The Science of Breeding 



be sponged with tepid water and a mild dis- 

 infectant, and the soiled bed replaced with 

 new. 



For the first few days a sloppy diet is 

 desirable, in case any fever should be present, 

 and to encourage the secretion of milk. 

 Oatmeal gruel, milk, and bread -and -milk 

 will do. Subsequently the diet must be of a 

 generous nature, as it is obviously unreason- 

 able to expect the nursing mother to stand 

 an abnormal strain on her system and do her 

 puppies well unless she has good food and 

 plenty of it. Milk given in large quantities 

 is not to be recommended, as it is apt to 

 cause acidity, although the addition of half a 

 cupful of lime-water to each pint will act as 

 a wholesome corrective. Broth, from which 

 all traces of fat have been carefully removed, 

 may be given with advantage, thickened 

 with stale bread or rice. Most mothers lie 

 close for the first few days, but it is necessary 

 that they should be removed from their 



puppies for a short period several times a day. 



107 



