Swimming Pool Safety Tips for Pets

During the dog days of summer, is there a better way to cool off than a dip in the pool? If you want to chill poolside with your pooch, check out these important pool safety tips.

Not Cool at the Pool

We’re blowing our lifeguard whistle to make sure you avoid unsafe situations like these:

• Never leave your pet unattended around the pool.
• Don’t assume your dog naturally knows how to swim. Yes, the doggie paddle is named that for a reason, but not all dogs enjoy water or swim by instinct.
• Don’t let your pup drink the pool water. Have fresh water on hand to help them stay hydrated.
• Never leave pool chemicals unattended. Store all of these items securely.
• Never, ever throw your dog into the water. Swimming should be voluntary, and a fun, safe activity for your pets.

Dipping Those Toes in the Water

Swimming safety for dogs is not one-size-fits-all. You might consider the following tips for your furry friend:

• Introduce your puppy to a shallow kiddie pool, or even just a sprinkler, to help gauge whether they enjoy water at all.
• Ask your veterinary team to help you securely fit a dog life jacket.
• Speak with us about pet-safe sun protection.
• While sun exposure can improve water temperature, think about securing the pool cover every time it is not in use. Covers are not necessarily fully weight-bearing if a pet walks on them. However, if your pet is an avid swimmer, covering the water can make it “out of sight and out of mind” to discourage your dog from jumping in at any time.
• With or without a pool cover, a pool alarm can alert you before an emergency happens. There are alarms for gates, fences, and the water itself.

Swimming Safety Musts

Every time your pooch is in the pool, there are some must-dos to keep swimming fun and safe, including:

• Give your dog plenty of practice and time to get comfortable in the water. If you close up your pool each winter, spend some time getting safely reacquainted before swimming.
• Practice voice commands and hand signals so your dog will come to you and exit the pool when called.
• Install a safety fence and secure the gate every single time the pool is unattended.
• Stay within arm’s reach of your pet in the water, because even experienced swimmers can become fatigued or frightened.
• Provide plenty of exit opportunities. Steps, ramps, and ladders should be in multiple locations.
• Rinse or bathe your pup and dry them thoroughly after swimming. Pool chemicals can irritate a dog’s skin, and being clean will keep them comfortable and happy on dry land.

In Case of Water Emergencies

Emergencies can happen, even with the most diligent preparations. Perhaps the biggest pool danger for dogs is drowning. In this guide, Zoetis Pet Care outlines how to save a drowning dog, with step-by-step instructions for clearing the airway, checking for a pulse, rescue breathing, and CPR. Read these steps carefully, but also make an appointment with your veterinarian for an in-person safety consultation.

If your pet does get into pool chemicals, this is considered an emergency situation as well. The Pet Poison Helpline and ASPCA Animal Poison Control are vital resources, and you should have the contact and location details for the nearest pet emergency room on hand.

While skin or ear irritation may not be an emergency, note that you can contact Cherry Creek Veterinary Hospital for urgent care situations.

Swimming is wonderful for exercise and relief from summer heat, but you need to properly prepare to enjoy the pool with your pet. If you have further questions about pool safety for your dog, please give us a call at (916) 349-2755.