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.

Special Species

This Popular Pastime Kills up to 20 Million Healthy Animals Each Year

People who do this likely don't realize how they're causing very painful and unnecessary deaths to more than 130 species. Anyone who loves animals must know how their perfectly legal actions cause organ failure, brain damage, blindness, paralysis, seizures and death in so many innocent creatures.

Dog Tips

What's It Like to Have a Short-Legged Pet?

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.

Inspiring Videos

How Dogs Really Think (and Probably Talk)

If this dog could speak, his responses might be exactly as they're depicted here!

Dog Tips

This Human Beverage Protects Against Growths — In Both You and Your Pet

This drink contains compounds that inhibit several types of tumors, largely because they concentrate in your pet's liver and digestive tract, offering protective benefits. Plus, they dramatically modify growth-causing molecules that damage cellular DNA.

things to consider before acquiring ferret

Special Species

6 Things to Consider Before Acquiring a Ferret

Often ignored for the more popular dogs and cats, ferrets make great pets, too, for the right household. Slightly smaller than a cat, they require about the same time commitment.

Inspiring Videos

Chocolate Lab Becomes Emotionally Attached to a Pumpkin

A chocolate Lab went with his human to a pumpkin patch and took one home with him.

Cat Tips

10 Behaviors That Stress Your Cat Like Crazy — Some May Surprise You

You have the best intentions driven by love. But certain actions send a completely different message to your cat. Even when you lovingly pick up your cat, her stress levels may shoot for the moon. Plus, almost everyone has this widely held misconception.

Dog Tips

This 'Harmless' Obsession Can Quickly Degrade to Infections

Starts with what you could easily overlook as an annoying habit, but can trigger other issues like festering non-healing sore spots and nasty secondary infections. To catch it fast and nip it before infection stage, look for this telltale symptom every day. You'll be glad you did.

Inspiring Videos

Security Footage Picks Up Hilarious Footage of Guard Dog

Security cameras can detect motion. This one captured a guard dog looking out a window.

Special Species

5 'Pocket Pets' That'll Steal Your Heart

Watch out, or these little guys will wriggle their way into your life. Sociable or solitary, playful or quiet, just about anyone can find their match in one of these tiny pets. Plus, 9 questions that'll help you figure out which one is right for you.

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