8 TJte Management and Diseases of the Dog. 



WASHING. 



Washing in moderation adds greatly to the health and 

 comfort of the dog. I say in moderation, because some 

 persons are never satisfied unless their favourites are sub- 

 merged twice or three times a week in water, and lathered 

 over with soft-soap (the latter to kill the fleas). This is a 

 great mistake, and three results of such a custom are — 

 blindness, deafness, and canker. 



Long-haired dogs require ablution more than short- 

 haired ones, and usually have a natural inclination for 

 water. The frequency of washing will depend to some 

 extent on the manner in which the coat is kept ; if regu- 

 larly brushed and combed, once a month is quite sufficient ; 

 under any circumstances a weekly bath is more than ample. 

 The water should be a little more than tepid, and soap 

 used merely enough to create a lather ; as its alkaline 

 properties, if used in excess, render it an irritant to the 

 skin (where careful rinsing is adopted, the caution is 

 almost needless). This, however, as I know from expe- 

 rience, is so frequently not carried out, that the soap in the 

 process of wiping is rubbed in, and gives rise to the irri- 

 tation named. When, then, thoroughly cleansed, the 

 animal should be finally douched in cold water, rubbed 

 dry before the fire, if the weather is raw, and immediately 

 after allowed some brisk exercise. Outdoor dogs will dry 

 themselves after their own fashion, and a good bed of straw 

 will be sufficient to complete the toilet. In those breeds 

 which have an inclination for water, as Newfoundlands, 

 retrievers, and spaniels, the lake, river, or canal will afford' 

 the best means of ablution. 



GROOMING. 

 This is especially advisable in all dogs where fineness of 

 coat, kindness of skin, cleanliness, and health are desired. 



