The hot summer days make the swimming pool a perfect place for pets and their owners to enjoy the cool. However, the safety of pets in the water should not be overlooked. We have consulted with two expert veterinarians to compile the following six pet pool safety tips, ensuring that your dog can enjoy the fun of summer swimming while ensuring safety.
1. Install a Pool Fence for Pet Safety
A pool fence is the best defense against accidental pet drowning. According to Dr. Laurie Coger, DVM, CVCP, and owner of The Healthy Dog Workshop, it is crucial to ensure that pets cannot enter the pool area unattended.
If you cannot fence your pool, it is imperative that you do not leave your dog outside unattended. Even a good swimmer can become dangerously fatigued due to overexcitement in the water.
2. Don’t Assume Your Dog is a Strong Swimmer
While most dogs are natural swimmers, not every dog is born a strong swimmer. Some breeds, such as brachycephalic dogs like pugs and bulldogs, should avoid swimming due to a higher risk of inhaling pool water, which is considered an emergency.
3. Gradually Introduce Your Dog to the Pool
For dogs new to the pool, owners need to patiently guide them to adapt to water activities. Do not throw your dog into the water directly, as this can injure them or cause water to enter their airways. Follow these steps to help your dog get used to swimming:
– Start by playing in a specially designed dog pool, similar to a kiddie pool.
– Introduce your dog to the real pool by playing nearby.
– Get your dog used to being on the pool steps.
– Once comfortable, put a life jacket on your dog and enter the shallow end while holding them.
When it comes to life jackets for dogs, remember that a dog life jacket is never a substitute for proper supervision. You’ll also want to choose a life vest that suits you and your pup’s needs. Learn how to choose the best life jacket for your dog.
Here are some of our favorite dog life jackets:
4. Teach Your Dog to Enter and Exit the Pool
Even natural swimmers may struggle to exit a pool. Ensuring your dog knows how to get in and especially how to get out is part of keeping them safe. Pool steps are easier to navigate than ladders. You can train your dog to exit the pool using the steps or use a special dog pool ramp.
5. Be Mindful of Pool Chemicals and Excessive Water Consumption
Chlorine is used to keep the pool water clear but can have negative effects on your dog if ingested or exposed to concentrated chlorine tablets. Chlorine can irritate a dog’s ears, eyes, and skin, and drinking too much chlorinated pool water can cause gastrointestinal upset or bloat, which is a medical emergency.
6. Always Supervise Your Dog In and Around the Swimming Pool
Constantly supervise your dog when they are in or near the pool. Wet and slippery areas around the pool can cause dogs to fall in. Never leave your dog in the pool unsupervised, and ensure they take regular breaks on land.
Keep these pool safety tips in mind to prevent any accidents and to ensure a fun afternoon in the sun with your four-legged friend.