Dear Dr. Forsythe: Our neighbors and friends have started coming over frequently with their young son to use our swimming pool. This is fun for both our families since our sons are really good friends and play together at least twice a week. The trouble is that every time they pop over for a swim they let their large lab come with them. “Buddy” (not his real name) loves to swim more than we do, and jumps into the pool with the boys and anyone else who may be swimming. He gets out and shakes and runs around then leaps back into the water. How can I let them know that this bothers me? I also think it’s unsanitary to have a dog in the pool – fleas and dirt could get in and who knows what else could float out of him. I’m afraid of offending our neighbors, but I’d rather they leave the dog at home. I read your column every week and I will take your advice.
Wants your opinion
Dear Wants: I’m flattered that you read the column, and I’m glad you do. My opinion is that as long as “Buddy “ is nice and friendly, I think you should welcome him into the party and make sure there is a special towel to dry him off when he gets out of the pool. Everyone knows there is nothing more affectionate than a wet dog. In terms of parasites such as fleas and ticks, I would not worry a bit about these in the pool because the chlorine would kill these – like the bees and flies that get into any pool. However, you could show your concern and caring as a neighbor and ask Buddy’s owners if he is currently on flea and tick preventative and remind them to check his ears after swimming to make sure he doesn’t develop an ear infection from all the water that gets in.
Aside from this, I’d be more wary about the possibility of the neighbor boy peeing in your pool more than the dog doing anything wrong. Unless this dog is particularly dirty and sickly, he is probably posing zero risk in this situation with your family. Sounds to me like you are lucky to have good friends, good family, and nice neighbors, and a fun pool – I suggest you take a moment to consider the wonderful blessings you have and you’ll begin to enjoy them more and worry less about the floaters. Thanks for writing.
Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My cat recently ate a plant from inside the house and began vomiting and having some diarrhea. Is this something that should just pass? Why are cats so sensitive?
Val,Sonoma
Dear Val: Cats are NOT small dogs, they drum that into us during veterinary college over and over. This seems obvious but your question reminded me again of this fact. Often people treat a cat like a miniature dog, but nothing could be further from the truth. So sensitive and curious, they often nibble on indoor plants and materials such as bubble wrap that are irresistible to them. Usually the first signs of a problem come in the form of GI signs like you described. Most often, blood tests show elevated liver enzymes, and this confirms that something was ingested that caused the liver to get sick. Unfortunately, cat’s livers are very delicate and not equipped with the same ability to conjugate enzymes that dogs (and humans) are. This explains why they are so vulnerable to certain plants and medicines (such as Tylenol). Fortunately, aggressive supportive care with fluids, B vitamins and antibiotics with an appetite stimulant can help allow a cat the chance for complete recovery. I think it would be a good idea for you to get rid of any suspicious plants and have your pussy cat checked out by the vet if he isn’t better within a day or two.
Dr. F
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