Practical Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe Around the Pool
As a dog lover myself, I know how wonderful our puppies are, and those pool dates, we want them to enjoy themselves as much as we do – but safely! If you are a pool owner and a proud dog parent, here are some practical tips to keep your dog safe while you enjoy the water worry-free.
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Not All Dogs Are Natural Swimmers
Though there are a lot of types of dogs that will want to paddle about in the water, some dogs like bulldogs or dachshunds would have a hard time swimming because of their heavy bodies and short legs. Even our beloved Labrador Retrievers, who love nothing more than taking a dip, can tire and lose their bearings in the water. That said, please always have an eye on your dog when he or she is in or around the pool; you may find yourself needing to step in.
Introducing Your Dog to the Pool
Make sure to first introduce your dog to the pool environment when he/she is witnessing from a far. Ease them into the shallow end, where their paws can dip in without being too intimidating. This allows them to feel comfortable with the water and the pool space. Encouraging that little bit of curiosity and confidence that comes with it, using treats and praise to do so.
Teaching Your Dog Basic Pool Commands
Just like we teach our dogs to sit and stay, it's important to teach them pool safety commands. Use phrases like "pool time" to indicate the time when they can enter, and "out" as a signal to direct them from the pool. These commands should be practiced regularly and consistently. You can also teach them to come when called, which is important for keeping them safe, especially if they ever get in trouble in the water.
Teaching Your Dog to Swim
Start by allowing your dog to watch the pool from a distance. Let them experience the shallow end gradually, where they can tread without feeling overwhelmed, but wet their paws! It gets them acclimated to the water, and the pool. Encourage their curiosity with treats and praise to help build confidence in their surroundings.
You might need to give your dog a bit of physical assistance if he is new to swimming. Stand in the shallow end, with hands under your dog’s chest to support their body. To get the motion into their heads, go back to the very basics and gently move their legs in the motion of swimming. This will allow them to feel a bit more stability and know exactly what they need to do in order to survive.
Once your dog confidently paddles away, slowly remove your own support. Keep rewarding them with treats and praise. This will boost their confidence and make it easier for them to enjoy the experience.
Tip : If your dog has a toy it loves, using that toy can be a great motivator. Throw a beloved toy in the water and have the pup retrieve it. They can start associating swimming with fun and reward. Keep the sessions short and upbeat to start and for the most part.
Invest in a Dog Life Jacket
You need a dog life jacket. Besides the buoyancy, it also helps your dog remain afloat and visible on water. Bonus: it helps you to sleep better at night, knowing your dog is safer.
Pool Area Safety
Supervise at All Times
Do not leave your dog unsupervised near the pool. In the case of dogs, sometimes accidents happen in a split second, so always watch your pup. With this, you would be able to intervene immediately if they fall into a world of trouble. If you need to step away, put your dog somewhere safe and away from the pool.
Create a Safe Exit Point
Since dogs will tire or become frightened in the water, you absolutely must have a safe exit point. This means stairs or ramp that can be accessed easily for your dog. Ensure they demonstrate knowledge of using it and practice getting in and out of the pool over using this exit point.
Install a Pool Fence
Put in place a pool fence at least 4 feet tall having a gate that automatically closes and latches. This will stop your canine from falling into the pool when you are not around. Ensure everything is tight and that your dog cannot slip through any gaps in the fence.
Pool Chemical Safety
Pool chemicals like chlorine and bromine are necessary to keep the water clean and sanitary for human use. But a lot of these chemicals can be unsafe if your dog eats them or if a dog absorbs them through the skin or eyes. Make sure to keep pool chemicals in a secure locked storage place away from your dog.
Tip: For dogs, consider pool products designed for safety. There are dog-safe pool chemicals and water treatments that are gentler on your dog's skin and fur. You need to use it only by following the steps of the manufacturer.
Post-Swim Check
Make sure to do a quick post-swim check after a nice swim with your dog. This will make sure they did not have any chemical irritation of the skin from the pool water.
Check for any redness, particularly under the belly and between the legs, and excessive itching or scratching could be a sign of irritation. Look for signs of discomfort in their eyes and ears too. If you see anything strange, rinse your dog with clean water and contact your vet for advice.
Making Pool Time Fun and Safe With Your Dog!
With these all-inclusive tricks, your dog can have a great time at the pool without any worry. Keep in mind the patience and consistency, and always keep your guard up. As long as you plan ahead and supervise, your pet can spend hours of fun in the sun with you. So, take out those dog goggles, wear that life vest, and make a splash as we go!
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About the author
Mark Evans
Mark Evans is a seasoned pool expert currently serving as a blog writer for Beatbot. He is renowned for his profound understanding and passion for pool design, construction, and maintenance. Throughout his career, Mark has been dedicated to providing innovative pool solutions that enhance the outdoor living experience for families. Through his Beatbot blog, he is eager to share his professional knowledge, helping people create and maintain the pool of their dreams.
