Should dogs be allowed in public swimming areas? Is it healthy?

Question

I just moved to Texas and so far I have seen at least six people put their dogs in the pool. I think its sick and disgusting because the dogs are dirty and my little sister loves swimming in there. She is only five and doesn't understand how dirty the water is so she sometimes swallows it. Is it dangerous to allow dogs in public pools? Should I contact the office about this or should i just let it go?

Answer 1

look up chlorine, there's your answer.

Answer 2

Is there a notice saying dogs aren't allowed in the pool?  I would rather swim with dogs than some people I've seen and, definitely, would prefer dogs to young children and babies since they do pee and p**p in pools but a dog won't.  At five years old, I find it difficult to believe your sister doesn't understand what dirty means ...

Answer 3

I think, its the owner of the dog that needs training of looking things in wholistic approach...

Answer 4

No. My dogs are really clean but even I know they shouldn't be in public swimming areas. Most people don't bathe their dogs very often so a lot of dirt and contaminants can be on the dog.

Contact the office for sure. By the way people are dirty too. And dogs don't pee in pools. peopl e do. Luckily we have water filters however your sister is still going to be in less than sterile water. Public pools just aren't that hygenic. Just tell her to stop swallowing water because it's dirty and she'll get sick. Bring hand sanitizers or antibacterial stuff so she can wash up right after pool use.

Answer 5

Urrrrrrrrgh, sick. For a start, why would people do that? Hot weather? You could play with the dog using a hosepipe at home or a paddling pool. Whether health concerns or not, it's still RUDE to other bathers.

Answer 6

As long as the pool is maintained daily, you shouldn't have health concerns for your sister.  The water probably has plenty of chlorine in it.  Eventually, the maintenance person will notice hair and the fact that they are having to use more chemicals to balance and maintain the quality of water, and they will probably put a stop to dogs in the pool at that point.

Answer 7

I'm a passionate dog-lover, lived in TX for years, but even I wouldn't like it if I saw people putting their dogs in public pools.  Check the rules of the pool.  If it says 'no pets allowed,' then tell the office that people are violating that rule.  If things don't change fast, then put your concerns in a written letter to the office--that puts them on a legal hook.  

They don't need to tell the dog-owners your name, they'll probably only tell dog-owners  that the rules forbid it and tenants, or other pool-users,  have complained.

Answer 8

Public pools let babies swim in them and the babies are much dirtier than the dogs; they pee and p**p in the pools and make them toilets, dogs do not go to the bathroom in the pools.

Answer 9

It's going to be disinfected anyway

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Answer 10

strange how they can get away with putting their dogs in the pool in the first place.  

I'm assuming you live in a condo or somewhere like that - there must be a management office.  You could check with them whether there are rules about this.

If it was my own private swimming pool then I'd be happy for my dog to go in there with us, but I don't think it's particularly good practice for a public pool to allow them in.  The pool water is probably OK because of the chlorine, but still, dogs in public pools.........it just doesn't seem like a good habit!

Answer 11

Heck no...i'm allergic to dogs.

Answer 12

No because having dogs near chlorine is unhealthy and I don't want dog sh - p**p where I swim.  Leave them at home!  Some dog owners are inconsiderate and let them p**p.  Contact the office!

Answer 13

The dogs have less in the way of cooties than some of those fat BBQ sucking females (and lord knows what grandpa's scratching) down there in the pool...much less all the cheese and toe jam they don't talk about in their K-Mart swimming attire.

From what I've seen of the demographics, I say that you should go easier on the dogs.

Answer 14

Dogs drink out of toilets, l**k their own butts and eat cat scat, but some people sleep with them and even kiss them on occasion.  EWWW!  Don't think it should be done.

Answer 15

As a dog I resent this.  Ask instead why would any self respecting dog swim with humans in a pool.

Answer 16

Are u an animal hater.... have you ever swam in a lake.....anyways......id rather swim with a dog than a disease infected person.... :) plus chlorine will kill anything harmful.

Answer 17

Not unless u dont have chloirine in it. They prob have a pool guy. Dogs cant b that dirty have u ever heard of someone gettin a diseise from a dog. Go to a diff. pool

Answer 18

No there are not any health benefits for dogs swimming in a public pool.

Then again there are plenty of 2 legged "dogs" swimming in the pool too.  Get my drift?

To answer seriously, yes you should get in touch with the management.

Answer 19

Gross. Doesn't Texas have a health board? There are many thins you can get from dogs, and not to mention if they have an accident! Eww! Ask the manager of the pool if that is acceptable of call the city and ask them. The dog has to walk to the pool, therefore, the chlorine will not help "disinfect" anything there! Hookworm and ringworm, to name a few,are the things we can get from dogs.. It's not as simple to kill it with chlorine. And the in surrounding areas , well, it's obvious.

Answer 20

Do you swim with your dirty little sister? You know she pees in that pool and those dogs could get infected or something.

Answer 21

I'd rather see a dog in the pool than some little kid that's going to pee in the water, or some idiot mom that puts a non-potty trained baby in the pool that could c**p at any time.  BTW, five is plenty old enough to understand what "don't swallow the water" means.  Chlorine isn't exactly healthy to swallow either.