As tempting as cool pool water is on a hot day, it can be dangerous for your dog. An estimated one out of every 1,027 pets drowns in swimming pools each year. But there are things you can do to make sure you all have fun.
Evaluate your pooch -- most dog breeds have the ability to swin, but that doesnt mean yours can or will. Also, certain breeds such as bulldogs can't swin at all, and other dogs have physical limitations that put them more at risk in the pool, so you may need to be extra careful.
"When you've got an older dog or a dog with a handicap, like a dog that can't see as well, definitely get a fence around the pool when you can't watch them" Shannon A. South, D.V.M., of Briarcliff Animal Clinic in Atlanta, GA tells Paw Nation. Even if the dog isn't attracted to the pool, they could always fall in. so keep an eye out when you and your dog both are pool-side, and be wary of letting a non-swimmer in the yard near the pool without you.
Be Careful With "Protective" Gear -- While items such as pool covers do have their purposes, they may not be the best option for your dog. South points out that sometimes, covers can actually be riskier. If a dog jumps onto the pool cover, it may cause the entire cover to sink, possibly trapping the dog underwater.
Displacement alarms, which measure the water levels in your pool and can be set to sound an alarm when a pet or child falls in, may be a good way to prevent against accidental drowning as long as someone is around to hear it.
Consider the Chlorine -- Even dogs who love the water may not love chlorine. "Pets can get upset stomachs from drinking too much pool water," South said. "Chlorine can irritate their eyes or their respiratory system. Remember, chlorine gives off vapors that will sometimes irritate their little lungs." Also be sure to periodically check your dogs ears and eyes for signs of irritation from the water.
If you're concerned about chemicals, there are more natural ways of keepsing your pool water clean that are not only more pet-friendly, but more eco-friendly too. According to GreenYour, ionization, oxidation and sonic wave pool cleaners are all able to keep your pool water pure in different high tech ways, but these systems can be expensive and rewuire expert upkeep. Converting your pool to a saltwater pool or using purifying plants in the water are both natural ways to keep your pool fresh.
Work On Training -- If your home layout increases the potential of your dog taking an unsupervised dip in your pool, make sure it knows how how to exit the pool safely. It may take time to train it to find the shallow end and navigate the steps, but your peace of mind is worth the trouble. Some pet owners have added special pet pool stairs to make exiting easier.
Finally, remember that your pet is like one of your kids; it may not know when it should take a break from the pool and the sun. be sure to call a time-out so your pooch can recover from its summertime adventures. At the end of the pool party, don't forget to rinse the chlorine off your dogs coat and dry its ears to protect from infection.
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