Welcome to this tail-wagging edition of Join the Docs, where our esteemed hosts, Professor Jonathan Sackier and Doctor Nigel Guest, embark on a journey through the paw-some world of dogs and their impact on human health. And on social media note that  the Docs are joined by another host, a rather adorable Golden Pootriever as well as his trainer, Slim the Skeleton.Did you know that dogs were domesticated between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago? In today's episode, we dig up the bone-afide history of our four-legged friends, tracing their paw prints all the way back to their wolf ancestors. That's right, Snoopy, Toto and Lassie's great-great-great (add a few thousand more greats) grandpup was a wild wolf!The Docs will guide you through the kennel of dog breeds, from the noble German Shepherd to the sassy Chihuahua, and into the realm of designer dogs. Ever heard of a Schnoodle or a Whoodle? They're not items on a fast-food menu, but rather adorable hybrids to melt anyone’s heart.Sackier and Guest share sticky tales of dog waste disposal—because picking up after your pooch can be a stinky business, but someone's gotta do it. They also debunk the charming myth of Saint Bernards’ and their brandy barrels. Spoiler alert: those rescue dogs don't actually moonlight as bartenders!Ever felt your worries melt away when a dog gazes into your soul with those big, loving eyes? Owning a dog can lead to a healthier heart and a stress-free smile. That's not magic; it's science! And let's not forget the incredible assistance dogs provide, from guiding the visually impaired to detecting seizures. These furry angels are more than just pets; they're life-changers.But, did you know that dogs can carry certain organisms that are transferable to humans? The Docs also tackle the less cuddly topics of dog-related infections and allergies. But fear not, with responsible pet ownership, the benefits far outweigh the risks.So, grab your leash and a doggy treat, and prepare for a howling good time on Join the Docs. And remember, a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than it loves itself. Isn't that something to bark about?—--DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on Join the Docs are those of Dr. Nigel Guest, Jonathan Sackier and other people on our show. Be aware that Join the Docs is not intended to be medical advice, it is for information and entertainment purposes only - please, always take any health concerns to your doctor or other healthcare provider. We respect the privacy of patients and never identify individuals unless they have consented. We may change details, dates, place names and so on to protect privacy. Listening to Join the Docs, interacting on our social media, emailing or writing to us does not establish a doctor patient relationship.To Contact Us: For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.comFollow us on youtube.com/JoinTheDocs Follow us on instgram.com/JoinTheDocsFollow us on tiktok.com/JoinTheDocsFollow us on: facebok.com/JoinTheDocsFollow us on: x.com/JoinTheDocs