A Few Words About General Management and Some Simple Maladies, to Which Dogs are Subject, and Their Treatment

These few practical directions and suggestions are not intended to take the place of the veterinary surgeon, whose skill and experience are often of the greatest value in dealing with cases of a serious nature, but just to give inexperienced persons some idea what to do, in case of emergency; as, in all cases of illness or accidents to animals, immediate treatment is often most important.

I may say that a "bond of sympathy" should exist between an owner or keeper, and his dogs, and when this is the case, it will be much easier to deal with them, either in health or sickness, but particularly the latter.

I believe more trouble is caused by mismanagement than any other cause, and that if only proper attention be paid to the three cardinal points of "cleanliness, food and exercise," there will not be much the matter with the inmates of the kennel.

I have, for a great number of years, kept a small lot of dogs, varying in number from fifteen to fifty, but although accidents will be constantly occurring with live stock of all kinds, I have had wonderfully little illness, amongst my dogs, except the ordinary ailments so generally expected, and I attribute this mainly to endeavouring to enforce cleanliness and plenty of exercise, and providing food varying in character and quantity to suit the appetites of the inmates.

I may say, while on the subject of food, that although in winter, or very cold weather, it is well it should be given "with the chill off," it is better not to let it be warm, in a general way, as it is thought unnatural for dogs, and tends to weaken their digestive powers.

Also except in cases of packs of hounds, where it is unavoidable, (but they are generally accompanied by some of the kennel men, and attendants to avoid undue "differences of opinion,") it is best, not to feed two or more dogs together, as often the stronger member will overpower the weaker, and perhaps consume more than his or her share; you will notice this, even amongst puppies.

An owner, or keeper will soon get to know the right amount to give each, and give just as much as will be finished at the time, when the pan should be removed, or washed out, and filled with water, if benched alone, not otherwise, or it may be upset in the course of play, etc.

Except in cases of bitches with families or puppies by themselves when two or more meals may be given, it is usual to feed once a day either morning or evening as most convenient, giving each as much as they will eat, with appetite, the oftener varied the better, as I said in the "Introduction."

Unless any difficulty occurs, at the birth of the puppies, when skilled assistance should be obtained, the less the bitch is disturbed the better, but a few days afterwards it is well to examine the litter, and destroy any deformed or faulty ones, and if she has more than she can reasonably bring up, to put some of them under a "foster mother," which are frequently advertised in the papers dealing with dogs and doggy matters, if not procurable in your own district, in such case, it is best not to take away all the foster litter at once, but introduce the new-comers (in the absence of the "Foster,") amongst her remaining puppies, and mix them up, together, so that they will smell alike, and gradually weed out those not desired to be kept.

After three weeks old, the puppies should be given bread and milk, which will help the mothers in their nursing, and about this time if a breed which requires their tails to be shortened, a part may be taken off, with a strong pair of scissors, not too sharp, feeling for a joint, before making the cut, and if carefully done, it causes but momentary pain, and soon heals up.

At six weeks old, they may be removed from the mother, altogether, and if she seems at all troubled with milk, occasionally squeeze out any milk, with the finger and thumb, and dress the teats with vinegar and water, which generally prevents swelling or inflammation, and helps to dry off the milk.I need not say that the stories sometimes heard about dogs having a "worm under the tongue," which must be taken out, are all humbug, and should not be credited.

Sometimes dogs' claws, when not sufficiently exercised, grow too long and require to be shortened, but this is easily done with a sharp pair of "nippers."

Putting a piece of stone sulphur in the water is no good, as being a mineral, it does not dissolve, and you might just as well put a lump of coal in! But, as I said before, a little "Flowers of Brimstone," according to the size of the animal, either mixed in milk, or with its food, is beneficial and has a cooling effect, and I sometimes add a small quantity of magnesia, with the same object.

Above everything, see that the place where the dog lives is dry, warm in winter and free from draughts.

I think dogs kept in a house as pets are more liable to disease, than those kept in kennels, from often having no regular meals or rules, but constantly being fed by many people, and so getting more than they require of food, but much less of exercise.

Chicken and game bones are not desirable for dogs, as they break into sharp splinters which when swallowed may cause injury to the intestines, but other bones are occasionally very good for dogs, and much enjoyed by them; and when at liberty they will take grass, which, as with cats, is very useful for their digestion.

Most dogs are troubled with fleas, and some with ticks and other small insects, particularly in the summer. I have found an occasional washing, with a weak solution of "Jeye's Purifier," (procurable of any chemist, or stores, with full directions on the bottles), makes a great improvement in this respect, and if the breed of the animal is small, or it is one kept indoors, it may have an occasional combing with a small tooth comb, having a basin of boiling water at hand, to put the "results" in.

In all treatment of a sick dog, remember you are dealing with a highly sensitive and nervous patient, be very gentle, avoid roughness, or anything likely to alarm him; in giving any liquid medicine, do not open his mouth, but placing him between your knees with his face looking in same direction as your own, gently raise his jaw, and pulling his lips away from his teeth, on one side of his mouth, to form a cup, or funnel, very slowly pour from bottle or spoon, the quantity he is to have, into it. Keep his head raised for a minute or two, and if he does not swallow the dose, insert a spoon between his front teeth, this will have the effect of drawing off his attention from the medicine, and he will, usually, swallow at once. If the dose is a pill, bolus, or anything solid, hold his head the same way as before mentioned, but with the left hand under lower jaw, press firmly on each side with thumb and finger at the junction of upper and lower jaws. This will usually cause him to open his mouth, when the dose should be put into the mouth, as far back as possible, over the tongue (or he will spit it out) and close the jaws somewhat sharply, and in most cases the deed is done. If any trouble arises with the action of his front paws, this may be got over by wrapping him round with a shawl, or coarse apron. When once you have got into the way of it, you will be surprised how simple it is. I am quite sure a practised owner or kennelsman, would dose a dozen dogs, while a novice was making a bungle over one!

Distemper carries off scores of dogs every year, but it is quite a mistake to suppose all dogs must have it. I have had, probably, more without than with it, the worst of it is that it varies so in different cases, so that the same treatment does not do for all; sometimes the brain, at others, the stomach, at others, the lungs, are most affected; it is of an inflammatory and very debilitating character, and frequently accompanied by severe convulsions and fits, which are very alarming and distressing. Generally, there is discharge from nose and eyes, but not invariably. I am doubtful if there is any positive and unfailing cure for the complaint, although so many claim to be, so much depends on the form the disease takes, the treatment given, and the constitution of the patient. The symptoms comprise great depression, debility, want of life and appetite, and great languor; as medicine, two or three grains of calomel in milk may be given; if possible, get the patient to drink it which he sometimes will, being feverish from the nature of the disease; sometimes a small dose of "James's Powders," administered in same way, has a good effect. For food, anything light and nourishing, such as thickish gruel, or good broth, or bovril, may be given. The old adage, that prevention is better than cure holds good here, and young dogs not fed too highly, and occasionally dosed with Epsom salts or jalap, when their bowels are out of order, or their eyes look unnatural, not given much meat while young, and kept from going into the water at too early an age, will often ward off this scourge of the race.

Dogs are sometimes troubled with Skin affections such as mange and eczema, both are thought to have their origin in errors in feeding and particularly in the former, from want of due attention to cleanliness. I have found the following, which we have always kept ready for use, to apply a little if required, a certain cure, if persevered with. Equal quantities of train oil and paraffin and a tablespoonful of black sulphur to each quart of the mixture applied freely to the affected parts, every other day with a piece of sponge. If the attack is very slight, a little sulphur ointment made by mixing sufficient Flowers of Sulphur, with hog's lard, to make a fairly firm ointment, and rub on this two or three times a week, where the cause arises. A small dose of Epsom salts will be beneficial.

Canker in the ear is troublesome, particularly with the breeds having large ears, a little alum and water is advised as a wash for the ears, into which it should be poured, and the flaps closed over and rubbed gently; but I have personally found a little "Hippacea" (procurable at most chemists), which is a rather moist ointment, rubbed inside the affected parts, give much relief.

Fits are often caused, either by distemper or worms, they are always alarming, particularly when they take place away from the kennels or home, in such case I either borrow from someone at hand, or send for, a hamper, or box, and get the patient home as soon as possible; as perfect quiet and repose are very important, merely sprinkling a little cold water on his face and placing him in some place, with plenty of straw, or shavings, where he cannot hurt himself by falling about, as he is quite unconscious for the time being and not accountable for his actions. When able to take medicine, give such treatment as the cause of the fits require, they are usually those I mentioned, but when caused by extreme debility, as with an overtaxed nursing mother, they are very serious. In any case of fits, where good professional advice can be obtained and the patient is a pet, or valuable, it is better not to attempt to deal with it without.

Asthma is supposed to arise from errors in feeding, but it is certain some breeds of dogs are more liable to it than others. Light nourishing diet, very moderate exercise, and a little opening medicine will certainly have a good effect, but it is a difficult complaint to get rid of when once it makes its appearance.

Diarrhoea sometimes occurs with dogs from inattention to dietary matters, but they more often suffer from the other extreme. A little Epsom salts in water, or thin gruel, will often work the desired end, but if the dog seems still in pain, ten or fifteen drops of tincture of opium may be given in water.

Eye affections are not uncommon with some breeds, but the eye is such a tender and delicate organ to meddle with that I prefer to advise any of my readers, who may have a patient suffering in that way, to call in the best advice they can procure, than to give them any directions.

Wounds, whether incised or contused, are rather awkward for a novice to deal with, and if he does so, he had better muzzle the patient, both to prevent being bitten and to keep the bandage, plaster or poultice from being torn off; of course in the former case, the affected part must be gently washed with cold water, and the blood staunched with lint or otherwise, and if possible tightly bandaged, and closing the edges of the wound keep them together with sticking plaster, binding all round with lint.

In contused wounds apply and frequently change a bread poultice, large enough to take in all the injured parts and keep the patient as quiet as possible, and maintain his strength with light nourishing diet, of a more hearty character.

This is not a "Kennel Guide" (although I hope it may teach some of my readers something they did not know in a rough and ready way) and there are, in almost every district in the kingdom, as I know from actual experience, having met scores of them in the course of my doggy travels, highly qualified gentlemen, practising as veterinary surgeons, who have made a lifelong study of the diseases, and calamities, to which dogs, as well as their owners, are liable.

I think I have now said a little about all the many breeds suitable, or likely to be kept as companions or pets, and sufficient for my book to form a vade-mecum, or guide, to anyone in doubt, as to what sort of dog to choose for the purpose, and this was the original idea which prompted the commencement of the work.

The illustrations herein are from life, the subjects being mostly typical specimens, and are introduced to show good types of some of the least common, or every day breeds. From the remarks often overheard at exhibitions and elsewhere, it has greatly surprised me how many persons have only a vague idea of all but the most ordinary varieties.

Thinking over matters and things even to compile a work of this kind, has brought back to mind many forgotten incidents concerning both people and animals, and I have derived much pleasure in the course of it. I am in hopes, if the book falls into the hands of any, who have hitherto known, or cared nothing for dogs of any kind, they may be sufficiently interested in my recital, of the charming qualities of so many different varieties, to take up one or more of them, and test the truth of my statements, which I may say are founded on fact, and a very lengthened and practical experience as a breeder, exhibitor and now for many years as a judge, during which time I believe I have kept most, and adjudicated on all, known varieties of dogs, and on most of the breeds very often indeed.

And considering the many thousands of dogs, which have come under my notice, I am bound to say, on the whole, I have not had much to complain of, in my treatment by the exhibitors, which have often included Her Majesty the Queen, a well-known lover of animals, and other members of the Royal Family, as well as leading members of the nobility and gentry, and very many of the middle, lower and working classes.

And, I hope, the reason has been that as far as lay in my power, I have tried to serve all alike, that is, to regard the dogs, and not their owners or leaders, as the sole matter to be dealt with, and where exhibitors recognise this in a judge, as a rule, his classes are well filled.

I think, I have said enough, in this chapter, to justify its title, and, I hope, to form a fitting "wind-up," for my little work, as "All about Dogs."

THE END.

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