Foods and Feeding 



any description. Although they are of value in 

 many ways, their bad effects overbalance their good 

 qualities. Gnawing at bones is supposed to keep the 

 teeth free from tartar, but dry, hard dog crackers 

 will answer the purpose equally well. Should the 

 system require the lime from the bones, the 

 ground bone meal may be given and the dose 

 adjusted so as to prevent constipation. Chop 

 bones are especially dangerous for the dog be- 

 cause they can be broken up and swallowed. The 

 small splinters may be caught in the throat or 

 esophagus, and if they succeed in getting into the 

 bowel they become lodged in the rectum, causing 

 severe constipation and violent inflammation. 

 Often these splinters become so firmly impacted that 

 they have to be removed with forceps. Larger 

 bones may be swallowed whole, obstructing the 

 throat, or they may become fast in the bowel and 

 cause a stoppage which is frequently fatal. 



Fowl. — This class of meat may be allowed to a 

 limited extent. Fowl do not possess as great a 

 food value as beef and are more expensive. Dogs 

 do not do as well when fed extensively on chicken. 

 When these meats are served on the family table 

 they may be given to the dog, but their frequent use 

 is not to be encouraged. They are not of any par- 

 ticular value for tempting sick animals. 



Fish. — The same may be said of fish as of fowl. 

 They are to be used only when necessary. When 

 they are given, great care must be taken to see that 



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