DIET AND CARE OF THE SICK. 199 



and easily digested, or food that is readily digestible and 

 also highly nutritious, is indicated. 



Broths, milk, eggs, rice prepared in various forms with 

 the greatest skill, may be taken when all else is rejected. 

 Often the dog will accept a little given to him from the 

 hand, and will so improve in the interval that at the next 

 feeding period he will eat spontaneously. 



"When a dog is rapidly losing flesh and strength, if he 

 will not eat he should have small quantities of suitable 

 food forced down his throat every hour or two. If the 

 stomach is very irritable, small pieces of ice, or a very 

 little spirits with broth, fluid beef, eggnog, etc., may be 

 useful. In fact, the addition of a little wine, brandy, or 

 whisky to liquid food in prostrating diseases may mark 

 the turning point in the case. An excellent combination 

 is broth and boiled rice, the latter being so easily digested. 

 But if a sick dog will take nothing else, he may relish raw 

 meat. The best beef or mutton, grated or minced, some- 

 times acts like a charm, and need rarely be denied. 



The opinion of one who knows the individual dog well, 

 provided he is one of those keen and sympathetic observ- 

 ers, should be given the greatest weight, even by the most 

 accomplished practitioner. We must beware of giving 

 liquid food too long, lest the stomach rebel against it. 

 The aim is to furnish food for a wasting, disordered or- 

 ganism in a form that can be used, and often the instincts 

 of the animal, if duly consulted, will be the best guide. 



As a sick dog is in every way at a disadvantage, the 

 more care must be observed as to all matters of venti- 

 lation, cleanliness, a suitable temperature, quiet, and com- 

 fort generally, including a ministering to his self-esteem 



