Distemper] 7 ^ [Distemper 



of the nervous system may often be prevented 

 by not letting the dog out too soon after dis- 

 temper. The temperature should be regularly 

 taken, and the patient not allowed to go out 

 of doors or be excited in any way until the 

 temperature has been normal at least ten days. 

 Sometimes suddenly changing the diet from 

 liquid to solid food will induce fits. 



Occasionally in distemper a crop of pustules 

 appears on the inside of the legs and over the 

 stomach — in fact, in some cases all over the 

 body. This is rather a good sign than other- 

 wise, for they seem to relieve the system of 

 the distemper poison. 



To treat distemper successfully, good nursing 

 and dry, warm, comfortable quarters for the 

 patient are the two essential things. For out- 

 door dogs, a loose box in a stable makes a 

 capital place, and in cold weather the temperature 

 should be kept as near 55 deg. F. as possible. 

 Dogs who are in the habit of living indoors 

 should be put in a well-ventilated room, and 

 the temperature kept up between 60 and 

 65 deg. F. It is a good plan to cover the 

 floor with sawdust, which should be changed 

 at least once a day, and oftener when neces- 

 sary. The dog should not be let out of the 

 box or warm room for anything. Very often 

 at first there are difficulties with very clean 

 dogs, but it can generally be overcome with 

 perseverance. Sometimes a little soiled straw 

 from a kennel thrown down in the room is 

 useful. Some dogs may be taught to use a 



