160 



THE DOG IN HEALTH. 



clear of excrement. A heap of coal ashes, in the absence 

 of opportunity to hnrrow in earth, is useful. 



When four or five months old the puppies may be 

 taken out together for a little scamper. This they will 

 greatly enjoy, and the change will do them good. They 

 should not at this period accompany older dogs, nor be 

 allowed to meet many strange dogs, lest they catch dis- 

 temper. 



Washing puppies is to be avoided, if possible, till they 

 are six months old, and then as seldom as may be. Young 

 puppies feel the shock, and are apt to catcli cold, suffer in 

 their digestion, etc. Nevertheless, washing is preferable 

 to that filthiness which favors all sorts of parasites and 

 renders the creature's life a burden. With the precautions 

 we have indicated as to cleansing after feeding, and with 

 freedom and encouragement to burrow, washing will 

 seldom be required. But if it must be undertaken, let it 

 be done quickly and well. 



The amount and kind of grooming young puppies will 

 need must vary very much with the surroundings ; after 

 six months they will require more attention in this respect. 



When a puppy is kept in a small yard special attention 

 must be paid to his dejections. A box of earth, ashes, or 

 saw-dust, from which a little material may be taken to 

 cover the offensive matter at once, will be indispensable, 

 even if it is removed as soon as it should be. 



Any arrangements which do not permit — in fact, do not 

 favor — the puppies retiring to where they can get undis- 

 turbed sleep after eating or when tired with play are very 

 defective. Eest is as absolutely demanded as exercise. 



Young dogs of different breeds, from their dissimilar 



