Dr. Becker

Reviewed by Dr. Becker

Dr. Karen Shaw Becker is a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian.
raccoons as pets
Special Species

Why This Adorable Companion Doesn't Belong in Your Home

They may look cuddly and cute, but don't think for a second that they make good pets. Not only will you be unable to find a vet willing to provide care, you'll be a 24-hour-a-day warden for the next 10 to 15 years as you struggle to safeguard your home and protect your family and pets.
— 4 min read
pet excessive tear production
Dog Tips

What May Be Behind Your Pet's Unsightly Tear Stains

Many pet parents fret over tear staining because of its appearance, yet there could be a more concerning reason behind those rust-colored stains. Before you decide they're 'normal,' rule out these medical conditions that may cause excess tearing.
— 5 min read
pet hygiene tips
Dog Tips

Itchy Skin? It's Time to Buck This Outdated Advice

Many pet parents and even some veterinarians still believe this outdated notion. If you do, you may be keeping your pet in misery if he has itchy, irritated skin. Here's the rule of thumb that will help keep your pet comfortable with a lower bacteria load on his skin.
— 7 min read
leaky gut syndrome in pets
Dog Tips

Revealed — The Root Reason So Many Pets Today Are Sick

No wonder so many pets struggle with health issues these days. This brew of chemically altered proteins disrupts the natural balance their body tries to maintain, making it difficult to digest, process, and assimilate nutrients — and leads to at least 16 other vexing conditions.
— 6 min read
betta fish facts
Special Species

10 Surprising Traits That Make These Fish Unique

Perhaps you've stopped in your tracks to admire their vibrant red, green, and royal blue hues and maybe you've even brought one home. But you may not have known how these intelligent, feeling beings can learn to recognize their owners and perform tricks.
— 6 min read
high levels of flame retardants in cats
Cat Tips

The Worst Pet Food for Toxic PDBEs

The exposure to flame retardant chemicals (PBDEs) is bad enough with household dust, carpeting and furniture, but now researchers are finding it at high levels in pet foods. Especially toxic to cats, find out which foods were found to be the worst offenders.
— 6 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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