Pool Safety For Your Pets

Pets & pools can be a fun combination, but the first thing you need to think about is their safety.

1. Grooming the Dog:
Whether you groom the dog or you have your dog groomed, it is important that you keep their hair to a minimum or it could do a serious number to your pool’s filter.

2. Be Care With Pool Toys:
It isn’t uncommon for a dog to be going after a toy and hit their tooth up against the pool causing a chip in the tooth. Make sure you throw the toy in the center of the pool to stay safe.


3. Use a Life Jacket With Your Dog:
Whether your dog is good at swimming or not, it is always smart to have a life jacket on your dog. Sometimes dogs can get fatigued. Anytime you are dealing with pets & pools, you have to keep in mind that they aren’t often thinking about their energy level and may not notice when it is time to call it quits.


4. Introduce Swimming Slowly:
If your dog isn’t used to swimming, make sure to take it slow as you are showing them how to swim. It can be a challenge for your dog if you make them go swimming for hours the first time you get them in the water.


5. Rinse Your Dog:
After you get out of the pool, make sure to rinse your dog so they are able to keep from irritation on the skin or eyes. If you don’t do this, you may have an unhappy puppy on your hands.


6. Nail Trimming:
Before you let your dog in the pool, make sure you have their nails trimmed all the way down. Not only could your dog scratch your pool liner (if you have one), but your dog could also scratch you up if they decide they are going to use you as a float. Making sure your dog’s nails are trimmed properly will keep this from being a problem.

7. Use Sunscreen:
When you are working with pets & pools, they are no different than humans. They need sunscreen to keep them protected from the UV rays as well. 

Use sunscreen for dogs with thin or short hair. Dogs can and do get sunburns, and they’re likely as painful for your pup as they are for people. You can help reduce the chances of sunburn by simply slathering on a little sunscreen made especially for dogs.

8. Keep A Close Eye On Dogs:
Keep a close eye on dogs swimming in water that is deeper than shoulder height. Most dogs are good swimmers, but they can still drown for a variety of reasons, so always be sure to watch them closely (and fit them with a doggie life jacket whenever they are in deep water). However, when talking about puppy pools, this is generally only a concern for small dogs (few pools are deep enough to allow large breeds to swim, so it becomes a non-issue).


9. Be Careful When Allowing Multiple Dogs:

Be careful when allowing multiple dogs to swim at the same time. Even dogs that normally get along very well may quarrel thanks to the excitement of pool time. The associated pushing, shoving and flailing between pups can lead to injuries.


10. Use Caution When Allowing Dogs To Swim In Cool Weather:
Use caution when allowing dogs to swim in cool weather. Even double-coated breeds can become chilled if the air or water temperature is too low. As a general rule, you’ll want to be very careful when the temperature drops below about 70 degrees. Some dogs will still stay suitably warm in slightly lower temperatures (many hunting dogs routinely swim in frigid water), but caution is warranted. If you notice your dog shivering or becoming lethargic, dry him off promptly and get him inside to warm up.

11. Clean The Pool Regularly With Soap And Water:
Clean the pool regularly with soap and water. Over time, many dog pools develop a filmy layer of bacteria and fungi. To help reduce the chances that your dog will get sick from swimming in a petri dish, you’ll want to periodically scrub out the pool with a little soap and warm water. After washing and rinsing the pool, place it in the sun to dry completely.


12. Consider A Ramp Or Stairs When Dealing With A Larger Pool:
Consider a ramp or stairs when dealing with a larger pool. The pools we’ve discussed here are small and designed more-or-less exclusively for a dog’s use (or a few toddlers). However, if you have an in-ground or large yard pool, your dog can certainly enjoy that as well! You just may want to consider a set of pool ramps or steps to help your dog easily get out of the pool. Teaching your dog to use a device like this to escape from the pool could be a lifesaver in the event of an accident.


13. Bathroom:
Also, while this isn’t really a safety issue for dogs, you’ll want to make sure you let your dog relieve himself before letting him go for a swim. Dogs won’t go to the bathroom while they are swimming, but they may sprinkle (or worse) while standing in shallow water. This isn’t the end of the world, but it will mean you have to empty and refill the pool.

Source:

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