DEAR JOAN: I have a swimming pool and I have always had one or two dogs. The dogs and the pool get along fine until they reach the age of 15 or so and start to decline.
The end seems near once they start falling into the pool. Granted these are very old dogs but why does this keep happening? Is it a form of dementia, balance, a wish to speed up the end, the inability to see or smell the water? One of my dogs is 16 now and just fell into the pool.
I have a solar cover but this doesn’t make a difference, other than making it harder to tell if the dog fell in. We have a doggy door so they are free to come and go. Not sure if there is anything that can be done, but if you have any suggestions, they are appreciated.
— N.I., Dublin
DEAR N.: I’m pretty sure we can rule out self-harm for your dogs’ tumbles into the pool. Dogs just don’t process life that way. However, the accidental falls into the pool are likely related to aging and the loss of abilities.
When it comes to preventing dogs from going into pools, experts suggest training dogs to avoid pools unless given permission to dive in. You can teach old dogs new tricks, but the dives into the pool appear to be accidental, not willful, so training in this case might not be helpful.
The best option would be to install fencing around the pool. I know that fencing isn’t the most aesthetic, but it provides safety for the dogs and any little humans that might visit. There are sonic barriers, but if hearing is an issue I’m not certain that would be successful.
You also can install an alarm that alerts you when there’s any intrusion into the pool. That won’t keep them out, but it would let you know a dog has fallen in and might need help getting out.
Another option would be to restrict access to the backyard, closing the doggy door and allowing them outside only with supervision.
DEAR JOAN: I just saw two large turkey vultures sitting on my telephone wires. One was trying to cozy up to the other. Is this normal? I’ve never seen perching vultures before.
— Maria, Concord
DEAR MARIA: Turkey vultures might not be the most attractive bird in the flock, but you have to admire how much they get done exerting the least amount of energy possible.
When they aren’t gliding on air currents, searching for food, you’ll find them perching, somewhere.
I don’t know if I’ve ever noticed them on utility lines, but perhaps that was the best option at the moment. They like being up high partly because it’s easier for them to take flight from a higher perch than it does from the ground.
You are more likely to see perching turkey vultures in the morning and the evening. In the mornings, they will sit and spread their wings, allowing the sun to evaporate the dew on their wings. At night, they roost together in trees for mutual warmth and protection.
The Animal Life column runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.
The Mercury News
Leave a Reply