Pets on the Couch: Neurotic Dogs, Compulsive Cats, Anxious Birds, and the New Science of Animal Psychiatry

Veterinary behaviorist Dodman (The Dog Who Loved Too Much), founder of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University, constructs a compelling and succinct case for "one medicine," a revolutionary approach to veterinary care based on the idea that animals and humans have a similar biology and can mutually benefit from medical discoveries among all types of species. The discussion presented is easily digestible even for those unfamiliar with medical jargon and incorporates all types of perspectives on the subject to keep the material light and interesting. The science of genetic testing is mixed in with stories of concerned pet owners. Logical, well-explained links are created between the psychiatry in animals and humans. Dodman overstates his case and the narrative gets repetitive, but the passion that Dodman puts into his work shines through these shortcomings. Filled with heartfelt case studies of autistic dogs, cats with Alzheimer's disease, and horses with Tourette syndrome, among others, Dodman injects empathy into a world where sympathy previously reigned. (Aug.)