THE DRINKING WATER. II5 



and causing flatulency or what is popularly termed bloat- 

 ing. Then if the food does not excite thirst the irrita- 

 tion in the stomach must inevitably do so ; and in young 

 puppies it must often be mistaken for hunger. 



If milk, for instance, is given it will subdue the uncom- 

 fortable sensation for a time, but its fluid portion rapidly 

 passes through the stomach and leaves the solids, which 

 must linger to undergo digestion. This mass aggravates 

 the stomach irritation and therefore the thirst is more 

 intense than before the milk was taken. 



There is yet another fact that deserves emphasis, namely, 

 that the digestive fluids of young puppies are often less 

 active and potent than normal, and indigestion is the con- 

 sequence. Pure, fresh water has a decided corrective 

 influence upon these fluids and fortifies them to no incon- 

 siderable extent, hence it is entitled to be called a remedy. 



Summarizing briefly : puppies should be taught to drink 

 water at the earliest age possible, and thereafter a con- 

 stant supply that is pure, fresh and inviting should be 

 kept before them. It will modify somewhat the appetite, 

 allay irritation in the stomach, render the digestive fluids 

 more active if they are weak, and mechanically act advan- 

 tageously by washing food remnants down and out of the 

 stomach. All of which must greatly favor health and 

 lessen the liability to disease. 



