spirits, and fits. When fits occur, the dog will most likely die,
unless a veterinary surgeon be called in. During the distemper, dogs
should be allowed to run on the grass; their diet should be spare; and
a little sulphur be placed in their water. Chemists who dispense
cattle medicines can generally advise with sufficient safety upon the
diseases of dugs, and it is best for unskilful persons to abstain from
physicing them. In many diseases dogs will be benefited by warm baths.

2177. Hydrophobia in Dogs.

Hydrophobia is the most dreadful of all diseases. The first symptoms
are attended by thirst, fever, and languor. The dog starts
convulsively in his sleep, and when awake, though restless, is
languid. When a dog is suspected, he should he firmly chained in a
place where neither children nor dogs nor cats can get near him. Any
one going to attend him should wear thick leather gloves, and proceed
with great caution. When a dog snaps savagely at an imaginary object,
it is almost a certain indication of madness; and when it exhibits a
terror of fluids, it is confirmed hydrophobia. Some dogs exhibit a
great dislike of musical sounds, and when this is the case they are
too frequently made sport of. But it is a dangerous sport, as dogs
have sometimes been driven mad by it.

2178. Mange in Dogs.

The mange is a contagious disease, which it is difficult to get rid of
when once contracted. The best way is to apply to a veterinary chemist
for an ointment, and to keep applying it for some time after the
disease has disappeared, or it will break out again.

2179. Cats.

It is generally supposed that cats are more attached to places than to
individuals, but this is an error. They obstinately cling to certain
places, because it is there they expect to see the persons to whom
they are attached. A cat will return to an empty house, and remain in
it many weeks. But when at last she finds that the family does not
return, she strays away, and if she chance then to find the family,
she will abide with them. The same rules of feeding which apply to
dogs apply also to cats. They should not be over-fed, nor too
frequently. Cats are liable to the same diseases as dogs; though they
do not become ill so frequently. A little brimstone in their milk
occasionally is a good preventive. The veterinary chemist will also
prescribe for the serious diseases of cats.