2011 Ski Holidays - Celebrity Switzerland

Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in the world. Millions of people every year enjoy skiing in any number of areas.

Switzerland has some of the best winter sports areas and is busy from early fall through mid to late spring, depending on snowfall. Many celebrities have been photographed enjoying a quiet ski weekend away.

Klosters

Klosters has created quite a name for itself and caters to every skill level. The resort is rated as "OK" for experts, "good" for intermediate, "OK" for beginners and "very good" for snowboarding. Klosters is said to have marvelous off-piste opportunities and an incredible vertical drop.

Klosters High Profile Guests

The romantic, village-like atmosphere Klosters provides is a short trip from nearby Davos. The resort is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family ski holiday. The Pinocchio Children's Club provides professional childcare for parents who enjoy occasional time without the children.

Celebrities often visit Klosters as a way to get away from the pressures life throws at them. Prince Charles is a regular guest at Klosters and his son Prince William has visited from time to time with Kate Middleton. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, was also a frequent visitor at Klosters.

Gstaad

Gstaad ski resort is rated "very good" for all skill levels and snowboarding as well. It offers a variety of black, red, blue and green runs with a nice vertical lift and several miles of downhill pistes.

Gstaad High Profile Guests

Many celebrities have been sighted in Gstaad over the years including: Michael Jackson, Paris Hilton, Julie Andrews, Audrey Hepburn, Prince Rainier, Marlene Dietrich, Diana Ross, Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Evans, David Bowie, Robert Wagner, Roger Moore, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Bono, Arnold Schwartzenegger, Elizabeth Taylor, King Constantine of Greece, King Juan Carlos of Spain, and Roger Federer.

That's quite the guest list to be certain. Gstaad has been mentioned in several movies or television shows as well, including Trading Places, Dynasty, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and The Return of the Pink Panther.

St. Moritz

St. Moritz ski resort is rated "very good" for experts considering a Swiss ski holiday plus intermediate skiers and snowboarding; "good" for beginners. St. Moritz hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948.

The resort focuses on more than just winter sports and creates a unique winter holiday for all ages. Beginners find the mountain a challenge, while experts also find many hidden treasures off-piste.

St. Moritz High Profile Guests

The resort itself was mentioned in both Goldfinger and For Your Eyes Only, very popular James Bond movies. Many high-end retailers like Bulgari and Chanel have shops in St. Moritz.

Several celebrities, including George Clooney and girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis, Kate Moss, Prince Charles, Ivana Trump, Naomi Campbell, Elizabeth Hurley and Hugh Grant enjoy shopping and skiing in St. Moritz.

The 2010-2011 Ski Season

Winter sports enthusiasts are sure to find a great time no matter where they choose to visit during the 2010-2011 season. Many resorts around the world are planning to open relatively early due to the amount of dust already on the peaks. Switzerland's top three ski resorts are among the best to visit.
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Habitat of Antelopes

The genesis of the word antelope is interesting. 'Anthólops', the Byzantine Greek word for antelope, was perhaps coined from the two Greek words 'anthos' (meaning flower) and 'ops' (meaning eyes). The word anthólops perhaps means an animal with beautiful eyes and/or long eyelashes. Indeed the eyes of an antelope look beautiful, like they were carved out by the most skilled artist in the world. But did you know that the word 'antelope' does not refer to a single species but a group of different animals? Also, the group 'antelope' is not a scientific taxon. 'Antelope' in fact refers to all animals that do not fit in the group of buffaloes, sheep, cattle, goats or bison. The term 'antelope' is hence a wastebasket taxon. However, you will agree with me when I say this wastebasket is exceptionally beautiful-looking!

Antelope Habitat

Antelopes are herbivores. They feed on fresh green grass, buds of flowers, fruits, twigs and stems. They also need a steady supply of water around their habitat. This is why most antelopes are found in the grasslands and savannas of most continents / subcontinents. They are also found in forests (especially dry deciduous forests). However many antelopes are found in unusual habitats as well - there are many antelope species that have adapted to cold climatic conditions, desert regions and even rocky terrains.

Being a collection of those animals that taxonomy has been unable to classify according to phylogeny, antelopes include animals belonging to many genera. For the same reason, antelopes are found scattered all over the map, in different parts of the world and living in different conditions. Here is an account of some of the most common antelopes and their habitats.

*Click on images to enlarge

Blue Wildebeest

Scientific Name: Connochaetes taurinus Native Habitat: Southern and East Africa Biome: Savanna and grasslands Also known as the common wildebeest, these antelopes are found mainly in southern and east Africa. The largest population of these antelopes is found in the Serengeti ecosystem. The habitat of blue wildebeest should neither be too wet, nor too dry. In the presence of ample supply of water, they may survive in arid climatic regions as well.

Blackbuck

Scientific Name: Antelope cervicapra Native Habitat: Indian subcontinent Biome: Dry deciduous forest The blackbuck is native to the Indian subcontinent, and is found in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat, Karnataka, etc. However, it has now been introduced into Texas and Argentina as well. It is the only surviving species of its genus and has been tagged with the status, 'Near Threatened' by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) since 2003.

Gemsbok

Scientific Name: Oryx gazella Native Habitat: Southern Africa Biome: Savanna This antelope is native to southern Africa. In South Africa, the Oryx gazella is found mostly in the dry and arid regions. This is why it is seen abundantly in the Kalahari Desert of Africa. Population of this antelope is more than three hundred thousand in South Africa alone. Wild population of this antelope is seen in Texas as well.

Nilgai

Scientific Name: Boselaphus tragocamelus Native Habitat: Indian subcontinent Biome: Grasslands and woodlands Native to such countries as India, Pakistan and Nepal, Nilgai is the biggest Asian antelope. Wild population of this antelope is seen in Texas, especially in the southern region of the state. This antelope was introduced in Texas somewhere around the 1920s for recreational purposes. However, a few of these antelopes managed to escape from captivity and now exist as a wild species.

Impala

Scientific Name: Aepyceros melampus Native Habitat: African subcontinent Biome: Savanna and bushveld Found abundantly in countries like Zimbabwe, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania, Mozambique, etc. the impala refers to a medium-sized African antelope. The impala is an ecotone species, that lives between forests and grasslands. An ecotone is an ecological niche characterized by the transition between two biomes.

As you may have realized, being a diverse group of around 30 different genera and more than 80 species, antelopes are scattered all over the world. However, the biggest collection of antelopes is undoubtedly found in Africa. It is indeed a beautiful creature, held as a sign of beauty, elegance and charm.

Types of Vultures

Most of you may not find vultures esthetically appealing, but if you observe them closely, you might find them beautiful. Generally, people have the perception that these scavengers are 'evil', but in reality they are not harmful at all. The fact is that, they are beneficial for the environment as they keep the surroundings clean by feeding on the carcasses, but their service to nature is often overlooked.

*Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Different Types of Vultures

You might be surprised to know that there are more than 15 types of vultures. Here is the list:

African White Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)

They are Old World Vultures. They can weigh between 9.2 lbs and 15.8 lbs, and can have a length of 98 cm. It is evident from their name that they are found in Africa (especially South Africa, Namibia, and in West Africa). They have a bald head, strong bill, and they have a good wingspan. Apart from their white back, the rest of their body is dark.

Andean condor (Vultur Gryphus)

They belong to the New World Vulture family, and are found in the Andes. They approximately weigh around 33 lbs, and have a wingspan of over 300 cm! Thus, they are one of the largest birds in the world which are able to fly. They have a bald head, and are usually black in color. A male can be easily distinguished from a female, due to the presence of a white collar on the males.

Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)

They can be found in southern Europe, Tibet, and southern Africa. They are also called Lammergeier. They do not have a bald head, and this makes them different from most of the vultures. They are considered to be a part of the Old World Vulture family. They are massive, as they have a wingspan of 300 cm, and they can have a length of 125 cm!

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)

They are predominantly found in America, so they are also called the American Black Vulture. They are small vultures, as their wingspan is less when compared to other vultures. They are one of the New World Vultures. They are usually 55-68 cm in length, and they weigh between 2.5-4.5 lbs. They are dark, and have a bald head.

California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)

They are considered to be the largest bird species in northern America, as their weight can reach 29 lbs, and their wingspan is around 305 cm! Their population has reduced significantly over the years, making them one of the rarest avian species in the world. They are dark in color, but have white patches under their wings. They are from the New World Vulture family.

Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres)

They are Old World Vultures. They weigh around 15-25 lbs, and have a wingspan of 243-260 cm, and they are 100-115 cm long. They are also called Cape Griffon, or Kolbe's Vulture. They are found only in southern Africa. They are dark brown in color. According to the IUCN, they are 'vulnerable', and need to be protected.

Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus)

They are Old World Vultures, and are also called Eurasian Black Vulture, or Monk Vulture. Their wingspan is between 243-320 cm, and length is between 98-120 cm. They can weigh up to 31 lbs. They are the largest in the Old World Vulture family, and can be found in Asia and southern Europe.

Eurasian Griffon (Gyps fulvus)

This Old World Vulture is found in northern Africa, Asia, and southern Europe. They are also called Griffon Vulture, and they weigh 13.2 and 29 lbs, and are 93-110 cm long, and have a wingspan of 230-280 cm. They have a bald head, and a white neck, and short tail feathers.

Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus)

Found in the Africa, these vultures have a length of 62-72 cm, and weigh between 3.3-5.7 lbs. They are from the family of Old World Vultures. This vulture has a grayish 'hood', hence the name. They are found in large numbers.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)

When you see this vulture from the Old World Vulture family, you will know why they are called 'King Vultures'. They are very attractive. They are white in color , with traces of black (or gray). They have a wingspan of 122-202 cm, and a length of 67-81 cm. An adult will weigh around 10 lbs.

Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus)

They belong to the Old World Vulture family, and are also called Nubian Vulture. They are 95-115 cm long, and have a wingspan of 244-305 cm. Their weight varies according to the subspecies. They are generally found in Africa.

Ruppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppellii)

They have a wingspan of about 260 cm, and they are 85-107 cm long, and they weigh 14-20 lbs. It is difficult to distinguish between the 2 sexes. They have a white collar. You can easily spot them in central Africa.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

They are also called Turkey Buzzard, John Crow, and Carrion Crow. They can be found in America. They weigh around 1.9-5 lbs, have a wingspan of 170-183 cm, and they are 64-81 cm long. They have brownish-black plumage.

White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis)

This is an Old World Vulture, which is found only in Africa. They are not very large. They have a length of 72-85 cm, a wingspan of 207-230 cm, and can weigh up to 10.4 lbs. They are dark brown in color, with a pink beak.

Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis)

They are also called Vulturine Fish Eagle, and belong to the Old World Vulture family. They breed in Africa, and have a weight of 2.6-4 lbs, length of 60 cm, and a wingspan of 150 cm. They are white in color, with black patches on their wings. They are smallest among the Old World Vultures.

Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)

They are small, and have white plumage. They are also called Pharaoh's Chicken, or White Scavenger Vulture. This bird belongs to the Old World Vulture family. They can weigh up to 4.4 lbs, they are 47-70 cm in length, and they have a wingspan of 5-5.6 feet.

In addition to the above, there are few more species of vultures, they are as follows:

White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
They belong to the Old World Vulture family. They weigh around 7.7-16.5 lbs, and are 89-93 cm in length, with a wingspan of 260 cm. They are also called Oriental White-backed Vulture as they are generally found in Asia.

Himalayan Griffon (Gyps himalayensis)
They are big vultures, belonging to the New World Vulture family. A fully grown Himalayan Griffon will have a length of 103-130 cm, and a wingspan of 260-310 cm, and will weigh between 18-26.4 lbs. In terms of size, they are second only to Cinereous Vulture.

Long Billed Vulture (Gyps indicus)
They are also called Indian Vulture, as they are preponderantly found in India. They weigh approximately 12-13.9 lbs, and are 80-100 cm long. They have a wingspan of 205 to 229 cm. They are a part of the Old World Vulture family.

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus)
They have wingspan of 150-165 cm, length of 53-66 cm, and weigh between 2.1 to 3.4 lb. They are also known as the Savannah Vulture. They are predominantly black in color, and have a yellow skin.

Most of the vultures mentioned above have several sub-types. All the vultures have a common characteristic - they live a long life. They are not as 'evil' or 'dangerous' as you think, they just look menacing. They are wonderful creatures, who help keep the environment clean.

Cat's Purring

Cat's purring certainly did have its main advantages over other animal species, throughout animal history. Nonetheless, most feline species also produce some sort of purr-like vocalized sounds. In the case of domestic cats, purring can be noticed especially when a female cat is nursing her babies or when humans interact with cat through feeding, stroking or petting.

We usually assume that the purring of a cat is a sign of increased pleasure and contentment. But we may not always be right because we may be judging things from our human perspective. In fact, although cats most often use purring to communicate with their kittens, to express their gratitude or sense of well-being towards their owners, cats may also purr when they feel pressured or stressed. This may also happen during a veterinarian visit or when the animal is recovering from an injury, from an illness or a surgery. As we can see, not all the purring cats are pleased or happy with their current situation. The question why cats purr is still under debate, and researchers are still investigating the issue.

Another purring-related issue is how cats manage to produce these sounds. Thus, scientists have proved that cats can produce the purring sounds by laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles' intermittent signaling. Both during their inhalation and exhalation, cats have a consistent purring frequency between 25-150 Hertz. The results of several investigations have attested that sound frequencies of this range can in fact improve the density of bones and they can enhance the healing processes.

Thus, cat's purring frequencies are strongly related to the capacity of healing muscles and bones. And because of that, this feline inborn quality may prove to be of use to us humans. Especially if we come to think of astronauts and their muscle atrophy and bone density loss problems when exposed to long periods of zero gravity exposure. In that situation, astronauts' muscular-skeletal systems are deprived of the normally experienced physical activity stresses, including the routine of sitting or standing, which demand human strength for controlling one's posture.

Cats are adapted to preserve and re-charge their energy through long periods of sleep and rest. Because of that, purring may in fact be a mechanism that requires low energy to stimulate bones and muscles. Because they are so durable, cats are said to have "nine lives" (or in Romanian culture, the saying is "a cat has seven lives"). There even is a veterinarian legend saying that cats have the power to reassemble all their bones if they are left in the same room with all other body parts. The roots of this cat mythology may be found in cat's act of purring.

Also, as compared to other domesticated animal species and pets, the domestication of cats happened quite recently. Due to this late domestication, cats have less bone and muscle abnormalities than dogs, which have been more strongly selected by humans. Cat's purring may in fact help them ease the osteoporotic or dysplastic conditions that are quite common of the dog species. And although we may feel tempted to consider that cats purr when they are happy and healthy, it's perhaps closer to the truth to acknowledge the fact that cats may be purring in order to communicate and heal themselves.

At any rate, cats and their purring may indeed have a therapeutic effect on humans, helping them heal faster and better. We could mention in this respect Aaron Katcher, an American psychiatrist who in 1982 proved in front of the camera how petting a cat can help release anxiety, arterial pressure, i.e. it can diminish the risk of heart stroke. Dennis R. Ownby, who is responsible with the allergological and immunological section of the University of Georgia, US, concluded after a 7 years study that daily interaction with cats humans get exposed to some molecules which are reputed for the efficient protection of the immune system. Cats are also said to have antidepressant effect on us humans but they don't send us any positive energy, all they do is liberate humans from their negative energies, anxieties and stress. They are a kind of emotional sponges, absorbing our bad vibes, in a way, without replacing them however with good vibes.

The Puli Dog Breed

Pulis are a medium to small Hungarian breed that is generally used for guarding herds and livestock. It is usually known for its long and corded coat with tight curls that are very similar to dreadlocks. Because of that, Pulis are very resistant to water. There is another dog breed with a similar look but with a much bigger size, and it is called Komondor.

The Puli is usually colored black and has a solid figure. There are however some other colors for this dog, namely gray, cream, white, and so on. White Pulis often have blue eyes and they are called "Roxies". Female Pulis weigh about 23 to 25 pounds, whereas male Pulis can weigh slightly more than that. Some Puli dogs differ in their coat, which can be thinner or thicker, flat or round, depending on its undercoat’s texture and the way the undercoat and the coat are balanced together.

A controlled matting process has their special kind of coat as a result. Thus, it is desirable for the Puli to have their coat under the shape of cords and because of that they must be groomed in order for their coat to form some thinner types of ropes. This dog requires a lot of care for keeping his coat clean, attractive and neat in general. As the dog grows older, the coat may grow as long as reaching the ground. For an easy maintenance, it’s recommended to trim their coat short quite regularly. Since this breed has almost no shedding, if the dog is healthy, its coat will grow again pretty soon after being trimmed.

As far as their general behavior is concerned, Pulis are lively, very intelligent animals. In spite of their rather bulky look and of the thickness of their coat, Pulis can be very agile, fast and they are able to change directions very rapidly. They are obedient enough to be trained for athletic dog competitions. They are very loyal and affectionate towards their owners.

This breed is very obedient and agile. Pulis are sensitive, fun, courageous but sometimes they can be quite tough or headstrong. As it has been previously mentioned, they are loyal to their owners and often distrustful of strangers. Highly active, they keep their puppy-like playful behavior throughout their whole life. They require a lot of space in order to stay fit and happy, and because of that they prefer the outdoors. Although they are trainable and they can be kept inside, they are not suitable for city life, as they can make unhappy indoor pets. If they spend too much time in an enclosed space, they can become restless, hyperactive and develop some other undesired personality features, or on the contrary, they may become extremely lazy and aloof.

When used for work, Pulis are very obedient and task-oriented. They can be very good police dogs. When used as livestock guardians, they are extremely protective of flock, herds and territory they were assigned to watch over. Although they are relatively small, they are fearless and can indeed scare the "enemies" away. Nonetheless, they very seldom inflict injuries.

They are also excellent for guarding human families. Even when they are old, they can still be very joyful, friendly and playful. Because they view their family as their flock, they keep distance from strangers until they can make sure that they are not threats. It’s not a good idea to tease or annoy them, as they may attack without any warning sign. Because they are very independent and headstrong, they only obey strong-willed people.

There are many dog competitions that Pulis can participate in, such as obedience, dog agility trails, tracking, rally obedience, fly-ball, tracking, etc. And those Pulis who exhibit some basic herding instincts can also be trained to go for herding trial competitions. At any rate, Puli breed is highly regarded because of its being energetic and determined, a consequence of their herd guarding history. Even if they have been raised as family dogs, all Pulis have shepherd instincts and they naturally know how to watch over a flock or a herd of livestock. This may happen even without any training. Because they are so independent and strong-willed, it’s highly recommended to start training them at a very early age.

Types of Ostriches

The Ostrich (Struthio camelus) belongs to the order Struthioniformes, and is closely related to other flightless birds like emus, kiwis, and cassowaries. Camelus in fact means camel, and the ostrich bears this name since it adapts very well to the harsh and dry climate of Africa, just like a camel. This flightless bird has earned the distinction of being the fastest running bird on the planet, achieving a speed of more than 60 miles per hour. The ostrich is also famous for laying the largest egg. Being a fast runner, an ostrich will run if it feels threatened. But be careful, if you happen to provoke it, it will do you more harm than good! An ostrich can kick with its powerful legs which can even prove fatal. Another interesting fact about ostriches are their eyes, they possess the largest pair among all land creatures! Gifted with an extraordinary sense of sight and hearing, ostriches can detect the presence of predators from a long distance. A famous myth surrounding ostriches is that they bury their heads in sand if they sense danger approaching. However, this is not true at all. If they feel threatened, they lie on the ground, with their heads and necks flat out, and from afar, this position resembles a pile of earth, an excellent camouflage from predators.

Subspecies of Ostriches

The following types of ostriches are found in mainland Africa:

Red-necked Ostrich
	It is also referred to as the North African ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus). It was the most widely distributed species of ostrich, but unfortunately now inhabits only certain parts of northern Africa. This bird stands tall at over 9 feet - the tallest species of ostrich, with a pink neck. Males sport black and white feathers whereas females are gray.

Masai Ostrich
Native to the eastern part of the African continent, the masai ostrich (Struthio camelus massaicus) is found in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Somalia. As compared to other subspecies, this ostrich has relatively small feathers over its head. The male's neck and thighs take on a pink color to attract females during the mating season.

Southern Ostrich
	The range of the southern ostrich, or Struthio camelus australis, is limited to the southern part of Africa, in the regions lying to the south of the Zambezi and Kunene rivers as the name suggests. This bird's feathers were once a prized commodity in the areas around the Cape of Good Hope, and hence it was domesticated in the olden days.

Somali Ostrich

A rather distinct species as compared to the other three, the Somali ostrich (Struthio camelus molybdophanes), is found only in eastern Africa, more or less limited to the region known as the Horn of Africa, in countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Unlike other subspecies, the females are larger than the males. These ostriches sport a white plumage, with the females having a brownish tinge to them. The other distinguishing character of this ostrich is the color of their thighs and neck, which is grayish-blue, and which changes to a deep blue in the mating season. Even though it shares the same habitat as the masai ostrich, it is different in its feeding habits by preferring to browse in areas which have taller trees and dense vegetation.

Another recognized subspecies, namely the Middle Eastern or Arabian Ostrich (Struthio camelus syriacus) was abundantly found in parts of Syria and in the Arabian Peninsula as recently as 1966. It was marginally smaller in size to the North African ostrich. Sadly, with the area drying up, and extensive poaching and use of firearms in the region, this subspecies was completely wiped off from the face of the earth.

The ostrich is a large, beautiful bird, and even though it is very widely distributed in the African continent, these amazing birds were once illegally hunted for their feathers which were used to make fashion accessories, and for their skin which was used to make leather, which proved to be strong and durable. The red-necked and Somali ostriches are still being hunted down for their meat and eggs making the red-necked ostrich being listed as critically endangered. Proper care must be taken to conserve this largest and heaviest species of bird on the planet, so it does not face the danger of total extinction.

Is White Willow Bark Safe for Dogs?

The White Willow Bark, also known as white willow, white bark, and Salix alba, is a tree whose leaves are covered with fine white hair, and it is native to Asia and Europe. The bark of this tree has many healing properties because it contains the compound, salicin, and it has been used to treat human ailments like osteoarthritis, joint pain, back pain, flu, etc., if taken in the right dosage, and is also much more effective than taking an aspirin. While the effectiveness of this tree has been proved in case of humans, whether or not they are effective in the case of dogs is a completely different question.

White Willow Bark for Dogs

White willow bark is the herb that is used for making aspirin, since there is the right amount of salicin in the white willow bark. Salicin is necessary to produce salicylic acid, which is used as an antibiotic as well as for treating many other ailments. Although scientists have successfully made a synthetic salicylic acid supplement in labs, it has proved to be difficult for the stomach to digest. Dogs can be administered white willow, as their digestive system is much stronger than ours. But even then, they should be administered the drug only after consulting the vet. The amount that is administered makes all the difference between helping your dog and harming your dog. Given in an appropriate dosage, this herb acts as a painkiller just like aspirin, and helps relieve pain in small to medium-sized animals. Dogs get arthritis just like humans do, and the white willow bark has been used for decades to help reduce this pain in dogs, but most of the recorded data is built on the experiences obtained in clinics and not based on proper research work.

Dosage, Usage and Side Effects

Apart from arthritis, white willow bark is also used to treat inflammation in dogs and some other animals, except cats. It is known to be very effective against various ailments. White willow also helps in preventing blood clots. The dosage to be administered depends on the breed and the size of the dog. As the size increases, the dosage will increase. But while administering, one should be careful not to exceed the dosage, because there are a few side effects of white willow that occur, when more than the required amount is given to them. The time required for aspirin to take effect and white willow bark to take effect vary, as white willow bark takes longer than aspirin to take effect. But although aspirin is quick-acting, the effects of aspirin wear off equally fast. On the other hand, although white willow bark takes more time to have effect, the effect lasts much longer as compared to the effect of aspirin. In this case, the white willow bark is better for use in the long run.

The most important thing to remember is that white willow bark should not be administered in combination with other drugs. When given in combinations that are not suitable, this herb tends to aggravate the side effects that are caused by the other drugs. There are quite a few drugs that do not work well with this herb, and these combinations should be avoided at all costs, to ensure that your pet remains safe and does not suffer from unnecessary side effects. If your dog is currently on some medication, then let him finish that off, before you give him white willow bark. Or ask the vet if you can give it in combination with the current medication. There are also a few side effects of white willow bark itself, as mentioned earlier. One of the main side effects is ulcers in the stomach. Others include cramps, nausea, rash, gastrointestinal bleeding, and in extreme cases, it may do some damage to the kidneys.

So, the answer to the question is that white willow bark is safe for dogs, as long as it is given in the right quantity. And in case you are unsure about the right quantity, it would be advisable to consult the vet. They usually have ready packages, with the right amount of ingredients in the right proportions and ratios, that can be directly administered to your dog.