America is going to the dogs. And, judging by the $7 billion we spend each year on veterinary services, and the $3 billion on prescription medicines, we will do anything to take care of our beloved pets. Now there’s a bible that belongs in every dog owner’s home–a clear, comprehensive, trustworthy guide that comes with the same pedigree as the What to Expect books, The Garden Primer, and The Wine Bible. Written by Betsy Brevitz, D.V.M., the resident veterinarian of the popular and award-winning Web site Urbanhound.com, Hound Health Handbook is the first truly readable book on dog health. Dr. Brevitz, a writer and editor before becoming a veterinarian, knows how to make complex issues simple, and how to present detailed information in a lively and authoritative way. Reading this book, with its hundreds of real-life Q&A’s, is like joining a conversation between a smart and caring vet and a community of fellow dog lovers. Organized in four parts–Preventive Health Care, Common Canine Maladies, First Aid for Injuries and Emergencies, and Hound Health Resources–it covers everything from puppy vaccinations to caring for the senior dog; kennel cough to cancer; and even mental health issues such as separation anxiety and canine Alzheimer’s disease. A health checklist for 120 popular breeds tells what hereditary problems to watch for, and the first aid and emergency section offers quick, clear instructions on what to do when something goes wrong. The 100-plus illustrations are both beautiful and informative, and include numerous how-to diagrams and guides.