WASHIiXG AND GROOMING. II9 



In washing, as in other departments of management, 

 knowledge, care and judgment must often be displayed, 

 notwithstanding it may seem to the average reader that it 

 is simple and easy always. Very likely it is all this with 

 short-coated dogs, but with those whose coats are long, 

 soft and silky, glistening and brilliant, it is an entirely 

 different matter, and to wash all varieties in the same 

 way would be to ruin the coats of many completely. 



For instance, the coat of a mastiff, bull terrier or pug 

 could scarcely be injured in the tub, nor would these dogs 

 be likely to take cold after a bath were a reasonable 

 amount of intelligence and consideration exhibited with 

 them, but the novice who undertook to wash a collie 

 might make bad work of it, and certainly the chances 

 would be all in favor of ruining not only the coat but the 

 health of his subjects were they Maltese or Yorkshire 

 terriers. 



Obviously no one line of procedure can be established 

 which will extend to all cases, nor is there much in this 

 fact to be deplored, for with a few simple general rules in 

 sight, a knowledge of the methods to be employed with 

 the common varieties, and a fair amount of common sense, 

 one need never run into a very dense fog. 



The general rules are as follows : 



Never wash a dog within two or three hours after eat- 

 ing heartily. The best time is about an hour before a 

 feeding, for then if he is depressed by the bath his food 

 will do much to bring on reaction and restore him. 



Use lukewarm water always, for with cold water it is 

 scarcely possible to effect cleanliness. 



Let the washing be done as speedily as possible, and in 

 a temperature of not less than 70° Fahr. And the opera- 

 tion with very delicate toys will be less hazardous if the 

 degree of heat is higher than this. 



