142 THE DOG IN HEALTH. 



one corner, she will in general take to it and whelp quietly 

 and well. But a few additional precautions are not super- 

 fluous. Beneath the straw a piece of old but clean carpet 

 may be tacked to the floor, on which latter a little of some 

 disinfectant has been placed, and over this the straw. The 

 idea is that the claws of the puppies shall, by catching in 

 it, enable them the better to suck the dam, as the straw be- 

 neath them is generally clawed back. The carpet must be 

 soon removed, however, or it will become a source of dis- 

 ease. The writer does not consider it essential. 



A shallow board guard placed around one corner will 

 keep in the straw, and give the bitch the feeling of com- 

 fort arising from having a little spot all to herself. 



Some recommend a ledging, about four inches wide 

 and a little way from the floor, to be provided so that the 

 bitch may not crush the puppies against the wall, etc. It 

 may prove useful in some cases, but in others will not be 

 necessary, and may prove a source of inconvenience to 

 the mother. 



Only those whom the bitch knows and likes should ap- 

 proach her when whelping ; better if only one, and he as 

 seldom as possible. Still, some little oversight is necessary 

 withal, and in many more than a little. It can be man- 

 aged so as not to disturb the bitch, but to assure her. She 

 will soon perceive its object. Gentle caressing, a little 

 milk-gruel, or merely cold water, if offered in the right 

 spirit, will be appreciated even if not taken ; but fidgeti- 

 ness will do only harm. That very coarse and lowly 

 organized sort of human nature to which animals are 

 sometimes intrusted is never more out of place than about 

 the pure-bred bitch during parturition. 



