The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-04-09
WASHING
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There is an art in washing dogs, just as there IS in most things in connection with the management of a kennel. One great point to be remembered is to sup ply plenty of water, and if it is possible to provide two tubs for the ablutions, it will be so much the better. The baths or tubs. should be large, and if they are raised upon chairs or trestles over a drain, it will be easier both to scrub the dog and to empty them out afterward. The latter operation is facilitated by hay ing a hole, which can be plugged by a cork, in the bottom of the tub and this is easily arranged if the bath is a wood- en one.
 The first water should be fairly warm, and should be deep enough to come as far as the dogs stomach. In the second bath there should be a good supply of tepidwater for rinsing purposes; in fact, this water may be quite cold if the weather is warm and the animal a strong one. A sponge or a basin of some kind should be provided, and also a sufficiency of clean towels for drying the patient after the operation, and with these, with one exception, the list of accessories is complete Some people add soda to the water. but many object to it on the ground that it is injurious to the coat. the use of soda. It is better to leave the face and head to the last, as then the soap which finds it's way to the eyes is quickly removed in the ubsequent rins- ing, and the dog is kept in discomfort for a shorter period.
 As soon as the dog comes out of his bath the water should be pressed out of his coat by the hand, and he may be al- lowed to shake himself, if the attendant does not object to getting wet; but care must be taken to prevent his running away and rolling on dirty bed or on the ground. When thoroughly dried the dog should be given a clean bed, else his bath will not have effected it's object; and before replacing his collar on him, if he wears one, it should be thoroughly 'cleansed. else, his neck will be stained.
 Another mistake fanciers make Is too frequent washing and too little groom ing. A stiff brush with long bristles ap- plied daily with plenty of elbow grease is the proper tool, and will as general rule do more to keep coats looking fit than any washing and the application of dope" Hand rubbing, than which there is nothing better to impart gloss to smooth coats, and the constant use Of gloves made for this purpose should be practiced daily, and unless the dog IS white and therefore easily soiled, he should be washed only when necessity demands. A dry bath with cornmeal gen. orally answers all purposes of cleanliness without the risk of the bath-tub, which has a tendency to soften coats and ruin their texture, to say nothing of the risks of colds where thorough drying is not practiced.
 The too frequent washing of dogs de- stroys the natural oil which gives lustre to their coats, especially if soaps be used that are strong in alkaline properties. I frequently hear carbolic soap recommend ed for washing dogs, but there is noth- ing more destructive to the skin and coat, as it renders the former dry and hard in time and causes the latter to become harsh and lustreless. One of the best soaps I find is Luster's Dog Soap. made by Johnson & Johnson of New York. It has but a small amount of carbolic acid in it, but kills vermin and costs but 10 cents at druggists.
 In those breeds in which a straight coat is required, care should be taken in wash ing or in allowing the dogs access to swimming water, that the coat does not dry of it's own accord which has a ten dency often to give it very objection able ''wavy' appearance. The coats of these dogs when wet should be thorough ly dried and combed out, and they should be given plenty of clean straw to lie on.
 Never wash dog with cold water have it lukewarm. When washing it keep it out of draughts of air and do not prolong the wash but do it thoroughly and ex- peditiously. Begin back of the head wetting the dog all over and then apply