Practical. Accessible. Story-driven.
From the award-winning author of Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog—recipient of the Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America and the Morris Animal Foundation Canine Health Award—comes the second volume in the Owner-to-Owner Dog Health Care series: Decoding Dog Health Speak: How to See and Think About Your Dog’s Symptoms—Illustrated by Real-Life Stories
Decoding Dog Health Speak: How to See and Think About Your Dog’s Symptoms
The second book in the series picks up where Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog left off, looking at the topic through real-life scenarios.
No two cases are the same. One dog’s minor health hiccup might appear identical to a condition demanding urgent care in another. Consider the context. Severity. Other symptoms. How quickly it came on. How long it has lasted. And whether it’s getting better—or worse.
Easy to follow case studies
We are all vulnerable to experience bias—it’s easy to fall into the assumption trap. That’s where Decoding Dog Health Speak comes in. It lets you benefit from the experience of fellow dog parents—68 real-life stories in all.
Instinct is the sum of past experiences. This book allows you to draw from a deeper well.
This book includes case studies covering most common symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Regurgitation
- Nonproductive retching
- Diarrhea
- Straining to defecate
- Appetite changes (loss or excessive hunger)
- Pica (eating non-food items)
- Excessive drinking
- Urination and urinary accidents
- Straining to urinate
- Panting
- Seizures
- Drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Gum color changes
- Heart disease signs
- Headshaking
- Lumps and bumps
- Nosebleeds
- Coughing
- Head tilting
- Bad odor
- Excessive licking
- Shaking or trembling
- Ataxia, drunken gait, or loss of coordination
- Changes in behavior
Whether you’re a new dog parent or have years of experience, this book will broaden your thinking and put you on steady footing. Equip yourself to spot the differences and advocate for your dog’s health.
Decoding Dog Health Speak belongs on every dog parent’s bookshelf
Every dog parent needs this book. Jana provides you with the confidence to examine your dog’s symptoms with clear eyes and a calm plan. Real-life case stories bring the medicine to life and help you recognize patterns you might otherwise miss.
Thorough, compassionate, and remarkably easy to use, this is the dog health book we’ve all been waiting for. Decoding Dog Health Speak belongs on every dog parent’s bookshelf – and on the kitchen counter, in the car, and in your tote bag. If you love a dog, you’ll love the peace of mind this book delivers.
— Dr. Shelby Neely, VMD
It’s a practical guide that teaches dog owners how to interpret symptoms through real-life case stories. It helps you understand what symptoms mean and when a vet visit is necessary.
Yes. The book is written in everyday language with clear examples, making it easy for new dog owners to recognize changes in their dog’s health early.
Yes. The book includes case studies covering dozens of common symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, head tilting, panting, seizures, and more.
No. The book is designed to help you understand what you’re seeing, communicate more clearly with your veterinarian, and make earlier, more informed decisions.