CHAPTER I. 



GENERAL CARE AND TREATMENT OF INVALID 

 DOGS. 



1. Housing. 



If the dog has the good fortune to possess a home of his 

 own, let that home be warm, clean; comfortable and well 

 ventilated. He deserves it. The dog house should be large 

 enough to admit of his moving about in it. Place the door in 

 such a position that, drafts may be avoided. A good plan is 

 to hang a heavy blanket over the door in cold weather. 



If necessary to have him tied, attach the chain to a swivel 

 ring in the top of a post driven flush with the top of the 

 ground to prevent the chain from becoming tangled. See 

 that his collar is properly adjusted and sufficiently wide to 

 prevent irritating his neck. 



Give him a reasonable amount of exercise every day. 



During cold weather he requires a nice soft bed of straw 

 or shavings. This should be changed every one or two 

 weeks. In warm weather he is more comfortable without it. 



2. Disinfecting. 



It is to the owner's interest as. well as to the comfort of 

 the dog that his quarters should be frequently disinfected 

 and cleaned thoroughly. Disinfect by burning sulphur. Use 

 a little good insect powder to prevent lice, ticks and such 

 vermin. 



3. Feeding. 



Once each day is often enough to feed a matured dog, 

 although twice a day may not be objectionable provided only 

 sufficient food is given for his requirement. Refuse from the 

 kitchen in the majority of cases is good diet, but if this is not 

 sufficient other wholesome food should be added. Should he 

 have plenty of strenuous exercise feed him accordingly. Too 

 much meat is not a good thing, although bones are excellent. 

 Chewing and picking at a large bone stimulates the saliva 

 and aids digestion, while at the same time it cleans and bet- 

 ters the condition of the mouth and teeth. As a general rule 

 a mixed diet is beneficial. 



