Web posted on: Tuesday, May 04, 1999 3:27:00 PM EDT

(CNN) -- Veterinarian Martin Goldstein takes an unconventional approach to healing pets. He believes in holistic healing for animals.

His new book, "The Nature of Animal Healing: The Path to Your Pet's Health, Happiness and Longevity," is a guide to holistic and homeopathic healing for pets.

Goldstein explains his concept of what gives a pet a happy and healthy long life. The founder of Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, New York, he lays out his philosophy on healing through stories about his experiences as a vet.

Goldstein lays out why he believes animals shouldn't be fed commercial pet food, why vaccines are more harmful than helpful, and how acupuncture and homeopathic medicine can help pets. He also touches on the owner-pet bond and how that tie has the power to heal.

Published by Alfred A. Knopf, this book offers practical advice on how to identify and understand a pet's diseases and suggests herbs, supplements and natural remedies for treating them.

Goldstein is a graduate of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

(CNN) -- If you travel, consider the "Mobil 1999 Travel Guide on the Road with Your Pet: More Than 4,400 Mobil-Rated Lodgings in North America for Travelers With Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets." This book from Fodors can take the guesswork out of which hotels allow animals.

Listing pet-friendly hotels, motels, resorts and inns across the United States, the guide uses the standard Mobil one- to five-star quality rating system.

The book also offers tips on traveling with a pet, from taking an animal on a flight to training and health. There's also information on pet associations, emergency hot lines, vet referral data and kennels -- for those times when Fido doesn't get to tag along.