THE CARE OF THE DOG'S SKIN. I17 



sirable companion than the liunian being of Hke character. 

 Xo dog is naturally such, and it is almost cruel to force 

 such a life upon him. 



The difficulties in large cities of meeting these require- 

 ments as to exercise and occupation are considerable, but 

 the writer is of opinion that unless a dog can be kept 

 without perverting his nature, he should not be kept at all ; 

 and in most circumstances a little thoughtful consideration 

 will overcome the hindrances to natural development. 



THE CARE OF THE DOG'S SKIN. 



The skin in all animals serves three main purposes: 

 (1) It is a means of communication with the outer world, 

 or a collection of sense-organs which have to do with 

 "feeling" in its widest acceptation. (2) It is an organ 

 or collection of organs for getting rid of the waste of the 

 body — an excretory apparatus. (3) It is protective in a 

 mechanical way and against loss of heat. 



In the dog the first and the third functions seem to be 

 most developed. As to the first, little need be said now. 

 The protective functions of the animal's skin reside chief- 

 ly in the hair, which is kept more or less oily, and thus 

 shielded against wet, by the oil-secreting glands {sebaceous 

 (/lands) connected with the individual hairs. Small mus- 

 cles attached to the hair-follicles permit of the erection 

 of the hair. Sudorific or sweat-glands are less abundant 

 in the skin of the dog than in that of man or the horse. 



We take the opportunity here of referring to the 

 whole subject of excretion briefly, as it will not only ren- 

 der the understanding of the dog's skin the more clear, but 

 throw light on other subjects to be considered hereafter. 



