GENERAL MANAGEMENT. 



WASHING. 



Washing in moderation adds greatly to the health and 

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

 sons are never satisfied unless their favorites are submerged 

 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 man- 

 ner in which the coat is kept ; if regularly brushed and 

 combed, once a month is quite sufficient ; under any circum- 

 stances 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 experience, is so frequently not carried out, that 

 the soap in the process of wiping is rubbed in, and gives rise 

 to the irritation 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 them- 

 selves 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 lak^, river, or canal will afford the best means of 

 ablution. 



