126 



BIBBABXS OF DOOB. 



in the lower. The first (that is, of course the four, two npper and two 

 under) are not deciduous, and make their appearance at about three 

 or four months ; the second, third in the upper and fourth in the 

 lower are, like the incisors and canines, decidaoua, appearing at the 

 fourth or fifth week, and giving place to the permanent ones at fire 

 to six months ; the fourth in the npper jaw is much the strongest, 



Fio. 21. 



PnppT's MotTTH AT Six 

 Months. 



Fio. 22. Dog's Mouth at Eighteen 

 Months. 



and in the lower jaw the fifth is the largest and strongest. The fifth 

 generally appears from the fourth to the fifth month, the sixth at the 

 age of from five to six months, and the seventh in the lower jaw from 

 five and a half to seven months. Most of the molars, whilst adapted 

 for grinding or crushing bones, etc., are terminated by acute lobes 

 suitable for tearing flesh. Figs. 20, 21, and 22 represent respectively 

 the dog's mouth at three, six, and eighteen months, 



TEETH, SECATED.— It is unfortunately only too true that 

 the condition of a dog's teeth does not receive the attention that it 

 should ; this is very evident when it is borne in mind that one of the 

 most important functions of the teeth is mastication, and that an 

 animal cannot maintain good health if it is imperfectly performed. 

 Upon sound teeth greatly depends perfect mastication. Before 

 assimilation of the food can take place in the stomach, it must he 

 received into that organ in a fit condition for the process, and this 

 depends upon the condition of the teeth. When the food is not properly 

 chewed, it acts as an irritant to the stomach and bowels, causing 

 indigestion and diarrbcea, which latter in puppies often proves fataL 



