BO AFFECTIONS OF TBE MOUTH AND TONGUE. 



TStEATMEJ^T OF TBE TEETB. 



GeneraUy t)ut little trouble Is expeilenced by puppies in shedding their 

 temporary teeth. It would be wise, however, to examine their mouths 

 occasionally, and if any are loosened remove them, which can easily be 

 done by pressing on the side of the tooth. 



Fits are sometimes attributable to teething. When they occur, If the 

 gums seem swollen, it would he wise to remove all doubts by lancing. 



If a tooth becomes decayed and evidently painful, the dog should not be 

 tortured by the unskilful use of primitive " tools, " but rather a trifling 

 expense be incurred and the operation left to a professional dentist. 



If the diet of dogs is properly chosen and bones are judiciously fed, the 

 animals will clean their own teeth and obviate the need of their owner's 

 intervention. 



Tartar is an earthy matter deposited on the teeth from the saliva. If 

 suffered to accumulate, it causes inflammation and absorption of the gums 

 and gradual loosening of the teeth. When any quantity has accumulated 

 it should be removed with the blade of a pen knife, ajji-'for a^-^/Pjie the 

 teeth cleaned daily with a tooth brush and charcoal'; thn bones a lUowed 

 once or twice a week, the gnawing of which wjliinsureprotecti^n from 

 the deposit. \ 



SOFTEJ\riJ\rG OF TBE GUMS. / 



This condition may be the consequence of an acoumulaCm of tartar, 

 or of a congested state of the liver and bowels. 



The gums are swollen, spongy and tender, and bleed at the slightest 

 touch. In such cases the breath is usually very offensive, and other 

 evidences of bUious and digestive disturbances are apparent. 



The affection is more commonly met with in house pets, over indulged 

 and deprived of sufficient exercise. The dispositions in such cases become 

 materially changed, the animals growing obstinate and sulky. A condi- 

 tion absurdedly attributed to the giving of meat, whereas, it is due to 

 confinement and an absence of common sense in feeding. Such dogs it 

 will be observed, have very little appetite, prefei-ring dainties and condi- 

 ments rather than wholesome food. 



2'reatmenl. — Dietetic influences are the first to be observed. In a recent 

 publication one author states : " it used to be the custom of the older 

 practitioners to commence the treatment of such cases by two or three 

 days, starvation. This treatment is terribly cruel, and any one who should 

 prescribe such should be punished by law." The writer believes the " old 

 practitioners " did not go so very far astray in their treatment. Two days 



