314 TREATMENT OF COMMON AILMENTS 



the main similar to those given to human beings, 

 and in the majority of cases one of the larger 

 varieties would require a dose of the same pro- 

 portion as that suitable for an adult man. A dog 

 of 40 Ib. weight, or thereabouts, would do with 

 two-thirds the amount, or the quantity for a child 

 of fourteen ; and terriers and such small animals 

 from one-third to one-half. 



Anything of an oily consistency, such as castor- 

 oil, should first be warmed, and then floated on a 

 little milk. As a rule, with the exception of worm 

 medicines and aperients, physic should be given after 

 meals, but this is, of course, subject to variations. 



In nine cases out of ten nursing is of more import- 

 ance than drugs, and here one cannot do better than 

 apply the knowledge gained in the human sick-room. 

 Perhaps it is needless to say that the strictest cleanli- 

 ness must be observed in the hospital and that there 

 must be an ample supply of fresh air and pure water. 

 A thick sprinkling of sawdust on the floor will pro- 

 mote the sweetness of the compartment. When great 

 weakness is present, foods of a light and nourishing 

 character are indicated, and, if there is extreme de- 

 bility, brandy or port wine are called for. Beef -tea, 

 Bovril, Liebig's Extract, mutton broth, milk, plain 

 or with egg, or boiled rice are all useful, and occa- 

 sionally finely chopped raw meat is most helpful. 

 Plasmon and Sanatogen are very strengthening, and, 

 if there is much sickness or diarrhoea, Benger's Food 

 is admirable. Arrowroot affords a good coating to 

 the stomach. 



With these few general hints I will proceed to 

 deal in order with some of the diseases which the 

 dog-owner may expect to encounter. Any one de- 



