Different breeds of dogs have their tails docked at different lengths. The fox terrier should have three-fifths of his tail left. Irish and Airedale terriers rather less than half. Spaniels, about two-fifths of the tail should be left, and griffons about a third.
Doses:
In consequence of the difference in the sizes of dogs, it is always difficult when giving a general prescription suitable for dogs of all breeds to make the doses quite clear for dogs of different sizes. However, to make it as clear as possible, I have divided dogs into eight different sizes, as for instance, griffons and others, 4 or 5 pounds weight. I call No. 1 size, spaniels, pugs, etc., weighing 10 or 12 pounds. No. 2 size, fox terriers, Irish terriers, etc., weighing from 18 to 25 pounds. No. 3 size, bull dogs, field spaniels, etc., weighing about 40 pounds. No. 4 size, collies, retrievers, greyhounds, etc. No. 5 size, bloodhounds, etc., and other dogs weighing about 80 pounds. No. 6 size, great Danes, etc., weighing about 120 pounds. No. 7 size, bigger dogs, like St. Bernards. No. 8 size, mastiffs, etc. Therefore, if the dose advised is from half a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, it is intended for No. 1 size, half a teaspoonful; No. 2, a teaspoonful; No. 3, a teaspoonful and a half; No. 4, two teaspoonfuls; No. 5, two teaspoonfuls and a half; No. 6, three teaspoonfuls; No. 7, three teaspoonfuls and a half; and No. 8, four teaspoonfuls or a tablespoonful. When pills or powders are prescribed, they are to be divided in the same way.
Dosing:
People who are not in the habit of administering medicine to dogs often have a difficulty in giving it. Liquid is best given out of a bottle. The person about to give it should stand on the right hand side of the dog, place the left hand around the muzzle, then slightly raise the head, and place the neck of the bottle inside the cheek, and pour a small quantity of the fluid at a time into the pouch formed by the cheek. If the muzzle is held tightly with the left hand, there is no danger of the dog biting the bottle. If the reader is afraid to use a bottle, the fluid may be given with a spoon, but then a second person is required to hold the dog’s head, and with the finger pull out the side of the cheek so as to form a pouch in which the medicine should be poured. This is by far a better plan than forcing the dog’s mouth open, and pouring the fluid right on his tongue.
How to give fluid medicine or liquid nourishment to a dog
To give a pill, stand on the right hand side of the dog’s head, with the left hand placed over the muzzle, forcing the dog’s mouth open by pressing the cheek between the teeth, then he cannot bite you. Slightly raise the head, and drop the pill into the back of the mouth, and then with the forefinger of the right hand just push it into the throat. Close the mouth quickly, and the dog will swallow it.
Giving a pill