136 KENNEL SECRETS. 



or rinsed off by means of a garden sprinkler, and then 

 allowed to dry themselves in their own way. 



Strong, hardy dogs would scarcely need rinsing, but 

 still it is a wise procedure, for some forms of the crude 

 preparations contain more carbolic acid than others and 

 poisonous absorption might possibly take place ; moreover, 

 the solution if often applied and allowed to dry on would 

 likely make the hair dry and brash. 



This crude carbolic solution is not only destructive to 

 fleas and other troublesome insects but both preventive 

 .and curative of the most common form of mange and 

 imany other parasitic diseases, hence its use about twice 

 a week in summer is likely to prove highly beneficial in a 

 variety of ways. But for obvious reasons it is available 

 only in warm weather or where kennels are comfortably 

 heated in winter. And since very nearly all such agents 

 are more or less prejudicial to the coat it should be used 

 sparingly if at all on dogs being made ready for shows. 



What is generally accepted as the pure carbolic acid is 

 sometimes used in a stronger preparation composed as 

 follows : 



Carbolic acid, one-half an ounce ; glycerine, one-half an 

 ounce ; laudanum, one ounce ; bicarbonate of potassa, one 

 drachm ; water, one and one-half pints. In using, pour 

 a little into a hand basin, and with a small sponge rub it 

 through the coat to the skin. 



The writer has never tried this preparation, but Mr. J. 

 Otis Fellows, one of the most experienced breeders within 

 his acquaintance, cordially recommends it for use espe- 

 cially on house pets, because of its cleanly nature as well 

 as efficiency. 



Quassia is another potent flea destroyer, which notwith- 

 standing that it possesses the peculiarity of being poison- 

 ous to many of the lower animals, including dogs, is never 



