Pets on the Couch
Nicholas Dodman

Narrated By: James Langton

Duration: 8 hours and 43 minutes

What to expect

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.

Genre

Domestic animals and pets, Cognition and cognitive psychology, Dogs as pets

Listen to a sample

“Based on his vast knowledge of animals with behavioral problems, Nicholas Dodman [provides]…an eye-opening book.”

“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.”

“Pets on the Couch may change your mind about minds. This compelling and exciting book will give…pet owners new hope.”

“The fur-and-feathers Oliver Sacks…presents fascinating case studies that suggest animals suffer from some of the same mental disorders we do.”

“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.”

“This book will appeal to dog lovers everywhere and should be required reading for anyone who works with animals.”

“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.”

“Explores how behavior can go wrong in animals…A fascinating read.”

“Tells priceless stories of pets and their psychological and biological causes of their problems, which are all too human. Fun, informative, and surprising.”