POOL SAFETY & YOUR DOG
How do you let your dog enjoy all the benefits of a dip in the pool while keeping him safe at the same time? Here are some valuable tips for you.
TEACH YOUR DOG HOW TO SWIM
Some dogs are natural swimmers, but some dogs are not. It’s important to recognize which category your dog falls into by assessing their comfort level and skills in the water. Here’s how: If your dog is using only their front legs to swim, and are near vertical in the water, try getting in the water with them and support their rear-end as they swim. A quick internet search can help you find professional dog swimming lessons near you. Yes, it’s a thing!
ENSURE YOUR DOG CAN SAFELY EXIT THE POOL
Teach your dog where the pool steps are by getting into the water with them at different parts of the pool and directing them towards the stairs.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG UNATTENDED IN OR NEAR THE POOL
Just like with children, pets need to be supervised around a pool. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, they can get fatigued or disoriented, or something could cause them to panic.
DOES YOUR DOG NEED A LIFE VEST?
Breeds with broad chests and short legs, muscular breeds, and breeds with low body fat typically aren’t good swimmers. A well-fitted dog life jacket will give them a chance to enjoy playing in the water and safely get some water exercise. Life vests can also be helpful for dogs that enjoy the water but might get fatigued, allowing them to spend more time in the pool.
IS CHLORINE SAFE FOR DOGS?
The amount of chlorine in a typical backyard swimming pool is not a large enough dose to be harmful to dogs or humans. Chlorine and other pool chemicals do have a drying effect on your dog’s coat and skin, so be sure to give them a good rinse after a dip in the pool.
IS IT OKAY IF YOUR DOG DRINKS POOL WATER?
Although you should try to discourage your dog from drinking excessive amounts of pool water, it will not harm them if they do drink it. Keep a bowl of fresh water near the pool to try to encourage your dog to drink that instead.
CAN YOUR DOG DAMAGE YOUR SWIMMING POOL?
Dogs tend to shed a lot in summer and that hair will certainly end up in your pool. Give your pup a good brushing before they get in the pool to minimize the amount of hair that ends up in the pool filter. If you have an above ground pool with vinyl liners, your dog’s nails could tear the lining.
POOL FENCING
Keep pets (and wildlife) out of the pool when not in use by installing a security fence around it.
THE DANGER OF POOL COVERS
Pool covers that float on the pool’s surface are very dangerous for pets because they think they can walk across them. The pool cover cannot bear the weight of the animal and they end up in the pool, oftentimes under the cover. Instead, look for a pool safety cover that fits tightly, is durable and can withstand your dog’s weight.
POOL STEPS & RAMPS
It’s important that your dog is able to exit the pool on his own. If your pool doesn’t have a walk-in entry or stairs, you can install a pool ramp or floating stairs that your pup can use to get out of the pool.
POOL ALARM
A pool alarm is a valuable safety tool, as it has a sensor that detects movement in the pool and sounds an alarm. Worth the investment!
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