Our pets are part of the family and pool safety is just as important for them as it is for our children. Some dogs enjoy swimming, while others are more reluctant about taking the plunge and prefer to watch from the sidelines. Nevertheless, all dogs can benefit from a few basic safety rules.
Here’s how to help your pup enjoy the pool safely.
Chlorine
Chlorine is safe for dogs at the levels used in pools however, your dog’s eyes, nose and ears are more sensitive than a human’s and may be a bit more vulnerable to the effects of chlorine. Lapping up pool water should be discouraged and you should hose your pup down after swimming because chlorine and other pool chemicals can dry out your dog’s coat and skin. Dry the inside of his ears with a towel. Most ear infections in dogs with floppy ears are caused by dampness and not chlorine. Also, be sure to dry the area under his collar.
Safety Rules
Many dogs are fearful the first time they enter the water but, if you take it slow and praise your dog at every step, you’ll have her swimming in no time. Never leave your pet unsupervised in or around a pool and, as with children, be sure the gate in the fence around the pool is latched to prevent accidents.
Helping Your Dog Safely Exit the Pool
It’s so important that your dog learns how to get out of the pool safely. When it’s time to get out for the first time, your dog may panic because she’s not used to exiting using the pool steps and needs to be taught how to get out of the pool that way, rather than trying to climb out at the edge of a pool. Obese dogs, geriatric dogs and small dogs are especially at risk of drowning because of the added physical challenges.
Teaching your dog to use the stairs or other pool-exit device, such as a ramp or pet stairs to enter and exit the pool, is the best thing you can do to help ensure that he doesn’t panic and drown. Associate the exit point with plenty of treats, petting and praise. Mark the stair area with an easy-to-see visual, like a large potted plant. This will help your dog to become oriented and find his way out, especially if he’s in a panic.
When you don’t want your pet in the pool at all, use a barrier to block access to the stairs.
Reluctant Swimmers
Even a reluctant swimmer needs to learn pool safety. Never throw her into the water, as this can damage your relationship with your dog. A panicked dog isn’t in the right mind set to learn anything.
More on Safety
Additional safety tips to heed:
- Use a safety pool cover that fits over the entire pool and is anchored in place
- Guard against your dog’s paws becoming burned on hot concrete and damaging his pads from repeatedly launching from the pool steps
- Teach your dog to remain calm when others are swimming by having one person work with her on a leash while another swims and reward her generously with treats for staying calm
- Consider confining your pet in the house with his favourite toy when you want to swim dog-free