Heat and Eating

[Lisa Lim]

My baby is 6 1/2 months and Im a first time dog owner, so Im new at all this stuff

I live in California and right now the weather has been extremely warm. I've noticed Rocky isn't eating as much let alone anything in the mornings and afternoons. His appetite seems to spark up in the evenings usually right after his walks/run. Could the heat cause a loss of appetite? I just want to make sure this is normal and something I shouldn't be too concerned about.

My second question is...

I have a pool and I've also bought him a kiddie pool to stay cool. I've read a lot of people posting to teach him how to swim in the pool and if not then use the kiddie pool. I would love to dip him in the big pool just so he knows how to swim, but I know you're not suppose to bathe them too often. But if he goes in the pool, doesn't he have to get bathed every time because of the chlorine in the pool? I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing....

[Andy]

If his appetite had gone away completely for more than 2 days I would be worried.

However, as he's eating at night, I think you have it right that it's just to warm for him

during the day.

As for the swimming, Yes to the paddling pool great way to keep them cool.

Dunno about the chlorine. We're not big on, on site home pools here in the U.K.

just don't have the weather for them

Maybe one of our American or Austrailian members can advise.

[Removed #1]

American Kennel Club says about pools and dogs

Dear Swimming:

Many dogs enjoy a plunge in the pool with their owners during the warm summer months. Most “pool people†will tell you that chlorine is safe at the levels used in pools. Humans swim in it and occasionally will ingest some water accidentally without great harm. A dog’s eyes, nose and ears are more sensitive than a human’s and as such may be a tad more susceptible to the effects of chlorine. I wouldn’t want the dog to drink large amounts of chlorine. Some dogs think of the pool as one big personal dog bowl to lap up, not unlike the toilet bowl. This behavior should be discouraged. As for the ears, most infections in dogs with floppy ears are caused by water and dampness, not the chlorine in the water.

Some pool owners opt for non-chlorine chemicals like bromine which may be less harmful to pets. To be on the safe side, give your dog a quick spray with the hose to rinse off the chemicals after a swim and give his ears a dab with a dry towel or use a blow dryer to keep them moisture free.

Safety Rules

More important than what your dog swims in is how it learns to swim. Your younger Shorthair may be very interested in joining the family in a round of ring toss, but first you must build confidence in your dog around the pool. Many dogs are fearful the first time they enter the water. Take it slowly and praise your dog each step of the way. Making it a pleasant experience will have the dog swimming in no time. You don’t have to teach the dog to “swim†since they are natural swimmers. It is easy to teach a dog to jump in the pool, either toss a toy in the pool or escort her over the side.

However, most dogs begin to panic when it is time to get out for the first time. They are unaccustomed to exiting using the human steps or ladder and need to be taught how to use them. A thrashing dog trying to escape will get tired and may drown. Never leave your dog unsupervised in a pool. They may need your assistance if they are in trouble and can’t bark to grab your attention. With proper guidance you and your pet can have lots of fun in the pool and if you are lucky he can teach you the proper way to do the dog paddle.

I think the most important bit here is to make sure that you rinse your dog off well afterwards, and I'd maybe consider a really good conditioner...also keep in mind that the skin may be more sensitive than people's as stated above.