392 ALL ABOUT DOGS 



about dogs having a " worm under the tongue," which 

 must be taken out, are all humbug, and should not be 

 credited. 



Sometimes dogs' claws, when not sufficiently exer- 

 cised, grow too long and require to be shortened, but 

 this is easily done with a sharp pair of " nippers." 



Putting a piece of stone sulphur in the water 

 is no good, as being a mineral, it does not dis- 

 solve, and you might just as well put a lump of 

 coal in ! But, as I said before, a little " Flowers of 

 Brimstone," according to the size of the animal, either 

 mixed in milk, or with its food, is beneficial and has a 

 cooling effect, and I sometimes add a small quantity of 

 magnesia, with the same object. 



Above everything, see that the place where the dog 

 lives is dry, warm in winter and free from draughts. 



I think dogs kept in a house as pets are more liable 

 to disease, than those kept in kennels, from often hav- 

 ing no regular meals or rules, but constantly being fed 

 by many people, and so getting more than they require 

 of food, but much less of exercise. 



Chicken and game bones are not desirable for 

 dogs, as they break into sharp splinters which when 

 swallowed may cause injury to the intestines, but other 

 bones are occasionally very good for dogs, and much 

 enjoyed by them; and when at liberty they will take 

 grass, which, as with cats, is very useful for their di- 

 gestion. 



Most dogs are troubled with fleas, and some with 

 ticks and other small insects, particularly in the 

 summer. I have found an occasional washing, with a 



