FEEDING. 7 



large kennels; when honestly prepared, they are an excellent diet. The 

 manner of feeding them should be frequently changed; at times given dry, 

 at others soaked in milk or broths, or crushed with vegetables. 

 : I Bones, the dog's tooth brush, are an essential. By their use the muscles 

 * of the jaws are kept strong, and the pleasure they give the animals is very 

 evident; their value may be lessened however, by too frequent feeding, as 

 many a broken well worn tooth testifies. 



While the use of vegetables adds flavor to the food and excites the 

 appetite of the animal, it has still another important action as a gentle 

 laxative. Liver has the same property, and the conditions of the bowels 

 should direct its use. 



Among the medicinal agents often administered with the food, sulphur 

 may be properly referred to while on the subject of feeding. It is laxative 

 and resolvent, and is supposed to be rendered soluble by the soda of the 

 bile. It is thrown out of the system by the bowels and through the skin, 

 and for that reason has an influence on cutaneous diseases. Its occasional 

 use can do no harm, and unless a perfect condition of the animal contra- \ 

 indicates, it may be given once or twice a week in summer, and once or 

 twice a month in colder weather. 



The dose for a fifty pound dog is one teaspoonful, and may be mingled 

 with the food or given in milk. 



Many authors have dwelt upon the dirt-eating propensity of dogs, and 

 concluded therefrom, that the proper method of feeding is to throw the 

 food on to the ground. The writer is of the opinion that if such a propen- 

 sity exists, it is wiser to leave the dogs to nature's promptings and let them 

 eat dirt when they choose, rather than insist upon its being eaten at every 

 meal. He therefore prefers to feed his animals from clean dishes, and the 

 cleaner the better. 



The greatest importance is attached to the quality of the food given. It 

 should be of the very best, and no tainted meat, mouldy bread, or food 

 changed in its integrity, should ever be used in any form. Many people 

 consider decomposing meat better for a dog, and attempt to fortify their 

 arguments, by illustrating with the fact, that the animal will occasionally 

 bury a bone or part of his food, to be dug up and eaten later. The fact is 

 true, but the inference an ancient absurdity. A dog never buries meat 

 when he is hungry, but after a hearty meal will often do so, proving our 

 supposition that it is his natural food, an evidence of his great craving, 

 which he will eat in any form, no matter how badly decayed. Give him 

 sufficient fresh meat and he will never seek carrion. 



Chloride of Sodium or common salt, some authors state, "is poison to a 

 dog." In this the writer cannot agree, but on the contrary deems it essen- 

 tial to perfect health. It is found throughout the tissues and fluids of the 



