396 ALL ABOUT DOGS 



take place away from the kennels or home, in 

 such case I either borrow from someone at hand, 

 or send for, a hamper, or box, and get the pa- 

 tient home as soon as possible; as perfect quiet 

 and repose are very important, merely sprinkling a 

 little cold water on his face and placing him in some 

 place, with plenty of straw, or shavings, where he can- 

 not hurt himself by falling about, as he is quite uncon- 

 scious for the time being and not accountable for his 

 actions. When able to take medicine, give such treat- 

 ment as the cause of the fits require, they are usually 

 those I mentioned, but when caused by extreme debil- 

 ity, as with an overtaxed nursing mother, they are 

 very serious. In any case of fits, where good profes- 

 sional advice can be obtained and the patient is a pet, 

 or valuable, it is better not to attempt to deal with it 

 without. 



Asthma is supposed to arise from errors in feed- 

 ing, but it is certain some breeds of dogs are more 

 liable to it than others. Light nourishing diet, very 

 moderate exercise, and a little opening medicine will 

 certainly have a good effect, but it is a difficult com- 

 plaint to get rid of when once it makes its appearance. 



Diarrhoea sometimes occurs with dogs from inatten- 

 tion to dietary matters, but they more often suffer from 

 the other extreme. A little Epsom salts in water, or 

 thin gruel, will often work the desired end, but if the 

 dog seems still in pain, ten or fifteen drops of tincture 

 of opium may be given in water. 



Eye affections are not uncommon with some breeds, 

 but the eye is such a tender and delicate organ to med- 



