Swimming can be a great way for dogs to cool off, but pools can also pose risks if proper precautions aren’t taken. Whether your pup loves the water or is hesitant to swim, here are some practical ways to ensure their safety around the pool.
Table of Contents
1. Always Supervise Your Dog
Even if your dog enjoys swimming, accidents can happen. Dogs can get tired, disoriented, or struggle to find the exit. Always keep an eye on them whenever they are near the pool to prevent any mishaps.
2. Dog Ramp for Pool
Not all pools have easy-to-access steps, which can make it difficult for a dog to climb out. A pool ramp or specially designed pet-friendly stairs can give them a safe way to exit the water. Train your dog to use the exit so they know how to get out on their own.
Many dog trainers will tell you that the most important part of dog swimming lessons is learning how to exit. If interested, I wrote a blog post on the best dog ramps for pools.
3. Consider a Dog Life Vest
Some dogs are natural swimmers, while others struggle to stay afloat. A well-fitted canine life jacket can provide extra buoyancy, especially for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds or dogs with mobility issues.
4. Pool alarms
Despite your best precautions, some dogs will still find their way to the pool. This is how a pool alarm would help. It would notify you any time your pet gets near or enters the pool, so you can act. A timely pool alert can save your dog’s life in an emergency.
Some alarms detect motion by the pool, while others are worn on your dog’s collar. If you choose a collar alarm, it will alert you when the collar gets wet.
5. Learn CPR
In case of an emergency, knowing how to perform pet CPR can be life-saving. Consider taking a pet first aid course or familiarizing yourself with CPR techniques for dogs. It’s always better to be prepared.
If you prefer to take online classes, the Red Cross offers many free online options. You can also search for animal CPR YouTube videos to learn at home.
6. Teach Your Dog How to Swim
If your dog isn’t familiar with water, introduce them to swimming gradually. Start in shallow areas and encourage them with treats or toys. Some dogs may need professional swimming lessons to build their confidence in the water.
7. Make Sure Your Dog Stays Cool
While you may think having a pool is a great way to keep your dog from overheating, that’s not the case. Dogs have a higher resting temperature than humans, so they tend to overheat quicker than us.
This means they can overheat when they’re left outside, and they can even overheat in the pool. If your dog is black or dark brown, they’ll overheat faster than light-colored dogs.
Your dog may love swimming so much that he may ignore the fact that he’s overheating and tired. If his gums appear dark red rather than pink and he’s panting a lot, it’s time to get him some water and air conditioning.
8. Dog-Safe Pool Covers
Dog-safe pool covers are a safety measure meant to prevent your dog from entering the pool when you’re not using it.
Many people already use pool covers to keep out debris and bugs, but there are pool covers meant to prevent your pets from getting in the pool. These covers support the full weight of your dog.
Regular pool covers can sink in when your dog walks on them resulting in them getting stuck. This is a huge safety risk.
But safety pool covers are thicker and sturdier, so your pet won’t accidentally fall in. These are made with the intent to keep children and pets safe.
9. Pool Fence
One final option is to get a dog fence for pools, so your dog can’t easily access the pool area. A secure fence around your pool is one of the best ways to prevent unsupervised access. Look for a fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate to ensure your dog can’t wander in when you’re not around.
Final Thoughts
Well, I hope I offered you some helpful tips to keep your dog safe around the pool.
Some of these recommendations simply require your presence such as proper supervision and making sure your dog stays cool.
Other recommendations will result in you learning new skills such as CPR or your dog learning proper swimming through lessons.
Lastly, you can buy specific products to protect your dog such as a dog ramp, life jacket, pool alarm, pool fence, or dog-safe pool cover.
You can feel confident knowing that you have these backup measures in case something goes wrong.
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