We've chosen some of the best pet books to list here. Different books have different perspectives, and that's always valuable. Except for the technical veterinary references, all of these books would make excellent gifts. The books have been personally recommended by pet lovers or are rated very well by reviewers on Amazon.com.  The stars indicate the average rating books received by readers on Amazon.

• The Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice: Diabetes Mellitus. Guest Editors: Deborah S. Greco & Mark E. Peterson. May 1995. Volume 25; #3. Saunders. ISSN 0195-5616. This book is no longer available from the publisher but you may be able to get it from larger libraries (or an inter-library loan).  Brenda's comment: My favorite, most useful veterinary book and it is devoted entirely to diabetes. It is small but packed full of information. I recommend it to all, and it is quite affordable. The last price listed was $31.00

General books for cats and dogs

	The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline by Larry Patrick Tilley (Editor), Francis W. K., Jr Smith (Editor).  Hardcover 1997. Technical veterinary reference book with clear, concise summaries. Might be too technical for most people but I have found it to be an indispensable reference.   Note, this is an old version of this book, but the one used as a reference.  There is a newer version Blackwell 's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline (Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult)
	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook: Pocket Size by Donald C. Plumb. Paperback -  pocket edition 2008. Technical drug book that includes drug uses, contraindications, mechanism of action, metabolism, doses, contraindications, and trade names. I use this book frequently.  See the next listing for a more owner-oriented book
	Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats: Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements by Shawn Messonnier.  This comprehensive guide discusses more than 40 common conditions or diseases that can affect your pet and how they can be treated or improved with natural medicine.
	The Pill Book: Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat Important information about the most commonly prescribed and over-the-counter drugs for cats and dogs.

	Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. Richard H. Pitcairn, Susan Hubble Pitcairn. 1995.  An A-to-Z encyclopedia of common pet ailments and their treatments also features tips on a do-it-yourself pet checkup, recipes for healthier food, sources of herbal and homeopathic supplies, and more. Easy to understand.  Dr. Pitcairn suggests you use the ideas that suit your beliefs.
	The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care by C. J. Puotinen.  Paperback - 300 pages 1998
	Pets Living With Cancer: A Pet Owner's Resource by Robin Downing.  Paperback - 142 pages (April 1, 2000). Dr. Robin Downing, a veterinarian who had to confront a cancer diagnosis in her dog, Murphy, found there was no one source for all the questions she faced. This resulting book is a complete guide to treatment and care. Written with the positive but realistic view that cancer does not always mean death, Dr. Downing asks many questions confronted by pet owners and answers them in a comprehensive and caring manner. We organized this book for ease of use and quick reference to all your concerns, including a glossary of terms common to cancer discussions and treatment.

General books for cats

	The Cornell Book of Cats: A Comprehensive and Authoritative Medical Reference for Every Cat and Kitten. Mordecai Siegal (Editor), et al.1997. Hardcover - 508 pages 2nd edition.  Current medical information that covers the whole range of feline health. Outlines first-aid measures that should be taken before an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Step-by-step instructions on in-home follow-up medical care.
	Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook. Delbert G. Carlson, D.V.M. and James M. Giffin, M.D. 1995 Hardcover Revised edition. Guidance for all aspects of feline care, from day-to-day care to handling emergencies. Organized by signs and symptoms, it also includes information on feeding and nutrition, medications, pregnancy, and a special section on training.
The Well Cat Book: The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care by Terri McGinnis, Pat L. Stewart (Illustrator). Paperback 1996.  Teaches cat owners how to detect signs of illness, diagnose problems, and begin home treatment--thereby avoiding expensive and often unnecessary trips to the vet. Includes over 100 illustrations and step-by-step instructions.

General books for dogs

	UC Davis Book of Dogs: The Complete Medical Reference Guide for Dogs and Puppies. School of Veterinary Medicine Staff, Mordecai Siegal. 1995. 560 pages. Authoritative guide for dog owners, breeders, and trainers. The 43 comprehensive chapters include information on selection, nutrition, emergency care, the needs of older dogs, and more.
	Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook by James M. Giffin.  Hardcover - 548 pages 3rd edition (November 1999). A wonderful reference with chapters on emergencies, worms, infectious diseases, skin care, eyes, ears, nose, the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and urinary systems, plus sex, whelping, pediatrics, geriatrics, and chapters on cancers and medications. It identifies the possible causes, helps you determine the severity of the condition, and indicates what treatments or actions to take to best insure your dog's good health.
	The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog by Wendy Volhard, Kerry L. Brown. Paperback - 294 pages; 1995. Several detailed reviews on Amazon.
	Living with Blind Dogs. Caroline Levin. A Resource Book and Training Guide for the Owners of Blind and Low Vision Dogs

Pet Loss and Grief Support
Our Pet loss and Grief Support page has a complete listing of some wonderful pet loss books.  Some books that are good for children are noted.  The first few books make excellent gifts for friends who have lost a pet.

Fun and Inspirational - great gift ideas

If you know someone who is caring for a "special needs" pet or who has recently lost a pet, this is a nice gift book that you can inscribe. Maya's First Rose: Diary of a Very Special Love  Kosin's deeply moving tribute to the dog he loves for 18 wonderful years. I have this book and it was a very moving story of dedication and love. It would be a wonderful gift for someone you know who was wholeheartedly dedicated to their pet's well-being.

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