Dr. Becker

Reviewed by Dr. Becker

Dr. Karen Shaw Becker is a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian.
stress triggers for dogs
Dog Tips

10 Human Behaviors That Stress Dogs Out

You may do this as a loving gesture, but it can be confusing to your pet. And when you tell your pooch these two calming words, his stress level likely shoots through the roof. Most people think nothing about doing this to a snoozing pet ... do you?
— 4 min read
national mutt day 2023
Dog Tips

Should You Adopt a Shelter Dog With Behavior Issues?

Today is National Mutt Day, and I'm addressing one of the biggest elephants in the room about shelter dogs: behavior challenges. While it's true that more than half of dogs at any shelter may be there because of behavior problems, here's what you need to know about these abandoned pups.
— 6 min read
opossums living fossils
Special Species

The Greatly Misunderstood One-of-a-Kind ‘Living Fossil’

Many consider these critters loathsome, dirty and disease-ridden, but nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, they provide many benefits, as they are pros at making ticks, slugs and snakes vanish. The next time you see one in your neighborhood, I invite you to view it with different eyes.
— 6 min read
cat obesity
Cat Tips

Affects Nearly 2 in 3 Cats, yet Owners Can’t See It

Whether pet owners are just in denial or blissfully unaware, this condition has reached an all-time high of 61% among cats. And that's unfortunate as it raises the risk of diabetes threefold, and increases your cat's risk for malignancy, kidney and heart disease, high blood pressure and blindness.
— 4 min read
canine personality
Dog Tips

8 Ways Your Dog’s Personality Can Change Over Time

There's no question your dog changes physically as she ages, but what about behavior and temperament? Most owners expect their dogs to act the same throughout their lives, but this study of over 1,600 dogs suggests otherwise. Be prepared for these eight possible personality changes.
— 10 min read
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bark & whiskers disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Specific questions about your pet's medical issues or recommendations cannot be answered without first establishing a client-patient relationship with a veterinarian. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.

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