Two questions, actually:

1. Is it detrimental to either a male or female dog's health to use water-based lubricant with them? I fear using it because of an experience I had, and not getting it all off of me, and having it dry up on the opening to my urethra not too long ago. Any insight, OTHER than to make sure I clean it ALL away?


2. I haven't done this yet, because I'm skittish about it, but, is it a bad thing to have my gorgeous boy Shepard in the hot tub with me? Will the clorine adversly affect my pup's "equipment" or his tailhole?


I know these must sound rather naive to most of you, but, I trust there is someone with sound judgment out there on these two issues, as I care very much for the well-being and health of my Sabre.

Thank you in advance.

Todd

Should be in How-to/FAQ ;)

1. Always use water-based. I've heard good things about KY.

2. Not sure...

moved to FAQ...

there are many threads in the FAQ section the deal with the lubes people reccomend.. if I remember correctly KY is a popular choice as well as one you mix up yourself.. I cant remember the name off hand... maybe someone will be along with that info... until then I would suggest doing a search on the words lube, lubes or water based lubes and select the how too section ... I usually go back 6 months to a year in searches..

I dont have a clue about the hot tub.. I would say not to do it ... but only because you might clog up your hot tub with all the dog hair he would shed.. I do not know the heath risks to this.. :)

I can fill in with a reply for the hot tub: Don't. Hot tubs are generally bad for animals because dogs (like most other animals) cannot really sweat. They control their body temperature through pantin, the pads on their feet and their ears. If you put them into to hot tub, they are deprived of most of their heat regulation, and will develop the same signs as if they are running a fever.

So, please don't do that. It's potentially harmful for the dog and definitely nothing he/she will enjoy.

Prank

prank is correct. dogs don't sweat and can become way overheated if allowed to get into a hot tub. also, it is a known fact that a dog's body temperature is much higher than a human's.

THank you, guys. I had a feeling it wasn't good for a puppeh, so, I haven't taken my Sabre in with me, even though I keep the water temp below 79, and I won't take 'im in. It IS ok if he runs in the water at the lake, though, isn't it? He sometimes likes to just dive in..something I've never seen in a German Shepard before. Oh, well, that's just Sabre..big, handsome, and so very goofy sometimes.


Thanks again.

The one your probably thinking of is J-lube...used by vets I believe. Also water based.

Water in general is very ok for dogs. Just not if it's too hot, which I doubt is the case with your lake! ;-)

Prank

Use caution when allowing your pups to swim where there is chlorine! The harsh chemicals can effect their skin and coat, some chlorines will even bleach out a dogs hair over time ;)

I used to use KY with my collie bitch and neither of us ever had side effects. I have also used KY for lube when making puppies (Dog/dog) sex with no problems for fourty years.

Now the hot tub is another issue. First, the chems and water work together to lessen muscular tightness and control (the purposefull benefit of the tub) and as others have said, the temp can easily be a problem for dogs as they can't dissapate body heat easily. Chlorine is bad for ANY mamel hair including humans and most importantly many non mature humans (which include animals and younger humans) will often free urinate in warm water. Body tenperature management, senseroy perception reduction and sanitary reasons are combined as the reasons most comercial hot tubs (such as motels) have a minimum age of 18 years.

It's my understanding that all lubes, should be water based. :thinking:

Well, the lube question has been pretty much answered.. always water based. Prolly not the best idea though to use ones that incorporate a chemical reaction to simulate a warming sensation. Some of the chemicals for this feeling can be quite strong, and though the chemical itself may not harm the animal, the possibility of the sensation causing an adverse reaction, and thus potentially causing the animal to fear anything associated with applying the lube, makes it not a good idea.

On the hot tub... Most tubs are 100+ degrees. This is the kind of heat that will be detrimental to a dog's health. Pools and lakes in the summer reach surface temps of 86 degrees or so, more in very hot areas like tx and az. 80 degree water will feel great to a dog. Just as with humans, prolonged exposures to chlorine is very harmful. Allowing your dog to swim in the pool briefly to cool down isnt going to hurt, provided you thoroughly rinse them off with fresh water. (Dont let them air dry with pool water) Some dogs will not mind the harsh aroma of the pool chemicals, others are deathly afraid of it. If you put your dog in the pool and all he wants to do is get out, let him. Chances are the chlorine odor is too much for his nasal senses, dont make him afraid of the water by repeatedly pulling him into the pool.

I have a malamute that doesnt care for the pool, but if he spots a lake, he's the first in! My other dogs (sheps) dont care either way, theyre just happy to get wet ^_^