Pets In the Pool

Many people allow their pets, usually dogs, to swim in their pool.  While there is nothing that would make you forbid such activities, there are some facts that you should be aware of.Having a dog swim regularly in your pool is the effective equivalent of having at least seven people swimming.  It uses up chemicals and increases wear and tear on your filter.  That usage is called “bather load” and it directly affects chemical usage and how long your filter and other maintenance items last.  Also, you may find that some of your guests are a little squeamish about swimming with, or after, your pets.What about the effect of this treated water on your pets?  Boca Raton veterinarian, Dr. John B. Rowell, says that most of the water-related problems he has seen concern dogs’ ears.  Because a dog’s ear is furry, it naturally stays damp a lot longer than a human ear.  In turn, this moisture may promote bacteria and yeast growth.  On occasion, the result is the canine version of “swimmer’s ear”.  There are medications available from your vet to aid in the prevention of such problems.Also, untrained pets may have trouble getting out of the pool, so they should be trained to use the stairs to prevent accidental drowning.The bottom line: enjoy your pool with your pets.  However, please understand that it might make the maintenance costs a little higher for both your pool and your pet.