Common Poisons. 201 



So he must remain until a sufficient time for operation 

 has elapsed. 



Castor oil and other capsules are to be obtained which 

 may be particularly useful, especially where small dogs 

 such as terriers are concerned. It must, however, not be 

 forgotten that the stomach of the dog is delicate, and 

 care should be taken in the administration of medicine of 

 any kind, and it should not be resorted to unless actually 

 required. In most cases a " hot nose " and general " out 

 of sorts " appearance can be dispelled by a dessertspoonful 

 of castor oil. Some people wrongly dose their dogs 

 monthly, no doubt acting on a principle similar to that 

 which prompted old Squeers to give his unfortunate pupils 

 at Dotheboys Hall their weekly allowance of brimstone 

 and treacle. 



One of the dangers to which dogs are liable is the 

 careless use of poisons when laid with the intention of 

 destroying rats and mice. The subject of emetics likely 

 to be of use in all cases where poisons of various kinds 

 have been taken, mineral and otherwise, is beyond the 

 scope of this book. If you suspect your dog has obtained 

 poison, and a chemist or surgeon (veterinary or otherwise) 

 cannot be reached in a few minutes, seek to empty the 

 stomach by administering that most useful emetic, luke- 

 warm water, and follow this by giving milk and the white 

 of eggs, or boiled flour and milk, or butter, lard, fat, or 

 olive oil. Of course, if you have tartar emetic or sulphate 

 of zinc handy, give a dose of either immediately. Castor 

 oil later on will likewise be beneficial, and, if great 

 exhaustion is apparent, brandy or wine or strong beef 

 tea may be given. The poisons to which dogs are 

 most liable are arsenic, phosphorus, and strychnine, 



