124 KENNEL SECRETS. 



being poured into one hand, then the hands rubbed to- 

 s:ether and the coat rubbed with them in the direction of 

 the hair. 



That there may be no mistake in this matter it is again 

 urged that except in cases where drenching with cod-liver 

 oil is indicated, or a dressing is required, as in corded 

 coats, the quantity of oil used should be very small indeed, 

 for any excess must clog the pores of the skin and prevent 

 the free access of air to the hair roots. 



Baths without soap are less objectionable than those in 

 which it is used, and an occasional dip or swim cannot do 

 a sound dog any harm, provided the water is not very cold 

 nor entered shortly after eating a hearty meal. Yet mod- 

 eration in these indulgences should be the rule, for water 

 alone too often applied impairs the integrity of fine hair. 

 And it follows that the custom indulged by some breeders 

 of dipping their dogs in tanks every morning during hot 

 weather is a questionable one except with certain breeds 

 of dogs which have a special fondness for water. 



Since no more favorable opportunity is likely to present 

 itself some of the influences from within which bear upon 

 the health of the hair may properly be considered here. 



As so few owners appear to recognize it, it is necessary 

 to emphasize the fact that the quality and often the quan- 

 tity of hair varies with the general health, tempera- 

 ment and many accidental circumstances of the dog. In 

 serious attacks of sickness persisting for several weeks it 

 becomes dry and rough, with a tendency to break easily 

 or fall out in consequence of being loosened at its 

 roots. But while disease acts rapidly upon the hair and 

 impairs its integrity, some functional disturbances merely, 

 although slower in their effects in this direction, are yet 

 quite as potent and baneful, and especially active are dis- 

 orders of circulation and of the digestive and nervous 

 systems. 



