health effects pf dogs and people in the same swimming pool?

Question

My HOA wants dogs and people to be able to swim in the same pool that is earmarked only for people. What are the health risks?

Answer 1

Brucellosis, Campylobacter, Cryptospoidiosis, Ehrlichosis, Hydatid disease (echinococcus), Leptospirosis, Listeriosis, Ringworm, Toxocariasis and Yersiniosis, to name a few, can be spread from dog to humans who share swimming water. (Longer list in second source).

Maybe you could make a bet with your HOA and if he/she can spell them, then everyone gets to swim with these cooties.

BUT, your question what what is the risk? That is very hard to quantify. In fact, public health law has nixed this practice so effectively, that it is nearly impossible to say what the risk is (just as we do not have good risk estimates for conditions like untreated syphilis).

Your HOA could counter: "lets see the list of diseases that HUMANS can pass to humans in swimming pools", and that list, mark my words, is indeed scary.

Answer 2

Humans & dogs have a somewhat unique relationship verging on the symbiotic. They have had a close relationship for AT LEAST 15,000 years.

When was the last time you saw a news story about someone catching something from a dog?

The only health risks associated with dogs are rabies (so atay away from any dog in the pool whose mouth is foaming! Oh, wait, rabid dogs are scared of water!) and getting your arm bitten off if you make one mad. (always carry liver treats!)

I might be concerned about the DOGS health if the pool is heavily chlorinated!

Answer 3

I agree I don't think it will affect the humans as much as the chlorine will affect the dogs. They will also have to make sure they step up the filtration and stuff cause of all the hair.
If you just don't like the idea of sharing your time in the pool with the dogs, maybe you could suggest it be only certain days.

Answer 4

I'd guess that the health risks for people are low if the pool is properly chlorinated. I'd be more worried about the dog getting too much chlorine.

Answer 5

I would think that the dogs would have to have these dieases to pass them on to people. So if you know that these dogs are well taken care of then I wouldn't think that there is a problem. I hope this helps

Answer 6

the dog could get a infection from the chlorine, its not good in the ears
also any cuts etc the dog might have could get infected
dog could pick up worms if kids have them

Answer 7

I agree 100 % with the first answerer.

Answer 8

i dont think there are any.....dogs arent like biohazards or anthing lol