Dr. Becker

Reviewed by Dr. Becker

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

The Most Intense Healing Food You Can Make at Home

Bone broth is good for a host of issues, and especially for picky eaters or aging pets. While this nutrient-rich superfood is easy and inexpensive to make at home, keep in mind it may not be for every pet, especially those with this type of systemic inflammation.
— 4 min read
puppy teething
Dog Tips

How to Survive Your Puppy's Teething Process

At this age, your puppy will start losing baby teeth and grownup teeth will begin to erupt. In the process, no surface is off limits for his robust teething. He'll chew your furniture, shoes and anything else in his reach. Here's what you need to know about your puppy's teething.
— 5 min read
dewclaws on dogs
Dog Tips

The Barbaric Cosmetic Procedure Your Dog Can Live Without

Unfortunately, the American Kennel Club (AKC) still considers this an acceptable practice in some breeds, yet it's not unlike removing your pet's thumbs. They're essential for traction and stabilization, and removing them is an unnecessary, painful procedure.
— 4 min read
declawing your cat
Cat Tips

One of the Worst Things You Can Do to Your Cat

There's absolutely no benefit of this to your cat. Done solely for human convenience, owners don't often realize the potential risks to their pets, such as developing chronic pain and nerve damage, and the surgical risks of stroke, cardiac arrest and even death.
— 4 min read
canine vaccination
Dog Tips

Why I Don't Recommend Non-Core Canine Vaccines

The American Animal Hospital Association recently issued a new set of canine vaccine guidelines, but I prefer to apply a different approach that takes into consideration these five criteria. If you do vaccinate your pup, be sure to request this homeopathic vaccine detox.
— 5 min read
pet hospice
Dog Tips

7 Things to Consider at the End of Your Pet's Life

How do you know when it's time to say goodbye? As pets get older, the human-animal bond gets stronger, so it only becomes more difficult to make that final decision. This 7-point scale can help you know when it's time to stop asking your pet to bear the burden of living and unbridle his body.
— 6 min read
national rescue dog day
Dog Tips

The Special Dogs That Form Close and Enduring Bonds

Want a dog that is more likely than not to show you unconditional love and admiration? Because these pups seem to intuitively know that their lives were saved, they tend to form exceptionally close and enduring bonds with their new humans. Today we honor these special dogs.
— 7 min read