identification 107  •  Body Modification 108  •  Case Example 110
7. Why Early-Detection Strategies Make Sense 112
Genetic Testing 115  •  Orthopedic Screening 120  •  Specialist Evaluation 122  •  Other Testing 122  •  Do We Need to Test for Everything? 125  •  Case Example 126  •  Case Example 127
8. The Changing Nature of Pet Medications 129
New Types of Medications 129  •  Buying Medications 131  •  Veterinary Medications Versus Human Medications 133  •  Generics and Biosimilars 134  •  Compliance and Adherence 135  •  Drug Resistance 137  •  Nutritional Therapeutics 139  •  Cannabinoids 141  •  Case Example 142
9. Nutritional Considerations 144
Basic Pet Nutrition 144  •  Commercial Pet Foods 147  •  Homemade Diets 152  •  Raw Food Diets 154  •  Sustainability 156  •  Overnutrition 156  •  Case Example 158
10. Mindfulness and Pet Care: Promoting Positive Pet Mental Health 161
Mindfulness 161  •  Stress and Anxiety in Pets 162  •  Reward and Punishment 164  •  Toilet Training 166  •  Socialization and Habituation 168  •  Almost Perfect Meets Fear Free® 169  •  Environmental Enrichment 170  •  Animal Welfare 173  •  Case Example 173
11. Pet Parenting 176
Parenting Styles 179  •  Social Creatures: Dogs 181  •  Social Creatures: Cats 184  •  Succeeding Together 188  •  Case Example 189
12. Pet Health Care Affordability 192
Pet Health Insurance 196  •  Payment and Wellness Plans 201  •  Other Options 202  •  Incremental Care 204  •  Till Death Do Us Part 205  •  Case Example 207
Index 211