Dr. Becker

Reviewed by Dr. Becker

Dr. Karen Shaw Becker is a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian.
sloths slow motion
Special Species

Why Do Sloths Live Life in Slow Motion?

Sloths are highly specialized animals designed for life in the tree-tops. Research revealed that this is a key reason why they, in turn, spend much of their life sleeping and otherwise moving at snails' speed.
5 min read
dog lick granuloma
Dog Tips

The No. 1 Mistake Pet Parents Make with Constant Licking

Does your pet keep licking a certain spot on his body? While you may be tempted to ignore it and hope it disappears on its own, that can be a risky approach. Chronic licking can inflame and thicken the skin and lead to more licking and even a secondary bacterial infection.
6 min read
probiotic supplementation for dogs and cats
Dog Tips

Finally, Conventional Vets Agree These Are a Boon for Pets, Too

They may already be part of your daily routine, but haven't thought of giving them to your pet, too. Now even mainstream veterinarians are giving them the nod, even though holistic vets have been using them for decades. Try them to help keep your pet's digestive and immune system running smoothly.
6 min read
why you shouldnt feed macadamia nuts to your pets
Food Facts

Macadamia Nuts: One Little Nut, One Big Problem for Pets

Poor muscle control, weakness, and vomiting are just some symptoms that could arise if your pet accidentally ingests this tree nut, so make sure to always keep it out of their reach. Fortunately, consuming it isn't fatal, but prevention is still better than cure.
6 min read
benefits of sleeping with your dog
Dog Tips

7 Reasons to Sleep with Your Dog Tonight

If your dog already shares your bed, it may not come as a surprise to learn that dogs can improve sleep quality and benefit health in many ways. But you may not expect the stunning results of a survey of 962 women who compared sleeping with a dog to sleeping with a human bed partner.
5 min read
home remedies for dogs
Dog Tips

11 Must-Have Natural Home Pet Remedies

Many of the day-to-day ails that arise with your pet can be treated safely and inexpensively at home if you have the right tools. Be prepared for that next bout of itchy skin, upset tummy, anxiety, and heaven forbid, an unfortunate encounter with a skunk.
5 min read