DISEASES OF DOGS. 71 



time dig-est hard meat, or any of the common matters usually 

 g-iven to dogs. In these instances, nourishment is best re- 

 ceived from strong- broths, g-ravy, jelly, or gruel ; or, perhaps, 

 best of all, from thick g-ruel and a strong- animal jelly, mixed • 

 for I have always remarked, that no simple liquid will afford 

 equal nutriment with one thickened with flour or other 

 meal. 



Sick dog-s are also very fanciful, and often require enticino- 

 to eat, by the same arts we use towards children. Fresh meat 

 of any kind, but very lig-htly broiled, will sometimes tempt 

 them. At others, pork, in particular, is hig-hly relished • 

 while, in some cases, raw meat alone will be taken. But in 

 almost all cases., if the slig-htest inclination for food remains 

 horse-flesh, lightly dressed, will be found irresistible ; so o-reat 

 is their preference for this food. The extreme fickleness of 

 their appetite, when sick, makes it necessary that every kind 

 of edible should be tried, as that which is voluntarily taken 

 will always digest more readily than that which is forcibly 

 g-iven. But in all illnesses of long continuance, when food is 

 obstinately refused, nourishment should be forced down. In 

 cases requiring active cordials, ale may be mixed with gruel 

 or gravy. Wine is seldom advisable, from its disposition to 

 inflame the bowels. I have, however, now and then used it 

 with benefit in highly putrid cases of distemper ; in which 

 instances forced meat balls also prove both nutritious and an 

 active cordial. 



The intenseness of mental feeling in the dog is at all times 

 great, but under disease it appears doubled ; and althouo-h it 

 may, to a superficial observer, look like an affectation of ten- 

 derness, it is a very necessary caution to observe, that at these 

 times their minds should be soothed by every means in the 

 power of those around them. Harshness of manner and un- 

 kind treatment, in many instances, very evidently ao-o-ravate 

 their complaints. Under some diseases their irritability of 

 mind is particularly apparent. Distemper is a very prominent 

 example of this. I have several times witnessed an angry 



