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

The pioneering veterinarian and author of the New York Times bestseller The Dog Who Loved Too Much recounts his uniquely entertaining--and poignant--stories of treating animals for all-too-human problems as he reveals his amazing breakthroughs with the new science of One Medicine. The Oliver Sacks of animal brains, Dr. Nicholas Dodman is an internationally renowned veterinarian and research scientist who wrote one of the first popular books to recognize the complex emotional lives of dogs and to reveal innovative ways to help them, including with Puppy Prozac. Now Dr. Dodman once again breaks new ground with the practice of One Medicine, the profound recognition that humans and other animals share the same neurochemistry, and that our minds and emotions work in similar ways. Racehorses with Tourette's syndrome, spinning dogs with epilepsy, cats with obsessive-compulsive disorder, feather-plucking parrots with anxiety, and a diffident bull terrier with autism--these astonishing cases were all helped by One Medicine, which emphasizes the similarities rather than differences between animals and humans. Inspiring, sometimes heartbreaking, and utterly fascinating, Pets on the Couch demonstrates how what we share with our animals can only lead us to a greater appreciation for them--and for our mutual bonds.

About the Author :
Nicholas Dodman is one of the world's most noted and celebrated veterinary behaviorists. He founded the Animal Behavior Clinic at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in 1986. A leader in his field, he has published numerous books and publications on animal behavior science and holds a number of patents for inventions related to the control of animal behavior. He appears regularly on national radio and television. James Langton, an Earphones Award-winning narrator, trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and later as a musician at the Guildhall School in London. He has worked in radio, film, and television, also appearing in theater in England and on Broadway. He is also a professional musician who led the internationally renowned Pasadena Roof Orchestra from 1996 to 2002.

Review :
"Pets on the Couch may change your mind about minds. This compelling and exciting book will give...pet owners new hope." -- "Sy Montgomery, New York Times bestselling author" "Based on his vast knowledge of animals with behavioral problems, Nicholas Dodman [provides]...an eye-opening book." -- "Frams de Waal, New York Times bestselling author" "Easily digestible even for those unfamiliar with medical jargon...incorporates all types of perspectives on the subject to keep the material light and interesting...With heartfelt case studies...Dodman injects empathy into a world where sympathy previously reigned." -- "Publishers Weekly" "Explores how behavior can go wrong in animals...A fascinating read." -- "Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs" "Shows us that the minds of nonhumans can be fully as complex and fertile as ours, and sometimes more so...If, like most pet owners, you know the truth, you'll be cheering." -- "Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, New York Times bestselling author" "Tells priceless stories of pets and their psychological and biological causes of their problems, which are all too human. Fun, informative, and surprising." -- "John J. Ratey, MD, author of Spark" "Tells riveting stories about how and why our pets become troubled and trouble. His answers can be lifesaving. Should be required reading for pet owners." -- "Judith L. Rapoport, MD, author of The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing" "The fur-and-feathers Oliver Sacks...presents fascinating case studies that suggest animals suffer from some of the same mental disorders we do." -- "New York Times" "This book will appeal to dog lovers everywhere and should be required reading for anyone who works with animals." -- "Library Journal"