10 Top Differences Between Dog And Cats

We bet you thought this post was going to be humorous, and I'm sure there's tons of funny material about the differences between dogs and cat. But we're serious here, folks. We were enthralled by this slideshow with commentary put together by one of our favorite veterinarians, Dr. Karen Becker, whom we've introduced to you in two previous posts: www.boccibeefs.com/2011/11/how-pets-help-with-psychotherapy-and.html and www.boccibeefs.com/2011/07/helping-your-pet-age-gracefully.html.

Dr Becker is a "proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian" whose goal is to "create wellness in order to prevent illness in the lives of your pets." And we certainly agree with that proactive approach.









Now, on to the slideshow and the major differences between our four-legged companions: www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-karen-becker/differences-cats-and-dogs_b_1097446.html

We'll just bring you a few of our favorites to whet your appetite, so to speak.

While dogs are primarily carnivores, if necessary they can survive (not thrive) on a plant-based diet, while cats are 100% carnivores and will die without meat as a protein source.

Dog are social creatures who want to be with their pack (both human and four-legged friends), while cats are mostly solitary, and if forced to choose, are more loyal to their territory than to a two or four-legged companion. Although this is probably what most of us assumed, it appears that science backs this up.

But who is smarter: feline or canine? Dr. Becker graciously doesn't address that question so we'll leave that up to you-let us know!

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How Pets Help With Psychotherapy... And How We Can Help Pets In Winter

These topics may at first seem unrelated, but what connects them is Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian whom we've profiled before, and who tackles both subjects in her usual logical and detailed manner that helps us lay dogs and humans understand otherwise complicated medical subjects.

Dr. Karen Becker, ready for work.                                          

Let's start with how pets help with psychotherapy: it goes much deeper than just the bit of comfort that petting a dog or cat provides to therapy patients when they're talking about their problems, it actually "translates into breakthroughs in the therapeutic process" according to Dr Becker's article that was published just a few days ago in the Huffington Post. In fact, controlled studies have shown remarkable shifts in depression, increased socialization, decreased aggressive behavior and improved attention in autism patients, and decreased anxiety and increased social skill when they have companion animals. Whew, that's a lot of increasing and decreasing, but all to the betterment of the humans involved.  And we think it's downright miraculous.

Dr. Becker, who's a regular contributor to the Huffington Post, also published an article  in October, complete with slide show, that provides thoughtful tips to keep your pet healthy and happy during the upcoming cold months. She suggests keeping your cat indoors if at all possible and always keeping your dog on a leash-did you know that more dogs go missing in winter than any other time of the year? It turns out that snow and ice accumulation blocks their ability to track by scent.. And don't forget to keep your short haired and/or elderly pooch warm both indoors and out with a bed free of drafts and a cozy sweater or coat (or a FURDRY Wearable Dog Towel!).

We hope you find this information interesting and helpful. If you'd like to learn more about Dr. Becker, check out her website here: naturalpetfamily.com

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Helping Your Pet Age Gracefully

 Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, shares her tips for promoting the graceful aging of your beloved canine as they cross the seven year threshold, in this excellent article published just a few days ago on AOL Healthy Living.
(Question to self and readers: Why is the word "Pet' in the title, when the article focusses exclusively on dogs?)

Anyway, Dr. Becker discusses five different types of aging ( arthritis, cataracts, constipation, tooth and gum disease, and senility) common in dogs over the age of seven, and what you can do to help support your dog's "health, mental status and quality of life" as he or she ages. Read the full article here: www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-karen-becker/dogs-aging_b_908472.html.

By the way, just in case you're wondering what a "proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian" really means, the note at the end of the article explains that, too!

And speaking of caring for your pets, no matter their age, we wanted to call your attention to a request for help from our dear blogging friend, Asta . Please check out this Facebook page link and see what you can do to help Lola, who's in need of major surgery.

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