A: It's up to you to decide if your dog should swim in your pool (never in a community pool!). Many dogs like to swim, it's a great form of exercise and will help keep him cool during the hot summer months.   

It is up to you to keep your dog safe in pool, too.

If your dog loves the water and sometimes jumps into the pool, make sure he knows how to get out safely. It is important to teach your dog where and how to get out of the pool, regardless of where he went in. 

To teach a dog how to get out of the pool, first attach a leash to his collar. Guide your dog into the pool using the steps. The dog will instinctively turn around and get out from the point of entry--the steps. Continue to walk your dog into the pool from the steps several times. Once he realizes that he can scramble out via the steps, have him jump into the pool from the other sides, and use the leash to guide him to the step area. Don't pull, just gently guide.

It may take awhile for your dog to orient himself to the steps in relation to the house, and to understand how to use the steps to exit the pool. Once he consistently uses the stairs, the danger of him drowning in the pool will be reduced. Practice as much as possible with your dog, especially with puppies. Don't let your dog get exhausted. He'll need a towel and shady place to rest after a swim, just like you do!

Keep an eye on your dog because swimming can be very tiring for a dog. Just like many dogs will chase a ball or Frisbee again and again until they nearly collapse, many dogs will continue swimming without any thought as to how tired they are. And unlike chasing a ball on land, they have no solid ground on which to rest.     

Remember that some - not all - dogs enjoy swimming. If your dog is reluctant or afraid of the water, don't force him into the pool. Make sure he has plenty of fresh cool water to drink, and consider providing a sprinkler or kiddie wading pool as an alternative to the family pool. Many a dog enjoys a romp through a sprinkler or will happily lie down in shallow water as a way to get through the dog days of summer.

A: Whether your dog is recovering from an injury, illness or surgery, follow the directions given to you by your veterinarian! It is important to look after his needs and ensure that he has time and space to recuperate.

We feel sorry for our dogs, but remember that consistent rules and guidance are what our dogs need from us for a safe and speedy recovery.

Your dog will probably not have the same energy level as usual. He may want to sleep more. This is a normal reaction to illness or surgery. Think how you feel when you are ill or hurting! Help him heal by minimizing distractions such as children playing, visitors, and other pets. This could mean keeping him in a separate room, pen or crate. You might have to take him outside on a leash to do his business, or in some cases, carrying him out if walking is difficult for him. 

Spend time with your dog on a daily basis, stroking and gently grooming him. During that time, you can look for any changes in his skin or coat, unusual discharges or swelling from the injury. Check with your veterinarian to see if gentle massage is OK. This can increase circulation to any wounds and help in the healing process.

Keep track of his weight and let your veterinarian know immediately if your dog experiences any vomiting or diarrhea. Follow the guidelines provided by your veterinarian when giving any medication to your dog.

Bandages, splints, casts or other dressings may be required to help stabilize a healing fracture or surgical procedure and protect the wound from infection. Dressings can also provide protection from your dog's natural tendency to lick a wound. If your dog continually licks at or attempts to remove the dressing, distract him with a toy or treat, or consider a taste deterrent such as Grannick's® Bitter Apple.

Once you receive the go-ahead from your veterinarian, start your dog on his usual routine. Walking is a great way for you and your dog to reconnect. Go at a slow pace at first, building up his endurance. With your help and patience, he'll be feeling better in no time.

A. Digging is a normal behavior for dogs but it can be made worse by boredom, stress, underground critters like moles or voles, heat, or in rare cases, a diet deficiency. Knowing this doesn't mean you have to live with those myriad holes in your yard!

Here are a few things you can try to persuade your digging dog not to excavate your lawn. Keep in mind that all dogs are different, so what works on one dog may not work on another. A combination of training, prevention and safe deterrents is the most effective approach.

• Diet is an important factor. A healthy, balanced diet can assist in reducing the digging. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on nutrition.
  

• A busy dog is a happy dog. Keep yours mentally stimulated with a variety of dog toys that he can play with independently. Food-based puzzle toys, like Kongs and Buster Cubes, are practically indestructible and don't require a human being to be used effectively, like a ball or a rope tug.

• Try diverting your dog to an acceptable place to do his digging. Create a sandbox in a child's wading pool. Fill it with dirt, heavy duty dog toys, and some biscuits. Guide your dog there repeatedly so he gets the message. Be sure to locate the sandbox in a shady place where he can lie in it to cool off.

• To deter your dog from the garden, you may need to fence to keep the most determined canines from exploring your vegetable seedlings. A spray of Bitter Apple over the ground can be effective with some dogs, too.

• Don't reprimand your dog when you discover the holes. He won't connect your scolding with his digging, and you could inadvertently be discouraging him from coming when called.
  

• Spend extra time with your dog. A long walk, a hike in the woods, a game of fetch in the backyard is the best gift you can give any dog.
  
• If your dog is looking shaggy and isn't as fragrant as he should be, schedule a "pet spa day" either at the groomer or at home. 
• If you really must buy something for your dog, take him shopping with you to a pet-friendly store. Let him pick out a new toy, with your guidance. Keep in mind that food-based puzzle toys - like Kongs, Buster Cubes, and Tug-a-Jugs - will keep him busy and happy longer than any squeaky toy.
  
• Another wonderful gift is to make an appointment with your veterinarian for your dog's annual vet check-up, if you haven't already done this.
• Finally, if you like to bake, find a recipe for homemade dog biscuits. Non-cooks can pick up a gourmet treat at a local pet boutique.