SparkleDark/Everything_about_dogs · Datasets at Hugging Face

text stringlengths 0 181
tration of remedies.

Dogs frequently refuse to swallow liquids or offer such strenuous ob-
jections that a portion of the medicine is spilled and the quantity admin-
istered becomes merely speculative. Hence it is not advisable to use liquid
medicines at all for dogs if it can be avoided.

Hypodermic injections of alkaloidal "solutions are the most prompt, effi-
cient and reliable method of administration we have, but as it pre-supposes
the possession of a hypodermic syringe the plan is not feasible in the ma-
jority of instances.

Other methods are to have the remedies incorporated in tablet or
granule form or given in gelatin capsules. For ordinary purposes this is
the most convenient method. The tablet or capsule can be placed toward
the back of the tongue and readily forced back with the finger far enough
so that to swallow is the only thing the patient can do.

Always treat him kindly and give an approbative pat on the head
and when the time for the next dose arrives he will be ready for it.

At times liquid medicines are necessary, especially saline laxatives, and
as they are decidedly of unpleasant taste and the dose necessarily large it
is frequently quite a difficult matter to convince the patient that it is "not
bad to take." Rochelle salts is the least nauseating of the saline laxatives
and when given largely diluted with water its action is increased and the
taste not so disagreeable.

In giving liquids place the patient in a corner, but do not handle rough-
ly. Have the medicine in a bottle or hard rubber syringe. Take hold of
the fold at the angle of the mouth and pull out to form a pouch, then pour
in a small quantity at a time, repeating as it is swallowed.

A dose of castor oil is sometimes required, especially to supplement
the action of a vermicide. If this is given in about four parts of milk
the taste will be largely disguised and the administration more pleasantly
effected.

In applying lotions to the eye the lids can be separated by the thumb
and finger and the solution dropped in from a medicine dropper.

When the nasal passages are occluded by adherent discharges, appli-
cations of warm water and steaming will be of benefit. For the latter, the
patient can be held with the nose over a vessel containing hot water (med-
icated if the case demands) and enclosing head and vessel with a towel.
Care must be taken though to allow sufficient air.

In applying remedies to the ear the most useful implement is a blunt,
hard rubber syringe. If, however, it is necessary to apply dry powder a
"blower" will be found of great service.

In treating wounds the watchword should be antisepsis, but in the
use of such preparations one must always bear in mind the danger that
may result from the patient licking the dressing. Of antiseptics iodoform
should never be used for the dog except in minute quantities, owing to
liability of absorption and poisoning. In applying remedies other than
per orem it sometimes becomes necessary to restrain the patient from biting
his would-be benefactor. This can be accomplished by tying a long piece
of tape tightly around the paws, having the knot on the under side. Then
carry the ends back of the ears and tie again.

In the application of unguents to the skin of long-haired dogs time
is really sometimes saved by clipping. The skin can be more thoroughly
cleansed and dried and the remedy more evenly applied and consequently
better results obtained.

In the writer's experience, no appreciable difference could ever be
observed in the texture or color of the hair when it had grown out again.
The clipping, however, should not be resorted to except in obstinate cases
and during favorable weather.

Rectal injections are frequently indicated, especially in house dogs
where from lack of exercise and irregular habits the faeces becomes im-
pacted. In cases of collapse, extreme weakness and refusal of food it
sometimes becomes necessary to introduce predigested foods and medi-
cines per rectum. The ordinary bulb syringe or those of the hard rubber
variety can be used for this purpose, but the nozzle must not be pointed
enough to injure the mucus membrane as abrasions of the latter might
prove troublesome.

In connection with the administration of medicine, it will be well to
remember that all drugs act more powerfully on an empty stomach than
when it holds food, either liquid or solid. Therefore, powerful remedies and
those which are of irritating character, such, as arsenic, iron, nux vomica
and cod-liver oil, should be given after feeding, so that they will mingle
"with the food and be absorbed slowly. Oil can be administered easily if
floated on milk. Whisky, alcohol and all fluids of strong taste should be
freely diluted with water before administering, at least four parts of water
to one of whisky.


BREEDING AND RAISING OF PUPPIES


Bitches come in season on an average of twice a year, about every five
to seven months, and the question is often asked whether it is advisable
to bceed a bitch during the first period of oestrum. The answer depends
much upon the breed and state of maturity. As a general thing, it is not
well for a young bitch, which can not be fully developed at the age of ten
months, to undergo the strain on vitality, which maternity causes. Some

tration of remedies.

Dogs frequently refuse to swallow liquids or offer such strenuous ob-

jections that a portion of the medicine is spilled and the quantity admin-

istered becomes merely speculative. Hence it is not advisable to use liquid

medicines at all for dogs if it can be avoided.

Hypodermic injections of alkaloidal "solutions are the most prompt, effi-

cient and reliable method of administration we have, but as it pre-supposes

the possession of a hypodermic syringe the plan is not feasible in the ma-

jority of instances.

Other methods are to have the remedies incorporated in tablet or

granule form or given in gelatin capsules. For ordinary purposes this is

the most convenient method. The tablet or capsule can be placed toward

the back of the tongue and readily forced back with the finger far enough

so that to swallow is the only thing the patient can do.

Always treat him kindly and give an approbative pat on the head

and when the time for the next dose arrives he will be ready for it.

At times liquid medicines are necessary, especially saline laxatives, and

as they are decidedly of unpleasant taste and the dose necessarily large it

is frequently quite a difficult matter to convince the patient that it is "not

bad to take." Rochelle salts is the least nauseating of the saline laxatives

and when given largely diluted with water its action is increased and the

taste not so disagreeable.

In giving liquids place the patient in a corner, but do not handle rough-

ly. Have the medicine in a bottle or hard rubber syringe. Take hold of

the fold at the angle of the mouth and pull out to form a pouch, then pour

in a small quantity at a time, repeating as it is swallowed.

A dose of castor oil is sometimes required, especially to supplement

the action of a vermicide. If this is given in about four parts of milk

the taste will be largely disguised and the administration more pleasantly

effected.

In applying lotions to the eye the lids can be separated by the thumb

and finger and the solution dropped in from a medicine dropper.

When the nasal passages are occluded by adherent discharges, appli-

cations of warm water and steaming will be of benefit. For the latter, the

patient can be held with the nose over a vessel containing hot water (med-

icated if the case demands) and enclosing head and vessel with a towel.

Care must be taken though to allow sufficient air.

In applying remedies to the ear the most useful implement is a blunt,

hard rubber syringe. If, however, it is necessary to apply dry powder a

"blower" will be found of great service.

In treating wounds the watchword should be antisepsis, but in the

use of such preparations one must always bear in mind the danger that

may result from the patient licking the dressing. Of antiseptics iodoform

should never be used for the dog except in minute quantities, owing to

liability of absorption and poisoning. In applying remedies other than

per orem it sometimes becomes necessary to restrain the patient from biting

his would-be benefactor. This can be accomplished by tying a long piece

of tape tightly around the paws, having the knot on the under side. Then

carry the ends back of the ears and tie again.

In the application of unguents to the skin of long-haired dogs time

is really sometimes saved by clipping. The skin can be more thoroughly

cleansed and dried and the remedy more evenly applied and consequently

better results obtained.

In the writer's experience, no appreciable difference could ever be

observed in the texture or color of the hair when it had grown out again.

The clipping, however, should not be resorted to except in obstinate cases

and during favorable weather.

Rectal injections are frequently indicated, especially in house dogs

where from lack of exercise and irregular habits the faeces becomes im-

pacted. In cases of collapse, extreme weakness and refusal of food it

sometimes becomes necessary to introduce predigested foods and medi-

cines per rectum. The ordinary bulb syringe or those of the hard rubber

variety can be used for this purpose, but the nozzle must not be pointed

enough to injure the mucus membrane as abrasions of the latter might

prove troublesome.

In connection with the administration of medicine, it will be well to

remember that all drugs act more powerfully on an empty stomach than

when it holds food, either liquid or solid. Therefore, powerful remedies and

those which are of irritating character, such, as arsenic, iron, nux vomica

and cod-liver oil, should be given after feeding, so that they will mingle

"with the food and be absorbed slowly. Oil can be administered easily if

floated on milk. Whisky, alcohol and all fluids of strong taste should be

freely diluted with water before administering, at least four parts of water

to one of whisky.

BREEDING AND RAISING OF PUPPIES

Bitches come in season on an average of twice a year, about every five

to seven months, and the question is often asked whether it is advisable

to bceed a bitch during the first period of oestrum. The answer depends

much upon the breed and state of maturity. As a general thing, it is not

well for a young bitch, which can not be fully developed at the age of ten

months, to undergo the strain on vitality, which maternity causes. Some