Nelson resident and former vet Dr. Andrew Jones’ book Veterinary Secrets: Natural Health for Dogs and Cats has been doing well since it was published this August.
Jones said his book appeals to “dog and cat owners who want to be more involved in their pet's care, and those who want to know more about the array of alternative options for common dog and cat diseases.
“Veterinary fees are escalating, so clearly my book appeals to pet owners who are looking for ways to save on veterinary care.”
Jones said he wrote the book for many reasons.
“In part to clarify what really happened with me-the real reasons I am not practicing veterinary medicine, and the issues with my former governing body, the College of Veterinarians of BC (CVBC).”
Jones practiced veterinary medicine for 17 years before he resigned in 2010 after a $30,000 fine from CVBC for his marketing practices of his online pet care business.
“During my years of veterinary practice I increasingly came to question how pets are conventionally treated, and many of my former Nelson clients were the ones to spark my interest.
"I saw the benefits of using natural, holistic remedies, and there are very few books for pet owners detailing these.”
The heavy book opens with his story of being a banned veterinarian before moving into three sections reviewing health of dogs and cats today, healing the natural way and dog and cat diseases with at-home remedies. A chapter of when to treat your pet at home and when to seek veterinary care precedes brief chapters on healing with homeopathy, herbs, acupressure, and massage.
He officially released the book in the middle of August on Amazon with the goal of reaching the Amazon Best Seller List.
“The initial response was great, and I was fortunate to make it as the Number 1 Best Seller category in the competitive category of pet care,” he said. “In total during that week I sold approximately 1,000 copies.”
It took Jones three years to complete his book and to finally published it.
“It is a long and challenging process to have a published book,” he said. “And my hats off to all the local authors, for it's difficult. In some ways more difficult than being a vet.”
The book can be purchased locally at Otters Books and Coles, and online at Amazon.
Jones will be signing books in Nelson on November 1 at Otter Books from 1 to 3 p.m. and at Coles from 3 to 5 p.m.