Care of the Dog 



Drying. — ^Now comes the hardest part of the job. 

 The thoroughness with which the dog need be dried 

 will depend on the kind of animal he is and the 

 condition of the weather. The small toys must be 

 absolutely dry, while in the large strong dogs only 

 the bulk of the water need be removed. In winter, 

 drying is more important than in summer. The 

 hair is first squeezed with the hands until all of the 

 water possible has been removed and then towels 

 are used to absorb the moisture, one after another, 

 as fast as they become wet. If they have been pre- 

 viously warmed so much the better. The rubbing 

 should be continued until it is impossible to dampen 

 a towel, then the hair may be rubbed with the hands 

 until the dampness disappears. The snarls are now 

 removed with a brush and comb and if the dog 

 is a long-haired toy he should be rolled in a blanket, 

 and if the weather is cold he may be placed by the 

 radiator. After he is warm, unwrap him and 

 make him run briskly about the house. He should 

 not be taken out of doors until the next day, unless 

 the weather is very warm. In midsummer the sun- 

 shine and air will help to dry his coat but some of 

 the more fragile dogs cannot withstand even this 

 exposure. 



Clipping. — Clipping spoils the coat for some time. 

 The texture of the hair is rarely as fine and silky 

 after it has been cut. The hair is dull and stiff and 

 does not lie as smooth as before. There are, how- 

 ever, times when it is necessary, or at least ad- 



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