Analysis by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker

Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, a proactive & integrative wellness veterinarian. My goal is to partner with pet parents seeking to improve their pet’s overall health & vitality through wise lifestyle choices.

Dog Tips

Antifreeze-Like Ingredient Found in Pet Treats’ Latest Recall

It's considered one of the least toxic of its kind, and is used in 'pet safe' antifreezes. Cats are particularly sensitive, so it's banned in cat foods, but it can also poison dogs. Destroys red blood cells and causes many nervous system problems including seizures and coma.

Dog Tips

8 Indoor Exercise Ideas to Get Your Pup Active

While dogs need time outdoors to sniff, explore and romp, an occasional indoor workout can add variety to their daily activities.

Inspiring Videos

Cat Named Dave Is Obsessed With His Human’s Boyfriend

Dave is Kat's cat. Jackson is her boyfriend, to whom Dave has gravitated since birth.

Dog Tips

When Emotional Support Animals Cross the Line

As the business of certifying emotional support animals grows - whether it's a snake, dog, or pig - when are you abusing the system that's designed for people who truly need an animal for anxiety or depression? The tale of one large service dog who forced a plane to make an emergency landing.

Dog Tips

This Vilified Substance Could Actually Be a Godsend for Your Pet’s Health

It gets a bad rap, but it's actually FAR more helpful than harmful. It can help your pet's heart, brain, skin, kidneys and joints. And that's just for starters. You and your pet are sure to love the results of this 'miracle' substance.

Inspiring Videos

Stray Kitten ‘Just Struck Something in Me’

He'd never had a pet before, but, 'Something in me just was like, 'I can't leave her hanging.''

Special Species

Hate These ‘Dirty’ Birds? These Startling Facts Could Change Your Mind

They're dirty and despised. That's where it usually ends - till you gain an appreciation of the many fine 'stunts' these birds are able to perform. Things like telling people apart, learning math rules, deciphering medical images, and more. No wonder they can sell for up to $300K.

Dog Tips

The Dangerous Feeding Practice I Can’t Condone

This practice is growing in popularity and I can't understand why. Dogs' and cats' bodies weren't created to survive this way, and depriving them of this basic need could cripple their healing potential and ability to function optimally.

Inspiring Videos

Falconer Shawn Hayes: Why These Raptors Are Thriving

This expert details why the Berkley campus is perfect for falcons to raise their young.

Dog Tips

Don’t Ignore This Odd Behavior — It Can Be a Sign of a Major Medical Emergency

Fortunately it's fairly rare, but if it does happen, you'll be glad you read this now so you can act at the speed of light to save your dog's life. Find out where to get help fast, how to protect yourself in the process and advanced warning signs that something's amiss.

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