Pool Safety for Pets

If you are a pool owner who is trying to squeeze in those last few pool days before the Fall weather starts creeping in, you are not alone. Enjoy those last splashes with your family, friends, and even your dog, but make sure you are aware of the risks when letting your dog swim with you.

Not All Dogs Love to Swim

Certain dogs love the water while others tend to steer clear or may have trouble swimming. Dogs such as Boykin Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and Standard Poodles are bred to be strong swimmers, but many smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Pomeranians, and Pugs may have trouble in the water. If you are the owner of a smaller breed that has a hard time in the water, you can find flotation devices to help your pet adjust. Talk with your vet for more information and whether or not your dog should be in the pool.

Watch The Chlorine

Most pets can handle ingesting small amounts of chlorine when it has been diluted by pool water, but do not allow them to use it as a drinking bowl. Ingesting too much can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, or other issues. Be especially careful about where you store your pool chemicals so your pets do not get into them. Contact your vet if you are concerned that your pet has ingested too much chlorine.

Bathe Before & After

The fur on your pet may be holding dirt, fecal matter, and other debris that you don’t want in your pool. Always rinse your dog off before allowing them to enter the pool to keep your water more sanitary. Rinse them off again when they are done swimming to wash away the chlorine and chemicals. This prevents their fur and skin from drying out as well as irritation and rashes. 

Be Their Lifeguard

Pets have a risk of drowning too, even if they are great swimmers. Always keep an eye on them around the pool; they may jump right in if you turn your back. To prevent drowning or injury, pick up all pool toys after swimming so your dog will not be tempted to jump in after them. Block off pool stairs, ladders, and diving boards when not in use or consider gating your pool area. You can even work on training around the pool so your dog learns not to enter without permission. 

Monitor Temperature

If the water is too cold or too hot for you, it is too cold or too hot for the dog as well. With Fall in our midst, temperatures will start to vary. The same goes for your patio or other surfaces around the pool; they can get scorching hot and hurt your pet’s paws. Always test the area before letting your pet walk on it. 

Rising Sun Pools & Spas

For over 46 years, we’ve been the pool builders of choice for home and business owners in North Carolina. No pool company has more customers, more experience or more expertise than Rising Sun Pools. There’s no pool construction, design or renovation project that we haven’t encountered (and solved)! Contact us today!