6 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG 



some poor creatures are kept on the chain from one month's 

 end to another after growth is complete, with the idea that 

 it is then not hurtful? Fallacy! Out at the elbows and 

 bowed arms, with spreading toes, will in time result, and be- 

 come a permanent deformity. Again, loose such an one, and 

 the exuberance of spirits immediately manifested, the wild 

 scampers of delight until exhaustion takes place, will exhibit 

 even to the doubtful mind the enjoyment of freedom and ex- 

 ercise.* 



Other tender little morsels of caninity are carried, pro- 

 tected from every breath of wind, in the arms of their mis- 

 tress, and thus have, as it is termed, " their airing" the most 

 invigorating and muscle-developing part of it being denied 

 them ; and so they go their way yelping and snarling, in all 

 probability with envy at the gambols of those taking exercise 

 in a natural manner. 



Exercise should not be allowed so as to produce undue 

 fatigue, as in carriage-followers and sporting-dogs ; in the 

 latter, I am aware, it is under certain circumstances unavoid- 

 able. 



It should also, if possible, take place before feeding, or, if 

 impracticable, not until some hours afterwards. Running, or 

 long walks on a full stomach, is liable to produce fits of the 

 worst kind, and many a dog have I seen so affected. 



Again, as I have previously observed, the meal is relished 

 far more after exercise than before it ; of this we have proof 

 in ourselves. Finally, locomotion is especially necessary in 

 indoor dogs, for the performance of the natural evacuatory 

 acts, and thereby continuance of health and purity. 



Erasmus Wilson's remarks on the subject will not be mis- 

 applied here : " Well-directed exercise favors the preserva- 

 tion of the general health by calling into direct action the 

 majority of the organs of the body ; and it also acts power- J 

 fully on the skin by stimulating its functions, increasing its 

 temperature, awakening its tone, and subjecting it to a cur- 

 rent of atmosphere favorable for its respiratory offices." 



