GENERAL MANAGEMENT. 13 



J'EftMIJY. 



Fleas, more especially in warm weather, are the bane of a dog's existence, 

 and only the most constant care and watchfulness can insure protection 

 from this unmitigated nuisance. 



There are literally two species of this parasite; the common-flea (pulex 

 irritans.) and the sand-flea (pulex penetrans.) The former bites, producing 

 papules or wheals; the latter bores into the skin, causing inflammation. 



The sand-fleas, as the name implies, are common in sandy districts, and 

 are very difficult to combat. Even when entirely removed, they are quite 

 certain to return. Kennels infected, if situated in the sand, should be 

 moved to a foundation of black earth. If that is impossible, earth should 

 be drawn and the floors and ground surrounding be covered with it, then 

 insect powder be blown freely into every crack and crevice, and rubbed 

 well into the dogs; this will drive them away for a time, but the method 

 must be repeated or they will return. 



The common-flea needs much the same continued effort to suppress him. 

 Grooming, combing, and washing will do much, but generally other 

 means must be employed. 



}Yhale oil is an effectual remedy but its use is an abomination ; it must be 

 thoroughly rubbed into the hair of the animal, from tip to tip, and allowed 

 to remain on, some hours at least, during whi^h time he must be kept in 

 a warm room, as there is great danger of taking cold; then eggs may be 

 used as a champoo and washed off, or soap and water alone, followed by 

 a persistent combing, and after all a hard run be given. 



Quassia chips boiled to a strong infusion, or in the form of tincture, 

 when sponged on freely, will be found efficacious. Carbolic acid and soaps 

 incorporated with the same are excellent, but must be used cautiously, or 

 poison from absorption may result ; a mixture of carbolic acid, two drachms 

 of the crystals to a pint of water, is sufficiently strong. The phenol sodique 

 is preferable to carbolic acid, as there is little danger of poisonous ab- 

 sorption, and may be used diluted with the same quantity of water. 



The sulphuret of lime used with such success in Belgium for the itch, acts 

 quite well as a cure of vermin; a weak solution of it can be made by boil- 

 ing together the flowers of sulphur two pounds, unslaked lime one pound, 

 water two gallons; slack the lime first then add the sulphur slowly, stir- 

 ring well, and finally boil down to one gallon. Let the mixture cool and 

 precipitate, then pour off the clear fluid and apply it freely to the hair of 

 the dog, allowing it to dry on. 



Balsamperu is an agent which has been, in times passed, much valued iix 

 parasitic troubles. Its efficacy, is unquestioned, but it is rather too expen- 

 sive for general use. 



