Charcoal is an agent easily obtained, perfectly harmless, and of value not only as a vermifuge but as a preventive. The digestive organs of very young puppies are easily disordered, but few drugs can be well borne without discomfort, or temporary derangement, and undoubtedly many are sacrificed to injudicious dosing.

Charcoal in a reasonable quantity is not only incapable of injuring even the weakest stomach, but is an admirable agent in indigestion and intestinal irritation. As these disorders are commonly induced by the presence of worms; had charcoal no other action than to merely allay irritation and promote digestion, its administration would be advisable. It has however another and decided action on intestinal worms in young puppies, causing their expulsion and exerting a preventive influence as well. In what manner this agent acts is unexplained, it may be through its known power as a disorganizer of animal and vegetable bodies, or by destroying the conditions that favor the propagation of the ova.

Of its action on worms in matured animals, the writer has not from experience a knowledge. It has long been his custom to use powdered charcoal in the treatment of very young puppies, mixing it with their food several times a week; dose immediately after weaning, from one fourth to one half a teaspoonful; for matured animals, the dose is two teaspoons-ful. The granular form is advised for older dogs.

Charcoal is much less active in immediately expelling worms than many other agents, and where their presence is indicated by marked symptoms, the more powerful remedies should be used. When this urgent need is not manifest and yet the existence of worms is suspected, the administration of charcoal every day for a week or longer, can do no harm and may be productive of much benefit. As a preventive it should be given with the food two or three times a week.