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Many families choose to share their homes with a dog. In some cases, many dogs. Some dogs work, others provide valuable companionship, many are considered one of the family. Dogs are warm, friendly animals with healthy appetites and very affectionate natures.

This article looks at five amazing facts about dogs and celebrates these wonderful animals.

The Oldest Breed of Dog in the World

Salukis are believed to be the oldest breed of dog still to survive to this day. According to National Geographic Magazine, salukis are ancient hunting dogs, used to hunt hares and gazelles. Archaeological evidence suggests that they were around way back in the 6th millenium B.C. In the Middle East, they are used as hunting dogs for sport.

Free Running Huskies

Husky dogs are famous for their tremendous strength and endurance, particularly in extreme weather conditions. The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain report that, if set loose, huskies will run and run until they are completely lost. They just love running! Huskies are also very independent dogs, they may or may not return when you call them. The Siberian Husky Club warns that, in temperament, husky dogs are more like cats that other dogs.

World’s Tallest Dog is Called George

A Great Dane from Arizona is, according to the Guiness Book of Records, the world’s tallest dog. Standing at more than two metres tall, this is one huge dog! He weighs 111 kilos (17.5 stone) and is 2.2 metres tall (7ft 3in). The world record for largest or heaviest dog, is not kept, in order to discourage owners from over-feeding their pets.

The Smallest Police Dog in the World

The Independent newspaper reports how a chihuahua called Momo has become the smallest police dog in the world. At just 10in tall, Momo is a tiny police dog. She is seven years old, weighs 6lbs and lives in Japan. She is a search and rescue dog and her small build may mean she is able to squeeze into places larger dogs would struggle to go.

Most Popular Names for Dogs

Most people seem to choose conventional or traditional names for their dogs. BBC News reports that from 2015 to 2016, the most popular names for dogs in Scotland were Max and Holly. Other popular names included Ben, Sam, Lucy and Jake.

Its ancestors originated from some English and Scottish terriers of the early 19th Century and most likely emerged from the same types as the as today’s Dandie Dinmont, Sky, Manchester, and Yorkshire terriers as well as the now-extinct Black and Tan terrier. (There is some controversy about whether the Cairn terrier and the Irish were part of the mix.)

Before being crossbred with other breeds from to establish a uniform type, rough-coated dogs with short legs and rough arrived from Britain on the first ships arrived in Australia. Today’s Australian terrier evolved from breeding efforts which began in Tasmania before spreading to the mainland, specifically to Victoria and then the other Australian states.

The first Australian terrier club was established in Australia in 1887 and dogs were exported to England shortly after that. Introduced to the U.S. in the 1940s, this terrier was recognized by the AKC but was not admitted to the registry until 1960 making it the 114th breed.

Aussies Have Many Functions

The Aussie terrier’s primary job was as a watchdog. Another purpose was to eliminate vermin and snakes. Sometimes these terriers would guard mines—specifically gold and opal mines near Melbourne, Victoria. In rare instances, the Australian terrier would herd sheep. Great companion dogs, they also function, unlike most terriers function as guard dogs making them one of the most versatile terrier breeds. These energetic dogs are affectionate and adaptable to their families, other people and animals, but like most terriers, they possess some potential for showing aggression, especially intact males competing for a bitch in heat. However, the Australian Terrier is suitable for novice dog owners and do well with older, considerate children.

That Australian Terrier Look

The AKC standard places their height at ten-to-eleven inches, at the withers, although its head stands high over its front. This terrier has a hard, straight outer coat and a soft, short undercoat. Permissible colors include blue and tan, all red, or all sandy. Ears should be small and point straight up from the head, and their small eyes should be round and of a dark brown to black color. The skull is slightly elongated with a strong, powerful muzzle with a slight fill below the eyes. Its nose is black, and the tail should be set high at a right angle from the body.

In general, the Australian terrier has relatively few health problems. However, diabetes and thyroid problems are not totally uncommon in the breed. Particulary warm climates can make them prone to allergies, and, as in other small dogs, luxating patellas, a disorder that casuses the kneecaps of the rear legs to slip in and out of its groove, can appear in Aussies. This problem is believed to be hereditary. Surgery can correct the most severe cases. Legg-Calve-Perthes, also inherited, is a condition, with an onset in five-to-nine month old puppies, in which the femoral head of the leg to degenerate causing in the deformation of the hip joint. and arthritis. This can also surgically resolved with good results.

As with all purebreds, it is essential to acquire your dog from a responsible breeder. He or she will provide a contract guaranteeing the buyer against any inherited problems of both health and temperament and will have provided a puppy with good basic socialization.

Good breeders most often request that you return any dog of their breeding for any reason– usually for the duration of its life.

Relieving pain is one the most important things a dog owner can do for their dog. Pain in dogs can occur for many different reasons. Common causes are:

• degenerative diseases such as arthritis
• trauma, causing injury to bones, joints or other body parts
• surgical recovery
• cancer

Methods of Pain Relief in Dogs

There are many different methods of pain relief which can be used for dogs. Among these are:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• non-NSAID drugs, such as tramadol
• neutraceutical supplements, such as glucosamine or chondroitin
• alternative medicine modalities, such as acupuncture and acupressure
• physical rehabilitation

Rimadyl as a Potential Source for Pain Relief for Dogs

Rimadyl is an NSAID medication which is commonly used in dogs to control pain. Rimadyl contains a medication known as carprofen which functions as an anti-inflammatory medication, in effect reducing pain by reducing the inflammation associated with injury or degenerative joint changes.

Rimadyl is labeled for use in pain caused by chronic arthritis in dogs and in reducing pain associated with surgical recovery. However, it is commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat pain from many different sources. The anti-inflammatory effects of Rimadyl make the drug ideal in treating any injury or medical condition in which swelling and inflammation is present.

How is Rimadyl Used to Relieve Pain in Dogs?

Rimadyl is available as a tablet or a flavored chew. There are also generic forms of carprofen available which provide similar results to Rimadyl in relieving pain.

Rimadyl is generally given once or twice daily and is dosed depending on the weight of the dog. Rimadyl (and other forms of carprofen) are prescription medications, so your dog will need to visit your veterinarian in order to begin taking Rimadyl.

Your veterinarian may recommend routine blood tests to make certain your dog is a candidate for receiving Rimadyl. If your dog is placed on Rimadyl on a long term basis due to chronic pain, it is likely that your veterinarian will recommend periodic blood testing to make certain that your dog’s liver and other internal organs are functioning normally.

What are the Side Effects Expected when Administering Rimadyl?

Rimadyl is a reasonably safe medication. However, as with any other medication, side effects may be seen. The most common side effects seen with Rimadyl are vomiting or diarrhea. The stools may become dark or black in color. A decrease in appetite and/or activity level may be seen as well. If any of these symptoms are noted, you should discontinue the Rimadyl medication and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Less commonly observed side effects are incoordination and seizures, aggression, increased thrist and water consumption, icterus (a yellow coloration seen in the gums), and skin rashes.

When it comes to the health of a dog or cat, pet parents want to make sure they are doing the best possible things for their pets and keeping them safe on top of that. For example, if a pet is experiencing fleas or has a tick, which products serve them the best? There are many products available at the pet stores and at the vet’s office, but certain products are known to cause more harm than good. This is the time to start asking questions and weighing the pros and cons about which products are best suited for certain pets.

Popular Products Containing Chemicals

There are certain well-known products (especially flea and tick products) that are on the market and are widely used for dogs and cats. Some of these products are safe and some are proven to cause potential harm to pets, although widely used. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), certain animals have reacted negatively and even died from these products, particularly spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control. Before buying any products, it is best to read through a list of reputable and registered products, and then decide. The EPA has a list of registered products on their website for pet parents to use as a guide when choosing flea and tick products for their pets in order to avoid any problems or reactions.

Natural and Organic Products

If a pet owner does not want to choose the popular pet products on the market consisting of many harsh chemicals he can always take another route and choose pet sprays, powders and flea collars that are completely all natural. Many of these products contain essential oils that are known to repel insects; some even kill the insects on contact. When looking for a product of this sort, a pet owner may search for “herbal”, “all natural” or “organic” on the label. Some pet parents are also into making their own pet products such as flea shampoos, flea sprays and other types of repellents created with herbs and flowers such as pennyroyal or lavender.

Sampling Products

When sampling products for a pet, always take precaution to use the directed amount on the product and follow package directions. Spot check any new products and look for redness, rashes, swelling or other reactions from the pet. If the pet has a result such as listed, discontinue use of product or consult the veterinarian. Another good tip is to use the product on the pet when the pet can be monitored and not at a time when the pet and parent are apart. This way, the pet parent is available if there happens to be an adverse reaction to the product. The ASPCA recommends always consulting a veterinarian before using spot-on products on very young or old pets and pregnant and sick pets.

Before the 18th century, most household pets were treated with plant food, mainly herbs that had also been used to treat ailments in humans. It was only during the 19th century that more and more toxic medicines were introduced to both human and animal medicine.

Today, many vets are turning back to the “old” way of treating animals with herbal and homeopathic remedies, collectively known as complementary remedies.

Healing Herbs for Dogs

Herbal treatments can promote health and healing in dogs, and can be given in many forms, as an addition to their normal food and as a treatment for many medical conditions. When considering treating a dog holistically, it is always advisable to purchase any herbs from a reputable supplier, ideally one specialising in holistic treatment of animals, or seek the advice of a holistic veterinarian.

Other than purchasing herbs from reputable suppliers, animal lovers may prefer to grow their own herbs, but although home grown herbs are certain to be organic and pure, growing a wide range of herbs for a holistic medicine chest may require a great deal of time and growing space. It is inadvisable to collect herbs growing wild in hedgerows and verges, as similar looking herbs can have very different usages. Some may even be poisonous to animals.

Herbal versus Homeopathic Remedies

Herbal remedies are often confused with homeopathic medicine, when in fact they are two completely different forms of medicine which work in very different ways. Herbal medicine works in a similar way to conventional medicines, in that that they have a direct effect on the body, whereas homeopathic medicines work on a number of different levels, and in more subtle ways. Homeopathic medicine is a much more complex area of holistic treatment, and is best administered under the supervision of a trained practitioner.

Administering Herbs to Dogs

To give herbs to dogs, the herbs must first be ground to a fine power, pulped, or, in the case of liquids such as aloe vera juice, extracted directly from the plant. This ensures that the herbs can be easily and safely digested by the dog. Dogs’ digestive systems are much shorter than humans’ and therefore the herbs have to be absorbed in a shorter time. Because of this, it should not be assumed that herbal remedies suitable for humans are also suitable for dogs. Administering human doses of herbal medicines can be potentially fatal for dogs.

The internet has made obtaining herbal medicines especially for animals much easier. The herbal mixes produced by companies such as Hilton Herbs are mixed by experts in animal herbalism and have been proved to be highly effective in treating a wide range of complaints.

Changing the Direction of Animal Care

As veterinary charges grow ever more expensive, and conventional veterinary medicine produces a growing number of side effects, more and more people are turning to herbal medicine as a safer, and cheaper, alternative. The internet makes it easier for people to learn about the herbs that can heal their pets – but it is important to remember that what is suitable for humans is not always suitable for animals. If in doubt, a holistic veterinarian or a licensed supplier of herbs for animals should always be consulted for advice.

Alternative medicine has been around for centuries, with both homeopathy and herbal medicine now used to treat humans and animals. However, it is important to always seek advice from your vet before introducing any form of alternative treatment.

Which Herbal Remedies May Help Dogs?

There are a wide range of different herbal remedies used within herbal medicine to treat both physical and mental health problems. Herbal remedies which may help dogs can be purchased from a specialist vet. In The Everything Natural Health Book, Gewirtz & Nuccio highlight key forms of herbal medicine used to help dogs, to include the following:

• • Aloe vera gel – soothes insect bites, first aid for minor cuts/burns
• • Hawthorn – strengthens heart muscle contractions, reduces blood pressure
• • Chamomile – helps calm dogs with upset stomach

Herbal Medicine for Dogs with Arthritis

As with humans, arthritis and related conditions may also become a problem for dogs, when they enter their senior years. Due to the fact that there are a few different types of arthritis, it is especially important to seek expert advice to ensure treatment is able to be as effective as possible. Herbal remedies recommended by Gewirtz & Nuccio which may prove beneficial to dogs suffering from arthritis, include as follows:

• Aloe – anti-inflammatory properties
• Alfalfa – supplies building blocks for joints
• Dandelion
• Slippery elm

Which Herbal Remedies Treat Dogs with Kidney Problems?

In addition to helping dogs suffering from conditions such as arthritis and digestive issues, herbal medicine is also used to help treat dogs affected with kidney problems. Acupuncture may be utilised in combination with herbal remedies, in order to improve their effectiveness. According to Gewirtz & Nuccio, several herbs may benefit dogs with kidney disease, including the following:

• Astragalus
• Echinacea
• Ginkgo
• Hawthorn
• Gotu kola

Use Herbal Remedies with Caution

Although herbal remedies used within herbal medicine are sourced from nature, this does not mean that they are always safe. As with regular prescribed medicine, herbal remedies must be used with caution. Side effects must be weighed up against potential benefits, before engaging in treatment. While herbal remedies may be used as stand alone first aid treatments, it is important to always seek advice from your vet. Specialists who have trained in herbalism, known as herbalists are able to offer expert information on which herbs are safe and non-toxic.

As highlighted above, herbalists have used herbs to create herbal medicine and remedies for thousands of years. Herbal remedies can help dogs suffering from a whole range of different health conditions, such as anxiety, arthritis and kidney problems. Further forms of alternative medicine which may benefit dogs, include acupuncture, massage and homeopathy.