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.

Cat Tips

The Specialness of Black-and-White Cats

From Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat to Mistoffelees, the tuxedo cat in the musical Cats, it seems like the most famous cats, both in cartoons and in real life, are black-and-white. Why? Is it the mystery behind their unique coloring or could it be they have a personality that truly stands out?

Cat Tips

Is the Way Your Cat Purrs Similar to Human Snoring?

Unlike other vocalizations, purring doesn't require cyclical neural input in the cat's larynx. Instead, a special pad in their vocal folds may be responsible for the soothing, low-frequency sound, which resembles humans' vocal fry.

Inspiring Videos

Baby Goat Dreams of Being a Cat!

Five days old and just 2 pounds, Lily was the cutest, most curious baby goat on the farm!

Cat Tips

Even Vets Are Changing Their Feeding Advice for Cats Over 7

Kitties 7 and over need to eat differently than younger cats, but it's not what many veterinarians traditionally recommend. And your older cat may need help with detoxification, brain health, and calming at night. How to convert your cat's age into human years (it's different than with dogs).

Dog Tips

An Easy Way to Reduce Risk for Nine Age-Related Diseases in Dogs

Data on over 24,000 subjects indicate that dogs offered this way of eating were less likely to develop dental, GI, orthopedic, kidney/urinary and liver/pancreatic disorders. It can also help keep your canine companion lean and improve the longevity of almost any dog.

Inspiring Videos

Hilarious Dogs Bouncing Through Wheat Fields

Who has the most fun, dogs bouncing in a field or the people laughing as they watch?

Dog Tips

This Favorite Product Can Cause a Life-Threatening Emergency

Avoiding contributing to this medical condition is so simple - just check your supplies for this risky item and replace it if necessary. While the emergency can be idiopathic, in my experience it's often caused by trauma relating to this product. So please, sidestep tragedy by avoiding this mistake.

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Food Facts

Avoid These Temptations if Sharing Turkey With Pets

If you plan to include your pet at holiday mealtimes, be sure to do it this way, otherwise you could have an unruly dog or cat, or much worse, a medical emergency.

Cat Tips

If Your Cat Does This Longer Than 3 Weeks, Don't Ignore It

There are many underlying causes of this chronic symptom, so it's important to get it diagnosed if it lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks. It can develop suddenly or gradually, but watch for these other signs that can signal distress. The age and breeds most at risk.

Dog Tips

Classic Signs of Stress: How to Calm Your Anxious Dog

Some dogs are more susceptible to stress. When dogs feel anxious, their bodies release excess norepinephrine, the fight or flight hormone. This flood of norepinephrine can result in physical symptoms. The more you know the triggers, the better you can eliminate stressors.

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