-j^-j^g THE DOG IN HEALTH. 



ercise as much care as horses ; but there is the same neces- 

 sity for it. The dog takes cold also, and if he does not 

 show his derangement in the same way, it is not to be in- 

 ferred that it is a matter of indifference whether he is al- 

 lowed to throw himself down anywhere, or whether he is 

 groomed as is the horse. It adds enormously to the 

 value of exercise, and diminishes all its risks, to see that 

 afterward the dog is rubbed dry if wet, and mud or dust 

 removed — in a word, to make sure that his skin is re- 

 duced to a comfortable and healthy condition ; and if to 

 this the dog be shampooed or manipulated like an athlete 

 in training, the results for good will be as satisfactory as 

 they may be surprising to those who have not been accus- 

 tomed to observe such things. 



It is difficult to convince kennel men that these details 

 are of great importance, but, in the light of physiology, 

 they are not difficult to understand, as will presently be 

 seen. 



It will be much more satisfactory to accustom dogs to 

 exercise before meals ; in fact, exercise of a violent char- 

 acter after a large meal is directly contra-indicated. The 

 dog's energy should then be directed to his digestive sys- 

 tem, and not diverted to his muscles; and it must be 

 borne in mind that about one quarter of all the blood in 

 the body is distributed to the muscular system, with a 

 corresponding diversion of nervous energy. 



Occupation founded on natural instincts, which fur- 

 nishes the best amusement for the dog, is too often neg- 

 lected. It is essential for the best pliysical and psychical 

 development. Tins, of course, varies with the breed ; but 

 a dog that is a mere loafer is not apt to be any more a de- 



