[ Sporting Magazine ]
The Sporting Magazine (1792 - 1870) is considered the first general sporting magazine, though in its later decades it gave considerable emphasis to fox hunting. But it published all manner of sporting-related material, from news stories to poetry to calendars of upcoming sporting events. The subtitle of this magazine was "Monthly Calendar of the Transactions of the Turf, the Chace, and every other Diversion interesting to the Man of Pleasure, Enterprize and Spirit." [more at Wikipedia]
The January, 1827, issue included a piece entitle "Cure for Lice in Dogs," with a Newfoundland as the test case:
The other day, as I was looking over some of the Numbers of your Magazine, I accidentally lit upon a letter in the last February Number, from a correspondent who wishes to be informed of the best and safest cure for lice in dogs. Had I observed this sooner, I would hare answered it accordingly; but since that could not be, I will endeavour now, late as it is, to give the best advice my scanty experience will allow, upon a subject of such importance to the comfort of those useful animals.
Early in the spring of the present year I had a Newfoundland puppy sent me, which from neglect had been suffered to become so full of lice, that literally on pushing aside the hair on any part of the body you might see hundreds of those nauseous vermin crawling about in every direction. The puppy was perfectly miserable: instead of being full of fun and mischief, as is generally the case at that age, he might always be seen scratching and biting, and ineffectually attempting to get rid of his tormentors. The consequence was, that he did not thrive, and his naturally gentle temper became quite soured and sulky. I had him rubbed with grease, soap, and ashes; I tried various oils, which were recommended as certain cures; but nothing seemed to have the least effect, and I had almost given up the matter in despair, when I met with an old shepherd, who gave me the following recipe: — "Take a quarter of a pound of tobacco; boil it in about a gallon of water for three or four hours, till you have extracted every particle of strength, then strain off the water: and when it is cool rub it well into the skin." — I had the dog rubbed with this three times, and the change that immediately took place was quite astonishing. In three weeks he had recovered his condition and spirits, and I have not observed a single louse in him since that time.
Should you think this trifle worth inserting in your Magazine, it is at your service; and I am, Sir, yours,
W. T.
Dec. 4, 1826.
P. S. Any body who makes use of this recipe must be particularly careful not to put too much on at a time, for it is a very strong medicine, and if the dog, as is generally the case, has rubbed the skin off in places, he will feel the strength of the tobacco water very sensibly. The gallon of water, a considerable portion of which wasted away in the boiling, served me for three times; and of course in a smaller dog a less quantity would be sufficient.