DRUGS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION. 197 



lows : Never to use fluids that must be poured down, if 

 possible to avoid it ; to get the dog against a wall, a cor- 

 ner preferred, between the knees, press on the lips just 

 enough to cause the mouth to open, then insert the gela- 

 tin capsule, moistened with saliva, far back on the tongue, 

 and, giving it a gentle but rapid push down with the 

 fingers, suddenly close the dog's mouth, when he usually 

 swallows, almost unaware of what has happened. Then 

 a pat on the head and an encouraging word, and he thinks 

 no worse of his physician than before, especially if he gets 

 a taste of meat or a sup of milk just after. Even in giv- 

 ing pills we now often prefer to put them in a small 

 gelatin capsule, so that the dog actually tastes nothing at 

 all. However, the above method is varied a great deal. 



Following this method, the author can administer, with- 

 out trouble to himself or offense to the dogs, a dose of 

 medicine repeatedly to any of the more than twenty in- 

 mates of his kennel at the present time. But in the case 

 of some very sensitive dogs — e. g., Irish setters — it may be 

 well for the master or trainer to get some one else to give 

 medicine, so that he may not be associated with any un- 

 pleasantness in tlie mind of the puppy. Sometimes a 

 syringe may prove very useful in giving medicine. It 

 should be of hard rubber, or, if of glass, well guarded with 

 metal. Large balls or boluses are unsuitable for dogs. It 

 is better to make them into smaller masses (pills), which 

 can be given several together. However, gelatin capsules 

 are so cheap and convenient that there can be no reason 

 for neglecting their use. 



Dogs may be given injections by the rectum or vagina 

 without trouble. They object to hypodermic injections, 



