Banfield's database of Pet health records indicates swimming pools can be even more dangerous for Pets than rivers or lakes. Drowning could occur if Pets jump or fall into the pool and don't know how to climb back out. Follow these swimming safety tips to keep your Pets in the swim all summer long.

-- Never leave Pets unattended around a pool.

-- Fence your pool with a secure gate, and never leave your Pet inside the fenced pool area unsupervised.

-- Make sure Pets can get out of the pool. If dogs jumps or fall in and don't know how to get out without help, they may panic and drown.

-- Not all Pets are excellent swimmers, so if water is a big part of your family life, introduce Pets to water gradually.

-- On boats, make sure Pets wear flotation devices (available at most boating stores), and consult your veterinarian if you think your Pet needs seasickness medication.

-- Try not to let Pets drink pool water. Chlorine and chemicals used to keep pools free of algae and contaminants can cause Pet health problems, such as dry mouth or gastric distress.

-- Try not to let Pets drink pond, puddle or lake water, which is a common source of the Giardia parasite. Giardia is not life threatening to healthy Pets, but it causes diarrhea and can be passed to the whole family. It's hard to stop Pets from drinking water in the outdoors, so make sure your Pets are up-to-date with Giardia vaccinations.

-- Don't allow Pets to wander river and lake shores alone, where they may find and eat dead fish (smelly, but tasty!), or other debris. If eaten, your Pet may develop serious stomach or intestinal upset.

To set up an interview with a Banfield Pet health expert, please contact Jody Schreffler, Public Relations, 503-345-5414, jody.schreffler@banfield.net; or Karen Vitt, Public Relations, 503-290-3712, karen.vitt@banfield.net.

Banfield, The Pet Hospital is celebrating its Golden Anniversary in 2005. Banfield has more than 450 hospitals across the U.S., the U.K. and Mexico, helping extend the lives of more than 3.5 million Pets each year. To locate the Banfield in your neighborhood, please call 1-800-768-8858 or visit us at www.banfield.net.

Source: Banfield, The Pet Hospital

CONTACT: Jody Schreffler, Public Relations, +1-503-345-5414,
jody.schreffler@banfield.net; or Karen Vitt, Public Relations,
+1-503-290-3712, karen.vitt@banfield.net, both for Banfield, The Pet Hospital

Web site: http://www.banfield.net/