46 THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG 



claws are growing very sharp, and the mother, having 

 supplied an enormous amount of nourishment, is in 

 need of rest and a most liberal diet. About this time 

 the puppies should generally be treated for worms, a 

 complaint from which, with very few exceptions, they 

 always suffer. Fortunately there are plenty of reliable 

 preparations for the eradication of these parasites, in the 

 form of skilfully compounded pills. The dose is to be 

 given according to the instructions accompanying it 

 usually half a pill on an empty stomach, followed in 

 half an hour by a saucer of warm milk. The result is 

 usually astounding, as is the subsequent rapid improve- 

 ment in weight and condition. 



At two months old further additions may be made 

 to the puppy menu, in the form of paunches, well steamed, 

 carefully cooked, and cut up small, and Spratt's Puppy 

 Rodnim thoroughly soaked in the paunch liquor. Add 

 a sprinkling of bone meal, and keep up a liberal supply 

 of fresh cow's milk. All the puppies may now be 

 treated again for worms. 



Up to this period they should be fed five times a 

 day, and the more their fare is diversified the better 

 they will enjoy it. Nothing should be left to get stale. 

 When they have eaten all they want the bowls should 

 be removed until the next meal-time. It is essential 

 to see that each individual gets his fair share, for a 

 greedy pup has scant chivalry for his weaker brethren, 

 and the latter speedily go to the wall if not attended to. 



