7 Pool Safety Tips for Dogs

As with humans, pool safety is key to keeping the good times going. When it comes to dogs, many of them love the water and will take to it naturally, while others will benefit from a littleswim training. Whether or not your dog is a born swimmer, it's important to make your pool accessible for them, giving them easy ways in and out of the water—that will also keep your pool from being damaged.

Key Takeaways

Make sure your pup is comfortable with water first–before letting them dive directly into a pool. Some pups are natural born swimmers, some are not.
Life jackets are a great way to ensure your pup is safe during any water activity–no matter their swim style.
Never leave a pup unattended near a pool.

Is It Safe to Have a Pool With Dogs?

If precautions are taken, it can be safe to have a pool when you have fuzzy family members. Making your pool environment safe for you and your dog, whether or not you invite them in for a swim, will keep everyone safe, happy, and prepared for a great summer.

Consider:

How your dog can easily and safely get out of the pool
Getting a pool fence to keep them away altogether (especially if you keep a solar cover on your pool)
Life vests
Ensuring your dogs are supervised at all times when they are in and/or around the pool

Pool Safety Tips for Dogs

Install a Pool Fence

Sometimes a fence blocks off a general part of the yard, keeping younger children and fur children away from the pool. Butperimeter fences, which can be installed temporarily, go around the border of the pool itself, leaving an entrance open and only a couple of inches away from the very edge of the pool.

They are installed in panels that stand about 4–5 feet off the ground. In other words, no jumping into the pool from the sides. This is also a good way to ensure safety, so your pup doesn’t accidentally fall into the water.

Teach Your Dog to Swim

Whilemany dogs are natural swimmersand have the instinct to paddle, being in the water can make them nervous or scared if they weren't expecting to be there. Anxious dogs may even panic, which can lead them to exhaust themselves in the water and, in a worst-case scenario, drown.

If you want your dog to be prepared, safe, and confident in the water, consider游泳课! Training your dog to be comfortable in the water is the main goal, but teaching them to learn to swim properly is just as important. Even better, it's great exercise for dogs, especially older pups with mobility issues.

To teach your dog yourself, start by carrying them into shallow water and lowering them down. They will probably start paddling their front paws, but this "method" ends up with a lot of splashing and not a lot of swimming. Holding up the back of their bodies, under their waist, will keep them from ending up in a vertical position and help them start to paddle their rear paws as well.Use positive reinforcementand praise to help your pup swim to the pool steps in the beginning, then stick by their side as they start to venture out and perfect their paddle.

永远不会忘记,你与你的任何活动r furry friend is a great bonding opportunity! Sharing their water adventures, including training them, will build trust between you and your dog, making them feel even safer while in the water.

Use Dog Life Jackets

While training your dog to swim, a great way to keep them afloat is using alife jacket. A life jacket or flotation device will keep your dog safe in case they tire easily, which is something to keep in mind withlarger breedsand senior dogs.

Life jackets can also come in handy for breeds that want to join in the fun with their humans butaren't natural swimmers. If your dog has a large head, short snout, flat face, or short legs likeEnglishandFrench Bulldogs, invest in a reliable life jacket before considering a trip to the pool.

Always Supervise Your Dog Around Water

The most important thing to remember when letting your pup play in the water with you is to always keep an eye on them. There are several things to look out for before, during, and after your dog is in the pool:

No drinking the water.Every dog (and human) who gets in the pool will inhale some pool water once in a while, but watch out for excessive drinking. Pools treated with chlorine can be harmful to ingest if your dog drinks too much. The same goes for salt water pools;too much saltis never good for a pup. And if your pup is hot and exhausted from being outdoors and swimming, they're going to want to drink it to quench their thirst.

Fortunately, the amount of chlorine in the pool water is very diluted. Symptoms are mild and include mild gastrointestinal issues, but it's still a good idea to stop your dog from drinking too much of it. Keep fresh water and aportable dog bowlnearby so your pup has access to clean drinking water at all times.

Watch to see if your dog gets tired.Dogs who are enjoying themselves in the pool may not notice they're getting tired. If you notice the rear part of their body sinking a bit, that's a good sign that they're becoming fatigued and could use a break. This is when a life vest or flotation device can save them from slipping beneath the water's surface, but if you don't have one for your dog, ensure that they have a safe and easy way to get out of the pool.

Pool ramps, steps, and ladders for dogs will give your pup a safe spot to exit and take a breather before jumping in again.

Providing a reliable access point for them will also help during training and if your dog gets nervous in the water.

Check your dog's paws and ears. Chlorinated water is safe for your dog to swim in, but too much of a good thing can take its toll. As with humans, too much exposure to chlorine cancause dry skin, and if you notice your dog licking their paws after being in the pool, their pads could be irritated.

Chlorine can also affect their fur, making it dry or even changing the color. If your dog is a frequent pool guest, give them a rinse or a bath to remove the chlorine, and consider aconditionerfor their fur before they get in the pool. For their paws, you can even use the samepaw balm you use in the winter.

While it's commonly thought to be a chlorine issue,water in the ears can lead to an infectionif it goes untreated. Dogs with floppy ears are especially prone to infections, so give the insides of your dog's ears a quick rub with a cotton ball. If it seems like they're pawing at their ears or shaking their heads more than usual after a swim, or you notice redness in the ear canal, give your vet a call.

If you think your dog might be a swimmer, invite them in. Just take a few precautionary measures and your fuzzy family member can join you in the pool instead of watching from the air-conditioned house—unless that's what they prefer! It's great exercise for you both and it's also a perfect way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, building trust that lasts beyond pool season.

Featured Image: iStock.com/Paige_Rigoglioso