12 DISEASES OF DOOS. 



Cow Flesh. — It is not nncommon in country districts to find the 

 flesh of oovs which hare died upon faxms utilised for the feeding 

 of dogs. Greater discretion should, however, be exercised than is 

 usually the case ; for anthrax can be, and tuberculosis possibly may 

 be, conveyed to dogs through the medium of such food. 



Water. — This should be pure and fresh, and should always be 

 within the dog's reach. The practice, however, of putting a lump 

 of roll sulphur (brimstone) in it is useless, for it is insoluble in 

 such. 



Nnm'ber of Meals. — The frequency of meals has been a dis- 

 puted point. From advocating one meaj a day I am a convert to 

 two dry biscuits in the morning, and the soft food previously re- 

 ferred to, late in the afternoon or evening. 



Puppies. — These require special feeding. It is an error of 

 modern dog men to wean puppies too soon — they should run with 

 the bitch till six weeks old, being at the same time fed. Soft food 

 must alone be given tiU they are some months old. From leaving the 

 dam feed seven or eight times a day, reducing the number of meals 

 gradually till a year old, when two will be sufficient, except in 

 the case of large breeds, which should have three till eighteen months 

 old. 



GBOOUIITQ. — This is one of the details of kennel management 

 which is often overlooked, though it should form a part of the daily 

 routine. Not only does it tend to keep at bay the numerous ex- 

 ternal parasites of the dog, but it also produces a healthy action of 

 the sldn. As to the appliance used this will depend upon the 

 variety of dog kept. Smooth dogs need only rubbing with a bit of 

 rough towelling or a swab of straw ; rougher coated ones need brush- 

 ing, and long coated ones require a comb and brush. Old hair, 

 which, in such as coUies and St. Bernards, sticks in dead locks among 

 the new, should be carefully removed. How to groom a dog does 

 nut seem to be generally understood. It is usual to start with the 

 shoulder and fore legs, and gradually extend to the loins and back, 

 finishing with the thighs, stifles, etc. By way of imparting a finish- 

 ing touch to hounds and the like a wash-leather or one of Dinneford'a 

 Hound gloves may be used. Washing is not often needed, and when 

 it is Sherley's Shampoo will be found safer and more efEectual than 

 many ordinary soaps, being a capital insecticide. With those breeds 

 in which the frill or mane is a prominent feature, as in the Pomer- 

 anian, it is usual first to groom in the orthodox way, and then to 

 finish " against the wool." 



