FANCIERS' COLUMN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3330, 9 January 1918, Page 38

FANCIERS' COLUMN.

The Otago Witness has been appointed th« ofiS* ;iaJ organ for the publication of announcements »f the Dunediu Fanciers' Olub. THE KEISrfEL. BY Tbbrob. Pnsderß and breeders of dogs are cordially ia> rited to contribute to this column. "Terror" wiH endeavour to make this department as interesting and up-to-date us possible, but in order to do this be must have the co-operation of his readers, hence he trusts this invitation will t>s chtxtluliy responded to. Continuous chaining spoils many a dog's front, making the shoulders bossy and the feet spread; but there is more life and better action in the ring shown by chained'dogs than by those that are coddled in the house and constantly being fed, AVhen there are facilities_ for providing a roomy, confined run it is better for the dog's chances in the ring than being chained; but chaining is to be preferred to constant freedom if coddling in the

houso is tho butcomo. One meal a day will keep a dog in condition, but constant feeding will utterly spoil him. Where a confined run is provided thcro should be a: oomlortablo shed as well, large enough not only to ensure complete shelter from winds and rain, but also to include a raised bench upon which to curl up for tho night. Both house (or large kennel) and bench should bo kept clean, and tho dog punished every timo ho drops dung or otherwise soils tho floor or bench. Few dogs will soil their night quarters if they can get elsewhere to relieve themselves; but if they do they can be easily cured by one or two drastic treatments.

Dogs often suffer from inflammation of the eyes either from colds or through poking their noses into places where they should not do so, and there getting infected. Tho best general lotion to cure inflammation of the eyes is the well-known decoction made by dissolving sulphate of zinc in water. The usual strength is about two or three grains to tho fluid ounce of water. Don't imagine that you can guess how much of the sulphate of zinc goes to the grain, but get the chemist to weigh it for you, for the prevalent idea as to what constitutes a grain is seldom correct. Some chemicals are extremely light and some heavy, and quite a lot goes to a grain in some cases. The weaker solution (two grains) should be tried first, because if it is made too strong it causes a little smarting, and tho dog revolts. Often the addition of a small quantity of laudanum can be used. About 10 drops of this added to one fluid ounce of the other lotion makes a splendid thing to apply to the eyes in severe cases of inflammation. Either drop a few drops into the eye twice or three times a day, or else bathe the eye for two or three minutes with the lotion. ' When tho eye trouble consists not so much in in* flammation as in a discharge, such as' wo see' in cases of distemper, which causes the eyelids to be tightly sealed together and makes the dog look wretched and unhealthy, something of an antiseptic nature is required. It may be used for the nostrils as well as for the eyes. For this purpose there is nothing much better than a weak coal tar solution, which can be prepared fresh with tepid water, and can be applied with a sponge, both to the nostrils and to the eyes. A permanganate solution is also good—used in a weak form; so, too, is a lotion prepared with boracic acid. A little boracic ointment, by the way, is the best thing to apply to the eyelids after bathing, so as to prevent them from becoming sealed together.

Some attention paid to grooming at this time of year may tend to the discovery that fleas abound, and if such is the case it would he a pity for the dog's sake not to ascertain the fact. A flea-infested dog will soon lose in condition, and there is no doubt but that, unsuspicious of the cause of distress, many an owner has wasted money in physic when a timely bath and judicious grooming were all that was necessary to relieve the patient. More attention should be paid to dieting, too, during the heat of summer, and grooming is one way to discover that a change of food is necessary. Bare patches, for instance, may then be observed, showing that there is over-heating of the blood, and that a little blood medicine is required. Sulphur is one of the best of these, and can easily be given mixed with treacle. " The grooming, too, will stimulate the growth of hair. A soft brush should be used—not too stiff a one, —and the oftener it is used the better. Do not begin to plaster a dog all over with some abominable concoction directly he shows any sign of skin irritation or loss of hair. In all probability it will * increase the irritation instead' of relieving it, and it will make the dog miserable and uncomfortable. Dogs do not like anything of a greasy, sticky nature on their coats, and it will be best for both dog and master to have nothing to do with such things..