OF DOGS UNDER DISEASE. 95 



readily than that which is forcibly given ; still bearing in mind, 

 that as support is essential, particularly in all illnesses of long con- 

 tinuance, so, when food is obstinately refused, nourishment should 

 be forced down. In cases requiring active cordials, ale may be 

 mixed with gruel or gravy : wine is seldom advisable, from its dis- 

 position to inflame the bowels. I have, however, now and then 

 used it with benefit in highly putrid cases of distemper ; in which 

 instances forced-meat balls also prove both nutritious and cordial. 



The intensity of mental feeling in the dog is at all times great, 

 but under disease it appears double ; and although it may, to a 

 superficial observer, look like an affectation of tenderness, it is a 

 very necessary caution to observe, that at these times their minds 

 should be soothed by every means in the power of those around 

 them. Harshness of manner and unkind treatment, in many in- 

 stances, very evidently aggravate their complaints : under some 

 diseases, their irritability of mind is particularly apparent ; of which 

 distemper is a very prominent example. I have several times wit- 

 nessed an angry word spoken to an healthy dog produce instant 

 convulsions in a distempered one who happened to be near ; and 

 the fits that come on spontaneously in distemper almost instantly 

 leave the dog by soothing notice, so open are they to mental im- 

 pressions. Joy and surprise will also often prove equally injurious 

 to them when they are very weak. 



Even among those who conceive themselves minutely acquainted 

 with dogs (and who probably are so with the sporting kinds, and 

 with such as lead more natural lives in the open air of the country, 

 with the advantages of moderate feeding and due exercise) there 

 will be many who will regard these extreme cautions as unneces- 

 sary. The number and variety of the diseases quoted will also 

 probably excite their surprise ; and, unaware of the existence even 

 of many of them, they will be apt to consider the diversity of symp- 

 tomatic appearances described, the cautions insisted on, and the 

 minuteness of detail in the medical treatment, as in a great degree 

 superfluous : but a little further inquiry will satisfy such, that no 

 animals can differ more widely than the dogs they are accustomed 



