Summer is here, and it’s natural to want to be outside. A big part of summer is swimming in the pool, but can your canine family members get in on the fun, too? The short answer: Yes! But read on for a few things to keep in mind when inviting your furry friends to join you poolside.
Just like with humans, pool safety is key to keeping the good times going. When it comes to dogs, many of them love water and will take it naturally, while others will benefit from a bit of swimming training. Whether your dog is a born swimmer or not, it’s important to make your pool accessible to them by giving them easy ways to get in and out of the water, which will also prevent your pool from being damaged.
key takeaways
- Make sure your pup is comfortable with water first, before letting him jump right into a pool. Some pups are born swimmers, others are not.
- Life jackets are a great way to ensure your pup is safe during any water activity, no matter their swimming style.
- Never leave a puppy unattended near a swimming 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 the pool environment safe for you and your dog, whether or not you invite them to swim, will keep everyone safe, happy, and prepared for a great summer.
Consider:
- How your dog can get out of the pool easily and safely
- Getting a pool fence to keep them out completely (especially if you keep a solar cover on your pool)
- Lifevest
- Ensuring that your dogs are supervised at all times when in or around the pool
Dog pool safety tips
install a pool fence
Sometimes a fence blocks off a general part of the yard, keeping younger children and furry children away from the pool. But perimeter fencing, which can be installed temporarily, goes around the edge of the pool, leaving an open entrance and only a couple of inches from the edge of the pool.
They are installed on panels that are raised 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
While many dogs are natural swimmers and have an instinct to paddle, being in the water can make them nervous or scared if they didn’t expect to be there. Anxious dogs can even panic, which can lead to exhaustion in the water and, in the worst case, drowning.
If you want your dog to be prepared, safe, and confident in the water, consider swimming lessons! Training your dog to be comfortable in the water is the main goal, but teaching him 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 taking him to shallow water and lowering him. They will probably start paddling with their front legs, but this “method” ends up with a lot of splashing and little swimming. Supporting the back of his body, below the waist, will prevent him from ending up in an upright position and will also help him start moving his hind legs. Use positive reinforcement and praise to help your pup swim toward the pool steps at first, then stay by his side as they start to venture out and perfect their paddling.
And never forget that any activity you do with your furry friend is a great bonding opportunity! Sharing your aquatic adventures, including training, will build trust between you and your dog, making you feel even more secure while in the water.
Wear life jackets for dogs
While training your dog to swim, a great way to keep him afloat is to wear a life jacket. A life jacket or flotation device will keep your dog safe in case he tires easily, something to keep in mind with larger breeds and older dogs.
Life jackets can also be useful for breeds that want to join in the fun with their humans but aren’t natural swimmers. If your dog has a large head, short muzzle, flat face, or short legs like English and French bulldogs, invest in a reliable life jacket before considering a trip to the pool.
Always supervise your dog near water
The most important thing to remember when letting your puppy play in the water with you is to always keep an eye on him. There are several things to keep in mind before, during, and after your dog is in the pool:
Without drinking the water. Every dog (and human) that gets into the pool will inhale some pool water from time to time, but watch out for excessive alcohol consumption. Chlorinated pools can be harmful to ingest if your dog drinks too much. The same goes for saltwater pools; too much salt is never good for a puppy. And if your pup is hot and exhausted from being outdoors and swimming, he’ll want to drink it to quench his thirst.
Fortunately, the amount of chlorine in pool water is very dilute. The symptoms are mild and include minor gastrointestinal issues, but it’s still a good idea to prevent your dog from drinking too much. Keep fresh water and a portable dog bowl nearby so your pup has access to clean drinking water at all times.
See if your dog gets tired. Dogs having fun in the pool may not notice that they are getting tired. If you notice the rear of your body sinking a bit, that’s a good sign that you’re getting fatigued and might need a break. This is when a life jacket or flotation device can keep them from slipping below the surface of the water, but if you don’t have one for your dog, make sure they have a safe and easy way to get out of the pool.
Pool ramps, steps, and doggie stairs will give your pup a safe place to climb out and catch a breather before jumping back in.
Providing them with a reliable access point 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. Just like with humans, too much chlorine exposure can cause dry skin, and if you notice your dog licking his paws after being in the pool, his paw pads could be irritated.
Chlorine can also affect their coat, leaving it dry or even changing the color. If your dog is a frequent pool guest, give him a rinse or bath to remove chlorine and consider a coat conditioner before he enters the pool. For their paws, you can even use the same paw balm that you use in winter.
While commonly thought to be a chlorine problem, water in the ears can lead to an infection if left untreated. Dogs with floppy ears are especially prone to infection, so quickly swab the inside of your dog’s ears with a cotton ball. If he seems to be picking at his ears or shaking his head more than usual after swimming, or if you notice redness in his ear canal, call your vet.
If you think your dog might be a swimmer, invite him inside. Just take a few precautionary measures and your furry family member can join you in the pool instead of watching from the air-conditioned house, unless that’s what you prefer! It’s great exercise for both of you, and it’s also a perfect way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, building trust that lasts well beyond pool season.
Featured Image: iStock.com/Paige_Rigoglioso
