Com^non Ailments. 143 



and dry. Use a soft sponge and warm 

 water to cleanse the abscess, and dry with 

 a soft cloth. Upon the first appearance of 

 the trouble your dog should be fed upon 

 simple, nourishing food. 



Epsom salts, in level teaspoonful doses, 

 may be given three times a day for two or 

 three days, taking care that the patient is 

 not exposed to wet or to sudden changes 

 of heat or cold, and that he does not become 

 heated by exercise. Indeed, it is best to 

 keep him as quiet as possible until consid- 

 erable improvement is manifest. 



I have given this subject more space 

 perhaps than is warranted by its impor- 

 tance, as this trouble is very rarely a serious 

 one ; but to the beginner it is nearly always 

 the cause of much unnecessary solicitude. 

 This is also the case with many of the ail- 

 ments to which dogs are subject. When 

 the owner is inexperienced, much useless 

 worry is often expended over his pet, and 

 he is impelled, by his anxiety, to administer 



