It is unfortunately only too true that the condition of a dog's teeth does not receive the attention that it should; this is very evident when it is borne in mind that one of the most important functions of the teeth is mastication, and that an animal cannot maintain good health if it is imperfectly performed. Upon sound teeth greatly depends perfect mastication. Before assimilation of the food can take place in the stomach it must be received into that organ in a fit condition for the process, and this depends upon the condition of the teeth. When the food is not properly chewed, it acts as an irritant to the stomach and bowels, causing indigestion and diarrhea, which latter in puppies often proves fatal.

"Generally speaking, the teeth do not receive any attention until they decay, and cause pain or stomach trouble. Preventative measures are in my experience seldom taken, though it is quite as necessary for a dog to have clean teeth as it is for ourselves.

"The teeth especially require attention in the case of dogs which are fed upon an unsuitable diet, as they become furred, and finally accumtila-tions of tartar exist. To avoid this they should be gone over once a day with an ordinary toothbrush, dipped into weak Condy's Fluid. This- will not only prevent decay, but also keeps the breath sweet, a most important matter where the dog is one's constant companion. Fetid breath, however, is not always due to the teeth, but to indigestion as a result of their condition; at times, too, especially when the teeth are Irregular, food accumulates between them! this should be removed with the brush. That dogs are frequently the subject of toothache cannot be doubted, and is clearly shown by the swelling of the cheek, and often by the formation of abscesses. All decayed teeth that are past preserving should be extracted by a competent person."