134 EVERYTHING ABOUT DOCS. 



air is good and floor dry. Here is where the first mistake generally takes place. 

 The fond owner, thinking because the dog is lively, that this cough is nothing more 

 than some slight throat irritation or cold, allows the dog to sleep out in all kinds of 

 weather, which conditions soon develops acute bronchial troubles, generally pneu- 

 monia, and in most every case pneumonia is fatal in dog-life. 



"Distemper develops much slower than generally thought for. A dog is first 

 noticed to be "off his food;" soon the cough is noticed in the morning and toward 

 night, and in a week or ten days it is more than likely that the eyes show a sticky 

 discharge and the nose sooner or later begins perhaps to discharge likewise thick 

 purulent yellow mucus. Many a strong healthy dog will not show the effects of the 

 early stages of the disease, but later break down all at once, ais it gradually in- 

 creases to some climax with him. If the mucous discharge stage is reached, the 

 owner can count on a month or more of close confinement. 



"Of great importance is the isolation of the patient, chained up free from activ- 

 ity and excitement from other dogs. If your puppy is young, and you have an old 

 bitch (that has had the distemper), no harm can follow shutting her in with the 

 patient. She will aid the puppy in keeping clean and be very helpful in quieting 

 him. Your chances are that if this first move is made promptly, and faithfully 

 adhered to, your dog will have but a "mild case," and thus be saved all of the dele- 

 terious effects of the ravages of the disease in its worst forms, and in a couple of 

 weeks be over it. The dog that is kept chained up from the very first symptoms, 

 stores up his vital energy and strength, and has the benefit of it when any climax 

 of the disease develops. 



"In treatment, the writer does not believe in the speedy use of any medicine; 

 the less used the better you are off, and the dog, generally. If at first your dog is 

 suddenly prostrated, as is common, one good, large dose of rochelle salts or castor 

 oil is a good beginning. If indications of worms-are present treat for their removal. 

 If the patient refuses food for a couple of days, it will do no harm to let him go 

 without, but rather good. The first stage is no time to force food, but* on the con- 

 trary, does injury. Should much mucouis discharge develop at the eyes and nose, 

 and a general fevered condition exist, with quick breathing and much loss of ener- 

 gy, quinine in moderate doses, or any tried "grippe" tablet that has been found 

 good in family use will prove beneficial. In giving any such medicines use caution 

 as to overdosing, considering well the age and size of the patient, and not oftener 

 than once in three or four hours, bearing in mind its irritating effect on the stom- 

 ach tissues. The condition of the stomach is the most important factor to keep in 

 mind, for on getting the dog back to a good appetite depends his recovery. He 

 must have the ability to digest and assimilate his food, as well as to eat it, in order 

 that its strength-giving properties can help overcome the deleterious effects of the 

 disease, as the effect of this foreign germ life in the system advances in its attack 

 ou the system. 



"Right here, begin at once, something that will, if followed up regularly, allay 

 the development of the worst tendencies of the disease. After the general cleans- 

 ing, begin to give, three or four times a day for several days, and continually as 

 long ais its helpfulness is indicated a tablet that can be purchased from any drug- 

 gist, being a compound of pepsin (one or two grains, according to age), bismuiii 

 and charcoal. These tablets are inexpensive and should be given after each meal, 

 if the patient takes food, and, if not, four times a day. They are easily taken or 

 given, and their beneficial effect will soon be observed. They will soothe the in- 

 liamed membraneous tissues and aid the proper digestion of food and its assimila- 

 tion, 



