FLEAS 
Cocker Spaniel 
Fleas keep a dog so busily employed 
scratching and biting himself that he gets but 
little sleep or rest. Between fleas and scratch¬ 
ing much irritation of the skin is produced, 
which in time assumes an eczematous form. 
Besides the annoyance, the coat is gnawed 
off or torn out by the nails, giving to what 
has been a beautifully coated animal a ragged, unkempt and un¬ 
thrifty appearance. Constant vigilance is the price of keeping 
dogs free of fleas in warm weather, particularly if a number are 
kenneled together. An animal may be entirely rid of them one 
day, and have quantities the next, as they do not confine their homes 
for propagation to the dog’s coat, but will breed in bedding, car¬ 
pets and sand, or the animal may get them from coming in con¬ 
tact with other dogs or cats harboring the ever busy Pulex irritans 
(Flea). In consequence of the rapid increase of these pests in 
sand, the dogs of California are much troubled with them. I 
might add the human race as well. 
Treatment. -For the destruction of these external parasites 
all mercurial preparations, though efficacious, should not be used 
for the reasons given in the treatment of mange. Carbolic soap, 
or a solution of carbolic acid, is recommended, but I am opposed 
to its use from the fact that anything containing carbolic acid is 
injurious to the skin and coat, drying the natural oils, thus ren¬ 
dering them dry and harsh, I use carbolic acid on dogs only as an 
antiseptic in case of abscesses, ulcers, unhealthy sores, or after 
operating. Glover’s Mange Medicine is instant death to fleas, 
and will at the same time allay all irritation caused by scratch¬ 
ing, etc. 
If applied once or twice a week and allowed to remain on, fleas 
will not approach an animal so treated. On house or pet dogs it 
may be applied and washed off immediately after, and not a flea 
will be left alive. For toy dogs and those with particularly deli- 
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