DOGS : THEIR MANAGEMENT. 207 



expelled, it will subside. It may, ho-wever, exist by 

 itself, for the larynx of tbe dog early becomes ossified or 

 converted into bone ; and being then less yielding, the vio- 

 lent vibrations it is subjected to during the act of barking 

 have a natural tendency to injure the delicate lining 

 membrane. Its irritability is excited, and cough is the 

 consequence. The disposition of the creature to give 

 tongue ought, therefore, to be as much as possible 

 checked, and a mustard poultice applied to the throat, 

 while the pills first recommended on page 205, are 

 given ; but if these fail, the others may be employed. 

 The general measures would be pretty much the same, 

 only the more severe need not be resorted to. Quiet, 

 mild food, and a, little care, will often, without medicine, 

 remove the annoyance ; but it is never well to trust too 

 long to such dubious aids, when timely assistance will 

 procure speedy relief, and delay may lead to further evil. 



Snoring is often a heavy accusation brought against 

 the dog. It may proceed from weakness; though, in 

 ninety -nine cases out of every hundred, it results from 

 that debility which accompanies accumulated fat and 

 sloth. In the one case we apply the means advised to 

 restore the strength, — in th& other, we stint the food, 

 enforce a vegetable diet, and see that sufficient exercise 

 be taken. 



Snorting is another unpleasantness which the canine 

 race display. The animals stand with their heads erect, 

 and, drawing the air through the nostrils, produce a series 

 of harsh loud sounds, which axe sometimes continued till 



