6 KENNEL DISEASES. 
In attacks of sickness of only moderate intensity, nourishment can generally 
be properly given about three times daily; but in severe cases, in which the 
drain on the system is great, it would scarcely be safe to allow a longer interval 
between the feedings than four hours, and it may be even necessary to shorten 
it to two or three hours if the decline in vital powers is rapid and great. 
Alcohol and its preparations may without impropriety be alluded to here as 
accessory foods. Of course they are never to be given to dogs except in very 
severe cases, in which failure of the vital powers is likely to occur. It is well to 
bear in mind the fact that the susceptibility to their action is diminished by their 
frequent use, and after a time increased quantities are required to produce the 
same effect. Therefore, even where it seems as though they must soon be re- 
quired, their employment should be delayed as long as possible. In a case of 
distemper, for instance, in which the indications are that it will be a desperate 
one, and that stimulants must eventually be resorted to. Now, such being the 
outlook, the natural inclination would be to commence giving brandy too early ; 
and were that yielded to, the system of the dog might become accustomed to 
the stimulant, and consequently some of its virtues be lost at just the time when 
its most powerful and entire effects were most sorely needed. Therefore in all 
cases the rule should be to withhold stimulants as long as safe, and until they 
are clearly indicated; or if in doubt as to whether or not that point has been 
reached, and it is deemed best to commence their use, let the strongest — whis- 
key and brandy — be reserved against the time of greatest danger, and only wine 
be given. 
It is often a disturbing question, ‘‘ Which is the best in sickness, whiskey or 
brandy?” 
In this country it is far more difficult to obtain brandy in pure form than 
whiskey, therefore it were safer to trust to the latter. While of the different 
wines, sherry is likely to prove much the best. 
