Our Expert: Dr. Marty Becker
Am I a Bad Pet Owner If My Dog Doesn’t Play With Other Dogs?
By Dr. Marty Becker | February 20, 2015We all love the idea of dogs frolicking with their canine friends — romping together, chasing each other, playing tug, then snuggling for a nap. It’s a classic image. Dogs are, of course, our…View Full Post ›
Am I a Bad Pet Owner If I Don't Wipe My Dog's Paws After a Winter Walk?
By Dr. Marty Becker | February 11, 2015The snow and ice we’ve been getting from the latest monster winter storms make this question especially timely. It's been a season of blizzard warnings and potentially historic snowfalls. But even…View Full Post ›
Am I a Bad Pet Owner If I Don't Brush My Cat's Teeth?
By Dr. Marty Becker | February 5, 2015No pet owner is perfect, not even us professionals. We might skip playtime or serve meals late or not train our animals as thoroughly as we could. Admit it: You know you could do a better job of…View Full Post ›
3 Ways to Help Your Pet Live a Longer Life
By Dr. Marty Becker | January 26, 2015My wife, Teresa, and I live with a pack of senior or near-senior animals. We love them dearly, and we’re looking forward to many more happy years with them. As I’m sure you know, a long life…View Full Post ›
Am I a Bad Pet Owner If I Don't Walk My Dog Every Day?
By Dr. Marty Becker | January 19, 2015As a veterinarian, I hear from lots of people who worry that they’re not being good dog owners if they don’t do certain things or don't do them frequently enough. One of their bigger concerns is…View Full Post ›
How to Break Up With Your Veterinarian
By Dr. Marty Becker | January 12, 2015Breaking up is never easy. Breaking up with your veterinarian can be even more complicated because your pet still needs medical care from someone you trust. But if you've reached the…View Full Post ›
Is My Cat Punishing Me?
By Dr. Marty Becker | January 2, 2015It’s not unusual for me to hear from clients that their cats are angry or upset or just plain spiteful and are acting out — specifically by urinating on belongings or furnishings. “He's mad because…View Full Post ›
Why Does My Vet Tickle, Smell and Kiss My Pet During an Exam?
By Dr. Marty Becker | December 22, 2014You know what makes me happiest about veterinary medicine? It’s a real hands-on, touchy-feely profession. I’ve loved animals from my earliest years, and I can't help showing it. I’ve been known to…View Full Post ›
10 Touchy Topics to Discuss With Your Vet
By Dr. Marty Becker | December 15, 2014We veterinarians are always happy to talk to you about your pet’s health and answer questions about his care. That’s what we’re here for, after all. But sometimes there are difficult or awkward…View Full Post ›
Is It Cruel to Keep a Big Dog in a Small City Apartment?
By Dr. Marty Becker | December 9, 2014Big dogs in the city. I see them all the time on my travels: Great Danes, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Leonbergers, Greyhounds — you can find them in the Big Apple and other major cities, where pet…View Full Post ›
Can Cold-Weather-Loving Dog Breeds Be Happy in Hot Climates?
By Dr. Marty Becker | December 1, 2014Q. My dream breed is an Alaskan Malamute, but we live in south Florida. Would it be wrong to make a breed like the Malamute live in our hot, humid environment? We have air conditioning, of course,…View Full Post ›
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones? A Vet Weighs In
By Dr. Marty Becker | November 14, 2014Did you hear the one about the dog who swallowed 13 chicken hot wings? When she was X-rayed at the emergency clinic, her belly was full of bones. The owners had to have her X-rayed a couple more…View Full Post ›
