692 THE AMERICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



flea. The former bites, producing an eruption much like 

 that caused on man by mosquitoes, while the latter bores 

 into the skin, exciting quite extensive inflammation. The 

 sand-fleas, as the name implies, are common in sandy dis- 

 tricts, and are very hard to kill. Some persons suffer from 

 them almost as much as do the dogs, they producing on 

 them urticaria, a disease commonly known as nettle-rash 

 and hives. 



Kennels infested with fleas, if they are situated in the 

 sand, should be moved to a foundation of black earth, or, 

 if this is impossible, earth should be drawn and the floors 

 and the surrounding ground be covered with it. After- 

 ward the kennels and the dogs should be treated to kill the 

 pests if possible. 



New remedies for fleas are constantly being recom- 

 mended, but without doubt the surest one is the Dalmatian 

 insect powder. Certainly, on the score of cleanliness and 

 the ease with which it can be used, there is nothing better 

 for the purpose. If blown into all the cracks and plenti- 

 fully thrown over the floor of the kennel, for a time, at 

 least, the nuisance will be abated. 



To treat a dog for fleas, lay him on several newspapers, 

 dust the powder over him freely, and then work it with the 

 hand well in among the hairs. The newspapers are an eco- 

 nomical measure. If this treatment is applied properly, it 

 means death to the troublesome insects. The powder rec- 

 ommended, when purchased in small quantities, is quite 

 expensive; much can be saved by buying it by the pound. 



Quite a sure means of ridding a dog of fleas is washing 

 with strong carbolic soap-suds. This can, if due cau- 

 tion is exercised, be safely done in summer, but in winter 

 washing is rather hazardous. Of carbolic soaps there are 

 at least two kinds the strong and the mild. The latter is 

 for toilet purposes, while the iormer is specially prepared 

 for use on animals, and is really the only one possessing 

 any actual virtue as a destroyer of parasites. In using car- 

 bolic acid in any form, one must never forget its poisonous 

 nature. When washing a dog with soap containing it, let 



