128 The Care of Animals 



all the fresh water they want. A little salt sprinkled on 

 the food often proves to be attractive. The feed-boxes, 

 pails and other utensils should be kept clean and 

 free from medicinal odors. As was said at the begin- 

 ning, the most important thing in nursing sick animals 

 is that the attendant be kind and quiet; that he 

 look carefully after the needs and wants of his patient, 

 and, if reasonable, supply them regularly. 



GIVING MEDICINE 



In giving medicine to a sick animal the same rules 

 are applicable as in giving it to a human being. Do 

 not give medicine unless upon competent advice, or 

 unless it is given intelligently for a definite purpose. 

 Give no medicines to animals that you would not be 

 willing to take yourself in small amounts. Strong 

 medicines should be diluted until there is no danger of 

 burning the patient's mouth or throat, or of stran- 

 gling him. 



The Drench. — Medicines can be given to a horse in 

 the form of a "drench." The medicines are first dis- 

 solved in water or other suitable liquid. The horse's 

 head is drawn up by means of a rope, a loop of which 

 is placed back of the incisor teeth of the upper jaw, 

 the end passed under the nose -band of the halter 

 and then drawn over a beam. With the head in 

 this position, the medicine will not run from the 

 mouth. By means of a taper-necked, strong glass 

 bottle, or a drenching horn, the medicine is poured 

 gradually into the horse's mouth, at the corner. 



