88 THE KEEPER'S BOOK 



parasite, and it is obvious how both the dam and the 

 puppies can be thus infected. It may be advisable to 

 wait till the puppies are weaned before treating for 

 these, but if necessary, treatment should not be delayed. 

 The most common worm at this period is the " round " 

 worm, pointed at both ends, whose habitat is the 

 stomach and small intestine. Their presence may be 

 noted in the vomit, or later in the faeces, and it is safe 

 to assume that they are present if the puppy is dry in 

 his coat, more or less emaciated, with abdomen over- 

 distended, or accompanied in an extreme case with fits. 

 Santonin is the remedy, given fasting, in doses of -J, 

 i, or 2 grains, according to age and size of puppy. An 

 equal amount of calomel seems to increase the action 

 of the drug, or followed by a small dose of castor oil. 

 If necessary, this should be repeated in a few days. 



Rickets is also another common ailment of puppy- 

 hood, caused by errors usually in diet, and, second- 

 arily, insanitary or unsuitable surroundings. From our 

 experience the former is the usual cause, i.e. the food 

 is given in too large quantities and seldom, instead of 

 small and often. A puppy after weaning ought to be 

 fed at least four times a day till he is three, or even four 

 months old, and thrice daily till six months. Milk 

 should form the chief portion, and the solids increased 

 with his age. If skim milk can only be used, then the 

 fat must be replaced by the addition of cod-liver oil or 

 other fat ; and where size is of importance, as in most 

 sporting dogs, great benefit will be derived by the 



