246 Diseases of the Skin, 



severe pain. In the dog it may be usually found on the 

 head, neck and back, which are involved in severe 

 eczema, and on the inflamed parts the offenders may be 

 readily observed by means of an ordinary lens. The disease 

 yields very tardily, perhaps owing to the diificulty of 

 reaching the parasite. Paraffin has been found effectual; 

 carbolic acid in glycerine is not certain^ as, owing to the 

 susceptibihty of the dog to the action of the drug, only 

 weak solutions could be used. 



Fleas, Fidex irritans, are terrible pests to the dog. 

 Their presence in pet dogs is a serious drawback, and 

 their extermination becomes a disideratum. If not 

 removed they cause severe and continued irritation, 

 seriously affect the health, and reduce the animal to a 

 state of anaemia and debihty. Cleanliness in the kennel, 

 as in all other respects, is absolutely essential to prevent 

 the attack, regular washing of the animal with "Sanitas" 

 Dog Soap being effectual. For especial remedies, see 

 Parasiticides, in Chapter VIII. 



Lice, pediculi, do not prove so troublesome or painful 

 as fleas. They are, however, more loathsome, and we 

 shudder to think of the possibility of their transmission to 

 ourselves. Well-kept dogs receive them only by contact 

 with others infected. Mongrels and wandering curs 

 obtain them in the dirt and filth among which they seek 

 their food, or by contact with their infected fellows. 

 They always retire before the resolute acts of cleanliness. 

 Simple cases are cured by ordinary washing with 

 ^'Sanitas" Dog Soap. Confirmed cases require the 

 application of a special Parasiticide. 



Ticks are summer visitants, which not only produce 

 severe irritation by boring into the skin, but debilitate the 

 sufferer by sucking his blood, and by their effects on the 

 nervous system have been known to induce paralysis. 

 The species common to our dogs is the Ixodes ricinus, an 

 innocent offender as compared with certain varieties 

 common, to South Africa, which are known to kill not only 

 dogs, but also oxen. They are usually found in the ears, 

 but may attach themselves to other parts where the hair 

 is thin. The best remedy is to cut each tick in half by 



