DOGS : TIIEIE MANAGEMENT. 235 



is constant, and the lapping is long ; but no further notice 

 is taken of this circumstance, than to remark the animal 

 has grown very fond of water. At last the thirst has in- 

 creased, and no sooner is the draught swallowed than it 

 is ejected. The appetite which may have been ravenous 

 a little time before, now grows bad, and whatever is eaten 

 is immediately returned. The animal is evidently ill. 

 The nose is dry, and the breathing quick. It avoids 

 warmth, and lies and pants, away from the .hearthrug. It 

 dislikes motion and stretches itself out, either upon its 

 chest or on its belly. Sometimes it moans, and more 

 rarely cries. The stomach is now inflamed ; and if the 

 symptoms could have been earlier understood, frequently 

 has the animal been seen, prior to this stage of attack, 

 licking the polished steel fire-irons. It has been horrify- 

 ing its mistress's propriety, by its instinctive desire to 

 touch something cold with its burning tongue ; and the 

 poor little beast perhaps has been chastised for seeking a 

 momentary relief to its affliction. 



Dogs that are properly treated rarely have gastritis. 

 When they do, it is generally induced by some unwhole- 

 some food. I have known it to be caused by graves 

 more often than by anything else they are accustomed to 

 eat. I never recommend this stuff to be given to dogs. 

 Meal and skim milk is far better, and that can always be 

 procured where flesh is scarce. The entrails of sheep, &c., 

 if washed and boiled with a large quantity of any kind of 

 meal, are nutritious and wholesome ; nay, even when a 

 little tainted, they will not be refused. If, however, they 



