Next, Volhard explains the basics of the canine digestive tract and thyroid and adrenal gland function. This is followed by a chapter on laboratory tests and how to figure out if your dogs' lab results are within normal parameters. After this very technical chapter, Volhard dives into the rather controversial subject of kinesiology which is basically a form of biofeedback. If (like me) you're the skeptical type, this will sound like a bit of hocus pocus to you. While I keep an open mind, I have yet to be convinced that with this method one of my dogs can tell me -- through the transfer of energy -- if she has a bacterial infection or needs extra liver in her diet.

Like virtually everyone interested in a holistic approach to dog rearing, Volhard recommends feeding a natural, homeprepared diet. Unlike many other homeprepared diets, the one she recommends has been clinically tested over a 12-year period, so you can rest assured that it is perfectly balanced. Volhard tells you exactly what and how much to feed as well as how to supplement (there are exact charts for dogs of different sizes). The drawback of this diet is that it must be followed to the letter. There is no room for experimentation here. Another problem is that, like Pitcairn's diet, the Volhard diet contains too many grains. Dogs are carnivores, and while there's nothing wrong with small amounts of whole grains in the diet (unless of course a dog is allergic to all grains), several cups a day are simply too much. Less grains and more pulped vegetables and raw meaty bones would be healthier and more biologically appropriate.

There are several short, very basic chapters on herbal medicine, homeopathy, and other alternative therapies (if you're interested in these subjects, you'll definitely want to read more elsewhere). Finally there is a simple but useful reference guide to certain diseases and possible remedies, profiles of all the amino acids in dogs, and a brief resource guide.