DOGS. 119 



should have a good dry bed Hfted above the ground if only by 

 four bricks. Pine shavings are preferable to any other stuff to 

 lie upon, as they are objectionable to fleas and other parasites 

 (see External Parasites, page 109.) Straw, hay, ferns, and dried 

 leaves may be also used, but moss litter gets into the coat, the 

 water, the food, and everything else, besides which it harbours 

 ringworm. 



KENNEL, 



The kennel in winter has above all things to be kept dry, 

 but in warm weather the opportunity should be taken to clean 

 out with disinfecting fluid so that no corners for fleas are left 

 undisturbed. The sunny side of the premises in the winter is 

 the place for the dog, and the shady one in summer. This is 

 too often forgotten, and tied-up dogs suffer discomfort and 

 disease as a consequence. 



GROOMING, 



Dogs of every breed are benefited by good grooming. It 

 brings the blood to the surface and promotes the healthy action 

 of the skin. A wisp of straw or a dandy brush may be used, 

 or the " hound glove," which is a. convenient contrivance for the 

 purpose. Mats of dead hair in the long-coated varieties are 

 very unsightly, and may be picked out by pulling asunder, not 

 dragging outwards, as the latter process is painful and not so 

 effectual. 



EXERCISE, 



It is now generally known that no dog can be truly 

 healthy without exercise. Not only is this forgotten, but 

 •sometimes the house dog is not turned out night and morning 

 to empty his bladder. He suffers pain if well trained, and 

 becomes a great nuisance if not. If he knows when to expect 

 his run he will learn to behave in a becoming manner. Good 

 mothers teach their pups, and the latter should not be taken 

 away too soon, except for necessary reasons, such as exhaustion 

 of the dam. 



