CHAP. XI. Why dogs sooner become mad then other creatures, and what be the signs thereof.
DOgs become mad sooner then any other creatures, because naturally they enjoy that tem∣per and condition of humors which hath an easie inclination to that kind of disease, and as it were a certain disposition, because they feed upon carrion and corrupt, putrid and stinking things, and lap water of the like condition; besides the trouble and vexation of losing their masters, makes them to run every way, painfully searching and smelling to every thing, and neglecting their meat. An heating of the blood ensues upon this pain, and by this heat it is turned into a melancholy, whence they become mad. But yet dogs do not alwaies become mad by means of heat, but also by occasion of cold, that is, by contrary causes; for they fall into this disease not only in the dog-daies, but also in the depth of winter. For dogs abound with melancholick hu∣mors, to wit cold and dry. But such humors as in the summer through excess of heat, so in the depth of winter by constipation and the suppression of fuliginous excrements, they easily turn into melancholy. Hence follows a very burning and continual fever, which causeth or bringeth with it a madness. Add hereto, that in the depth of winter the heat which is contained within is re∣doubled, and in like manner as the scorching heat in summer, it breeds and turns the humors into melancholy. Also dogs become mad by contagion, as such as are bitten by another mad dog. A mad dog hath sparkling and fiery eies, with a fixed look, cruel and a squint, he carries his head hea∣vily, hanging down towards the ground, and somewhat on one side, he gapes, and thrusts forth his tongue, which is livid and blackish; and being short breathed, casts forth much filth at his nose, and much foaming matter at his mouth; in his gate, as if he suspected and feared all things, he keepeth no one or certain path, but runs one while to this side, another while to that, and stum∣bling like one that is drunk, he oft-times falleth down on the ground; he violently assails what∣soever he meets withal, whether it be man, tree, wall, dog, or any thing else; other dogs shun and presently sent him afar off. But if another unawares chance to fall foul upon him, he yields himself to his mercy, fawns upon him, and privily labors to get from him, though he be the stron∣ger and greater. He is unmindful of eating and drinking, he barks not, yet bites he all he meets, without any difference, not sparing his master, as who at this time he knows not from a stranger or enemy. For it is the property of melancholy to disturb the understanding, so that such persons as are melancholick, do not only rage against, and use violence to their friends and parents, but also upon themselves. But when as he sees water, he trembles and shakes, and his hairs stand up on end.