394 ALL ABOUT DOGS 



ping him round with a shawl, or coarse apron. When 

 once you have got into the way of it, you will be sur- 

 prised how simple it is. I am quite sure a practised 

 owner or kennelsman, would dose a dozen dogs, while 

 a novice was making a bungle over one! 



Distemper carries off scores of dogs every year, 

 but it is quite a mistake to suppose all dogs must have 

 it. I have had, probably, more without than with 

 it, the worst of it is that it varies so in differ- 

 ent cases, so that the same treatment does not 

 do for all; sometimes the brain, at others, the 

 stomach, at others, the lungs, are most affected; 

 it is of an inflammatory and very debilitating char- 

 acter, and frequently accompanied by severe con- 

 vulsions and fits, which are very alarming and distress- 

 ing. Generally, there is discharge from nose and eyes, 

 but not invariably. I am doubtful if there is any posi- 

 tive and unfailing cure for the complaint, although so 

 many claim to be, so much depends on the form the 

 disease takes, the treatment given, and the constitution 

 of the patient. The symptoms comprise great depres- 

 sion, debility, want of life and appetite, and great lan- 

 guor; as medicine, two or three grains of calomel in 

 milk may be given ; if possible, get the patient to drink 

 it which he sometimes will, being feverish from the 

 nature of the disease; sometimes a small dose of 

 " James's Powders/' administered in same way, has a 

 good effect. For food, anything light and nourishing, 

 such as thickish gruel, or good broth, or bovril, may be 

 given. The old adage, that prevention is better than 

 cure holds good here, and young dogs not fed too 



