Dr. Becker

Reviewed by Dr. Becker

Dr. Karen Shaw Becker is a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian.
death penalty for poachers
Special Species

Kenya Announces Death Penalty for Poachers

Iconic species like elephants and rhinoceros are prime targets for poachers looking for ivory tusks or rhino horns. To protect the threatened species, poachers already face steep fines and jail time in Kenya. Now, an even steeper sentence has been announced in the country: the death penalty.
— 5 min read
indoor only cats
Cat Tips

Are You Depriving Your Indoor-Only Cat of a Natural Life?

Not everyone agrees that indoor-only living is the ideal situation for cats, as cats have not been selectively bred to be indoors 24 hours a day, and many don't adjust to living in close contact to people. Be aware of the 10 risks cats face when living entirely indoors, and a practical compromise.
— 6 min read
dog general anesthesia guidelines
Dog Tips

Dog Breeds That Need Extra TLC When Facing Surgery

Some breeds face additional risks with surgery. They take longer to recover and face risks other breeds don't have. Serious risks, like heart disease, medications accumulating in their brain, breathing problems, and more. What to know before your dog goes under the knife.
— 6 min read
non-chemical ways to repel fleas and ticks
Dog Tips

8 Effective Non-Chemical Ways to Repel Fleas and Ticks

While I only recommend using chemical flea&tick preventives sparingly, if at all, it doesn't mean you & your pet have to live with annoying, disease-transmitting pests. After this No. 1 rule to help fortify your pet's immune system, here are my nontoxic options for keeping pests away from your pet.
— 6 min read
dog nail trimming
Dog Tips

Don't Outsource This, Your Pet Prefers This Home TLC Version

It need not be a dreaded 'avoid at all cost' chore - even if you or your pet are plagued by bad memories. Do as I did with my Rosco - and it may be so quick and nearly pleasant that your pet won't have time to stress out. And that TLC would be an extremely rare gem anywhere else.
— 5 min read
Nancy Gordon - pet grief counselor
Interviews

Anticipating the Passing of Your Pet

It's not uncommon to feel anxious and depressed when thinking about your pet's impending death. Find out how to pass through anticipatory grief to truly serve your pet.
— 8 min read
pumpkin and ground turkey for pet diarrhea
Dog Tips

Even Better Than Hamburger and Rice for Loose Stools

Should you offer your dog food during bouts of diarrhea, and if so, which ones are best? Many veterinarians prescribe bland foods like beef and rice, but I recommend two other foods that do a better job of soothing irritated bowels and delaying gastric emptying to help stop loose stools.
— 6 min read
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