Reviewed by Dr. Becker

Dr. Karen Shaw Becker is a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian.

dog myths deserve debunking

Dog Tips

Ditch These 6 Outdated Urban Legends, and Your Pet's Care Will Blossom

Continuing to believe these cherished myths can sour your quality of care for your pet — no matter your pet's age and stage of life. And No. 1 can put your health at risk as well. Do you still believe these myths that have outlived their time? Your dog may be in trouble.

6 disaster preparedness tips

Dog Tips

6 Steps to Save Your Pet's Life in a Disaster

Are you prepared to protect your pet in the event of a man-made or natural disaster? Simple preparatory steps taken now can be the difference between life and death if emergency strikes.

beans processed pet food

Dog Tips

Boycott Food Brands with This Labeling Trick

Check your pet food labels today for this. This stunt lets them load up with cheap unsuitable ingredients, yet still show meat as the first ingredient. They hope you'll be none the wiser. Case in point example included. Don't be duped by this cunning trick.

short legged dogs

Dog Tips

Short and Sweet, but Handle with Care

Do 'shorties' require more visits to the veterinarian? Can they get around by themselves? Know the special needs of short-legged pets and the extra steps you can take to help them live a happy, healthy, and comfortable life.

french bulldogs

Dog Tips

Live in a Condo or Apartment? This Quiet, Low-Energy French Bulldog Could Be Perfect

Some breeds are high-energy and demand a large home and yard to romp around in. But not this guy — he's a good protector but doesn't bark much, and doesn't need a lot of exercise, making him perfect for apartment and condo dwellers wanting an independent free thinker.

toxic and nontoxic plants for pets

Dog Tips

5 Popular Indoor Plants to Avoid Like the Plague

Houseplants and flowers are lovely for homes, but if you choose one of these five toxic beauties, you may be exposing your pet to toxins that can burn his mouth or cause seizures, arrhythmias, or worse. Select one of these 19 plants instead.

how lethal acrodermatitis affects bull terrier

Dog Tips

This Breed Is More Predisposed to Devastating Disease

It appears to be caused by a genetic anomaly that causes deformities, sometimes severe. These pups have incompetent immune systems and will need a special regimen their whole life. But their lifespan is typically only about 2 years.

can you feed lemons to your pet

Food Facts

When Life Gives You Lemons, Share with Your Pet?

This yellow citrus fruit is used in many culinary creations, but did you know you can use it for your pet's meals as well? Learn how to offer it to your pet here.

obesity related pet diseases

Dog Tips

Avoid Tragedy — Check Your Pet for This Underlying Condition

It's a common problem, and a frequently ignored one. It's almost as if ignorance is bliss, optimism bias. Except it's really not — because it's linked to deadly inflammation, especially when combined with these other two tell-tale triggers.

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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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.