198 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



which should only be used in extreme cases demanding a 

 very rapid action, as in collapse, internal haemorrhage, 

 poisoning, etc. When the stomach will not tolerate medi- 

 cine, it may be given hypodermically or by the rec- 

 tum. But, in all dealings with dogs, decision, rapid action, 

 gentleness, etc., can not be too much insisted on. 



As a rule, to which there are some exceptions, medi- 

 cines had better be given after food, in which case they do 

 not so readily act on any one part of the stomach and are 

 more gradually taken into the blood. This rule applies to 

 all preparations of iron and arsenic. Aperients should be 

 given on an empty stomach. 



DIET AND CARE OF THE SICE. 



In some of the gravest troubles to which the dog is 

 subject, food and the surroundings of the patient are of 

 infinitely more importance than medicine, while in many 

 minor ones attention to these alone is required. Per- 

 haps the best advice that can be given either the breeder 

 or the student of medicine is to make himself familiar 

 with the actual preparation of those various articles of 

 diet that have in recent times proved invaluable in 

 the hands of the enlightened human practitioner and 

 trained nurse. "Know thyself" applies here again in 

 full force. 



Dogs have sensitive stomachs, and may altogether 

 refuse to eat. Often this is Nature's method of restoring 

 a disordered digestion or assimilation ; but during the 

 progress of febrile diseases the animal must either be 

 tempted with palatable food and coaxed to eat, or 

 forced, if his life is to be saved. Food that is light 



