CLOTHING FOR DOGS. 29 



See that his bed is comfortable and clean for him after his return from the unusual amount of 

 exercise which should at this time be given him. The operation of grooming too should be more 

 thoroughly carried out than under ordinary circumstances, and if his jacket is well rubbed 

 down day by day with a chamois leather the gloss on it will be increased. In consequence 

 of the greater exercise he takes a little more meat can be given him, but there is always a chance 

 of his blood getting heated, and his skin breaking out in consequence into sores, or the hair coming 

 off. Internal as well as external remedies must be at once resorted to if there are any indications 

 of this misfortune befalling him. Let the dog, in such a case, be given a daily dose of the sulphur 

 and magnesia mixture which has been alluded to in Chap. III., and give him sloppy food for a 

 time. As regards a lotion for external application, the following, for which we are indebted to 

 Mr. Hugh Dalziel, is highly efficacious : 



Carbolic acid ... ... ... J oz. 



Glycerine ... ... ... J oz. 



Laudanum ... ... ... I oz. 



Carbonate of soda ... ... ... I dram. 



Water ... ... ... ... i^ pints. 



This lotion should be dabbed very lightly indeed on the sores with a sponge, or wrung out of 

 a piece of lint on to them frequently during the day, and it is marvellous how rapidly it dries 

 up the raw places, and frees the dog from all irritation. If meat proves too heating, bread-and- 

 butter is an excellent addition to a dog's daily allowance of food, and we have tried it with marked 

 success in the case of several bad-constitutioned dogs. Let the butter be sound and good, and 

 the bread not too new, however, or this diet may not succeed as well as the owner could 

 wish. Cow's udder, if well boiled, is much relished by all dogs, and in getting up a light-fleshed 

 dog upon whom a little bulk is wanted is simply invaluable, as its fat-producing properties are 

 very high. 



Cod-liver oil is most efficacious in its effects on dogs. A tablespoonful once or twice a day 

 after food generally succeeds in putting flesh rapidly on a fifty-pound dog. This dose must be 

 increased or diminished according to the size of the animal, and the effect it has on his condition. 

 Suitable cod-liver oil can generally be obtained from saddlers or leather dressers, who use it in 

 their trade. This is very much cheaper than what is obtained from chemists, and the only 

 difference is that it is supplied unrefined. 



In the case of many smooth-haired breeds, where the smoothness and brilliancy of their 

 coats go a long way to ensure success in exhibition, it is desirable to keep them clothed for some 

 time previous to the date of the show. Dog clothing is of various sorts, shapes, and materials ; but 

 the best for ordinary indoor purposes are plain white calico for summer wear, and ordinary fawn- 

 coloured but not too thick horse clothing, to be used in winter or cold weather. These should 

 be taken off when out of doors if the weather is fine, but if it rains many exhibitors employ thin 

 macintosh sheets when exercising their pets. As regards the best make, we very much incline 

 to the pattern which buckles in front, and to which a breast-cloth can be added. When the 

 clothing is so constructed as to pull over the head like a stocking it is sure to ruffle up the 

 dog's coat, and furthermore the same clothing cannot be made to fit various dogs so easily as 

 the pattern which buckles in front. Fig. 1 1 exactly represents a pattern of exhibition clothing, 

 which in workmanship and design we consider perfection, and which we arrived at after much 

 study and many trials. For a long time we stood alone in various of its details, especially as 

 regards fil let-strings and embroidered crest ; but of late many others have copied our example. 



