Q. Our two long-haired dogs love our swimming pool. Any problems with this?
A. Dogs can benefit from this great non-impact form of exercise. Just watch them because exhaustion or injury could result in drowning. The chlorine in the water kills fleas. Dogs that love to swim will find it a great stress reliever.
Problems include ear infections, dry skin and coat, and an increase in fungus and bacteria in a dog’s coat. Towel dry your pet as soon as it leaves the water and use a veterinarian’s or swimmer’s ear solution to help rid the dog’s ear of water.
Mechanically, the biggest problem is extra dog hair in the skimmer and pump strainer baskets. Purchase nylon basket sock nets that fit over the baskets and trap hair. The cost is less than $5.
Questions are answered by the National Spa and Pool Institute — Central Florida Chapter. Address questions to In the Swim, Orlando Sentinel, MP-240, P.O. Box 2833, Orlando, FL 32802.
