Treatment.—When the disease is of recent origin, or the dog is young and generally healthy, the mouth should be washed out once a day for several days, with a solution of Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel, half water; and give J.K., say three times per day, two to three drops, according to the size of the dog. It is usually promptly efficacious.
Diseases of the Teeth
The teeth are more frequently affected in the dog than in other domestic animals. This may be the result of a variety of causes, among which are the following: Eating or gnawing bones, by means of which the teeth may be broken or ground down to the quick; healthy, well fed dogs only pick their bones; rich, sweetened food, which has an injurious effect upon the teeth; mercury, frequently given to dogs, which produces salivation, loosening, and eventually falling out of the teeth. Teaching dogs to carry or chase hard substances, stones, etc., frequently results in diseased teeth, as they are thus rubbed down to the gum, and the stump produces much mischief.
Symptoms.—If the dog has a bad breath, seems to be in pain when he eats, does not thrive or manifest his usual spirit, the mouth should be examined. One or more teeth will be found worn down to the gum; the fang produces irritation, and may result in an abscess; the sides of the mouth are raw and ulcerated, and saliva dribbles from it.
Treatment.—Extraction is the sole remedy for loose, irregular or decayed teeth.
Indigestion
Definition.—Imperfect transformation of food into a state suitable for the nourishment of the body.
Causes.—Improper food, or food in too large quantities; want of exercise.
Symptoms.—Restlessness; partial loss of appetite; frequently attempts to vomit, sometimes bringing up only froth; at other times a mixture of froth and green fluid; foulness of breath; irregular action of the bowels; distention of the body; lying out at full length and rolling over; the appetite is vitiated or impaired.
Treatment.—Give the J.K., for indigestion, a dose, one to three drops, according to the size of dog, once in two, three or four hours. Often a dose night and morning is sufficient.