116 DOGS: THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



danger. The digestive canal of the dog is peculiarly 

 irritable, and no less sensitive to the action of medicine. 

 There are few diseases in which the stomach and intes- 

 tines are not involved, and very many in which purga- 

 tives are directly contra-indicated. No one should get 

 into the habit of thrusting physic of this nature down the 

 throats of his animals ; and sportsmen may rest assured 

 that, to the dog at all events, preparatory doses are not 

 necessary to condition. Those, however, who persist in 

 using such stuffs will do well not to employ the com- 

 pounds in general use. The mixture of poppies, buck- 

 thorn, and castor oil is a filthy mess ; and I do not 

 understand the principles upon which the abomination is 

 based. A better and more cleanly mixture is thus made : 



01 : Ricini 4 parts. 



Ol : Olivse 2 " 



Ol : Anisi . . . . Q. s. Mix. 



A little pounded sugar added to this will often render it 

 palatable, which, being of a fluid consistency, is without 

 difficulty exhibited. The compound, however, flows the 

 more readily if it be slightly warmed, and in winter it 

 even requires to be thus prepared. Sulphate of magne- 

 sia I rarely employ ; and, as a general purgative, it is 

 not suited to the dog, though in exceptional cases it will 

 be seen I recommend it. Should pills be preferred, the 

 following will be found to answer every purpose : 



Ext : Col : . . . . Half a scruple. 

 Pulv : Colch : . . . Six grains. 

 Pil : Hydrarg : . . . Five grains. 



