50 AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH AND TONGUE. 



TREATMENT OF THE TEETH. 



Generally but little trouble is experienced by puppies in sbedding tbeir 

 temporary teetb. It would be wise, bowever, to examine tbeir mouths 

 occasionally, and if any are loosened remove them, which can easily be 

 done by pressing on tbe side of the tooth. 



Fits are sometimes attributable to teething. When they occur, if the 

 gums seem swollen, it would be wise to remove all doubts by lancing. 



If a tooth becomes decayed and evidently painful, the dog should not be 

 tortured by the unskilful use of primitive " tools, " but rather a trifling 

 expense be incurred and the operation left to a professional dentist. 



If the diet of dogs is properly chosen and bones are judiciously fed, tbe 

 animals will clean their own teetb and obviate the need of their owner's 

 intervention. 



Tartar is an earthy matter deposited on the teeth from the saliva. If 

 suffered to accumulate, it causes inflammation and absorption of the gums 

 and gradual loosening of tbe teeth. Wben any quantity has accumulated 

 it should be removed with the blade of a pen knife, and for a time tbe 

 teeth cleaned daily with a tooth brush and charcoal ; then bones allowed 

 once or twice a week, tbe gnawing of whicb will insure protection from 

 tbe deposit. 



Softening of the Gums. 



This condition may be the consequence of an accumulation of tartar, 

 or of a congested state of the liver and bowels. 



The gums are swollen, spongy and tender, and bleed at the slightest 

 touch. In such cases the breath is usually very offensive, and other 

 evidences of bilious and digestive disturbances are apparent. 



Tbe affection is more commonly met with in bouse pets, over indulged 

 and deprived of sufficient exercise. The dispositions in such cases become 

 materially changed, the animals growing obstinate and sulky. A condi- 

 tion absurdedly attributed to tbe giving of meat, whereas, it is due to 

 confinement and an absence of common sense in feeding. Such dogs it 

 will be observed, bave very little appetite, preferring dainties and condi- 

 ments rather than wholesome food. 



2'reaiment. —Dietetic influences are the first to be observed. In a recent 

 publication one author states: "it used to be the custom of the older 

 practitioners to commence the treatment of such cases by two or three 

 days, starvation. This treatment is terribly cruel, and any one who should 

 prescribe such should be punished by law." The writer believes the " old 

 practitioners " did not go so very far astray in their treatment. Two days" 



