Dr. Becker

Reviewed by Dr. Becker

Dr. Karen Shaw Becker is a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian.
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.
— 5 min read
ideal age for neutering dogs
Dog Tips

Ideal Timing for Spaying or Neutering of These Breeds

There's no 'one size fits all' when it comes to health risks and the age at which a dog is neutered or spayed. Risks are highly dependent on breed, and for some, age at desexing doesn't matter. This study puts the brakes on automatic early-age desexing and suggests a better alternative.
— 5 min read
strange cat behaviors
Cat Tips

2 Totally Quirky Behaviors Your Cat Wishes You Understood

Ever wonder why cats do crazy things? As much as we love cats, their behaviors can seem, well, bizarre. Fortunately these explanations can boost the bond you share. And when you go the extra mile to inspire that behavior, you'll be forever friends.
— 5 min read
turkish angora
Cat Tips

Looking for a Dog-Like Pet with No Walking Required?

This chatty exotic beauty can satisfy your desire for an outgoing, playful pet that bonds closely with its humans. And you'll get a lot more, too. She'll greet and entertain your friends, require little upkeep, and may even join you in the shower.
— 5 min read
top ten signs of tumors in pets
Dog Tips

4 Pet Tumors, 10 Symptoms, and 5 Risk Reducers

Sadly, there's more of the dreaded 'C' in our pets than ever before — even in young pets. So what's a person to look for? And more proactively, what steps can you take to reduce the risk of losing your pet at a young age? Here's the life-and-death must-have info you need today.
— 7 min read
carbohydrate heavy processed pet food
Dog Tips

What Do Dogs Eat When Given a Menu?

They let 15 dogs self-select their food from a menu of three options — also checked whether their choices changed over a 10-day period. And here's what they found. It has poignant implications for what you feed your pet, whether it's a dog or cat.
— 6 min read