Dr. Becker

Reviewed by Dr. Becker

Dr. Karen Shaw Becker is a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian.
dog cat digestive enzymes
Cat Tips

Why so Many Dogs and Cats Have Digestive Issues

Bad breath, foul-smelling poop, bloating, gas, diarrhea and vomiting, as well as food sensitivities, lack of energy and joint issues can all be signs of this common problem. The good news is, there's an easy, fast-acting fix if you know what to look for.
6 min read
play cats
Cat Tips

One Simple Way to Boost Your Cat's Quality of Life

It doesn't require a lot of extra time, and doesn't need to cost a dime, but it's priceless for your cat's health and well-being. Now there's data to support how it may even enhance your relationship with your cat, especially if she's an indoor kitty. Here are some creative ways to get started.
7 min read
sniffing dog
Dog Tips

Are You Depriving Your Dog of This Natural Instinct?

It's essential for your dog's physical and mental well-being, but pet parents often ignore it - or deliberately curtail it, not realizing it's how dogs connect themselves to their environment. Know that robbing your dog of this natural instinct can lead to sensory deprivation and increased stress.
6 min read
dog obesity
Dog Tips

The Growing Canine Epidemic – Is Your Dog Affected?

Now affecting 59% of dogs and 61% of cats, this epidemic continues to spread – and that's reason for concern as it increases the risk for serious, chronic disease, including malignancy and premature death. The good news is, there are three actions you can take today to help turn things around.
5 min read
meal mix for dogs recipes
Dog Tips

Take the Guesswork Out of Preparing Your Dog's Meals

One of the biggest criticisms of homemade food is it typically isn't well balanced and often misses important nutrients. This fool-proof method removes the guesswork and makes it easy to provide your dog with balanced meals that contain all the vitamins and minerals he needs.
6 min read
litter box mistakes
Cat Tips

Are You Contributing to Your Cat's Litter Box Issues?

Elimination outside the litter box is the No. 1 reason why cats end up surrendered to shelters. Yet, it doesn't need to be that way. We owe it to our feline companions to get to the bottom of the issue before giving up. Discover the six most common litter box mistakes you may be making.
5 min read
homemade food for dogs
Dog Tips

3 Common Mistakes Dog Parents Make With Homemade Food

The popularity of homemade dog food is on the rise, and unfortunately, so are preparation and feeding mistakes. It's easy to prepare an unbalanced homemade meal that can even be harmful if formulated incorrectly. Be sure to avoid these three common mistakes.
7 min read
avocado for dogs
Dog Tips

Is This Urban Legend Making Dog Owners Fear Fresh Foods?

It all started with a misguided 1994 study, but its faulty message has lived on, driving owners to question if this popular, super nutritious human food is OK to feed to their dogs. Even the ASPCA and AKC embrace the myth, despite another study proving its safety a decade ago.
7 min read