VET Q&A; : And If Yours Swims Too

Q: My dog loves to swim, and we just moved into a house with a pool. Will the chlorine hurt him? A: Chlorine can have a drying effect on a dog’s skin and coat. Most dogs with skin problems should be kept out of swimming pools because the chlorine can cause severe flaking and itching. Lapping up a bit of chlorinated water probably won’t hurt most pets, but it’s best to provide your dog with easy access to fresh, unchlorinated water.