224 The Fox Terrier. 



One of the dangers to which dogs are liable is the 

 careless use of poisons when laid with the intention of 

 destroying rats and mice. The subject of emetics likely 

 to be of use in all cases where poisons of various kinds 

 have been taken, mineral and otherwise, is beyond the 

 scope of this book. If you suspect your dog has obtained 

 poison, and a chemist or surgeon (veterinary or otherwise) 

 cannot be reached in a few minutes, seek to empty the 

 stomach by administering that most useful emetic, luke- 

 warm water, and follow this by giving milk and the white 

 of eggs, or boiled flour and milk, or butter, lard, fat, or 

 olive oil. Of course, if you have tartar emetic or sulphate 

 of zinc handy, give a dose of either immediately. Castor 

 oil later on will likewise be beneficial, and, if great 

 exhaustion is apparent, brandy or wine or strong beef 

 tea may be given. The poisons to which dogs are 

 most liable are arsenic, phosphorus, and strychnine, 

 the effects of the latter being marked by frequent 

 twitchings, contraction of the limbs, cramp, &c. Arsenic 

 poisoning may, as a rule, be detected by swelling and 

 apparent violent pains in the bowels, accompanied by 

 purging, unusual feverishness, and an unnatural thirst. 

 The symptoms of poison from phosphorus are a peculiar 

 listlessness and giddiness, vomiting, and an aroma from 

 the mouth not altogether unlike the smell of garlic or of 

 lucifer matches. 



As I have said so much about the simpler ailments from 

 which fox terriers, like other dogs, are so often sufferers, 

 my remarks may be made more complete by a slight 

 reference to rabies, of which I was reminded by receiving, 

 in my connection with The Field, the following note from 

 " R. J." (King's Lynn) : — " I was out shooting only last 



