This book will help the pet owner double-check the advice of cat-and-dog vets they've asked to try to treat their hedgehogs or ferrets. It has other uses for pet owners, as well; the chapters for each animal also contain concise summaries of dietary needs for the animals. For some species, where commercial all-in-one pellets are still hard to find, the suggestions for constructing a balanced diet out of more readily available foods will be quite useful.

Every pet mammal gets mites (sigh). (I will admit to being a mammal and bird person. I have no idea whether reptiles can get mites or lice of any sort.) It's nice to have a book available telling you whether ivermectin is safe for your pet, and which solution and dilution is most commonly used for that species. Seeing what medicines are used for which diseases and parasites also can give you an idea of what diseases to watch out for in your pet. Since almost all dosages are based on weight, the book also serves as a reminder that weighing your pet regularly is an important way to keep track of its health.

Last but not least in importance for the pet owner, this book is less expensive than many other veterinary books, so that if you only have limited resources in which to obtain more information about your pet, this book won't put as big a dent in them as, say, some of the textbooks which include photos of surgical procedures. If you want to be the best pet owner that your pet can have, and be able to comprehend the advice your vet gives you, and discuss choices with him or her in an informed manner, this book is an excellent resource.