Dr. Becker

Reviewed by Dr. Becker

Dr. Karen Shaw Becker is a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian.
why do dogs lick your face
Dog Tips

Why Your Dog Licks You — Should You Let Him?

Your dog's mouth is laden with bacteria that your body doesn't recognize, and one lick can leave behind virtually millions of bacteria from 400 different strains. Pet parents have lost their lives, feet, hands, fingers, and toes. Are you letting your pet lick you?
7 min read
pets ectopic ureters
Dog Tips

The Hidden Urinary Condition That Often Only Your Pet Knows About

Its signs can be very subtle, leading you to believe there's no problem. Yet this intermittent or even continuous problem that's present from birth could be causing significant discomfort for your pet. Don't let her suffer needlessly — know the signs that could be suggesting a potential problem.
4 min read
sdma biomarker chronic kidney disease
Cat Tips

Could This Be the Best Test Yet for Detecting Kidney Disease?

About half of all cats over 10 suffer from chronic kidney disease, but when detected early and managed proactively, many live full and happy lives. This newly discovered biomarker can identify the onset of disease about 17 months earlier than the test we use today.
5 min read
vitamin d toxicity in dogs
Dog Tips

More Recalls of Toxic Pet Food, Is Your Brand Implicated?

More pet owners grieve over lost pets after this latest pet food travesty — and no recall can bring them back. Question is, how can so many brands simultaneously produce foods with this mysterious 'formulation error' at once? And what can you do right now to protect your pet?
6 min read
music for cats
Cat Tips

Did You Know That This Makes Your Cat's Heart Leap for Joy?

Cats are well known for either ignoring this human noise or hiding from it. But that may be because the specific noises aren't the kind of soothing that makes a cat's heart purr. But when researchers did this, cats used their scent glands to claim this as their own.
4 min read
foxtails and dog
Dog Tips

Foxtails Can Be Fatal — Keep Your Dog Away

Their odd shape means they only travel one direction — deep to the internal organs and fast. They hide from X-rays, carry bacteria, cause abscesses. Can be tragic or spark serious vet bills involving surgeries. Don't play Russian roulette. Get this new type of protective gear today.
6 min read