Who doesn’t love a nice cool dip on a hot summer’s day? For many dogs, it’s not only a source of entertainment, but swimming is also an important form of exercise. But is it safe for your dog to swim in a pool? The answer to that question is “yes,” but there are certain caveats to consider.
Dogs are Natural Swimmers
You typically don’t need to teach a dog to swim. They are one of the few domesticated pets that have a swimming stroke named after them—the doggy paddle. But that doesn’t mean that your dog knows how to navigate a swimming pool. To make sure Fido is safe around water, you first need to introduce him to the pool. If he’s not interested, don’t rush him. Take your time and follow these steps.
First, start by playing with your dog in a smaller separate kiddie pool. Then you can progress your play time to include the top stairs of your real pool. Gradually move the play area to the shallow end, and be sure to reinforce gradual steps with treats. For some dogs, though, a full-on cannonball into the deep end is their first introduction to a swimming pool. That’s okay, too; just ensure your dog is always supervised in or around the water.
Teach Your Dog How to Enter and Exit the Pool
It might seem intuitive to us that pool ladders or stairs are the ways to exit or enter a pool. But not so for your dog. Pools with ladders are harder for dogs to navigate. Stairs are always a safer option, but your dog has to be trained as to where they are. If you have a pool ladder, you should consider getting a special ramp for your pup to use. Why is this important? If your dog can’t exit the pool, they can panic, putting them at a higher risk of drowning.
Invest in a Life Jacket
Most people think of using a dog life jacket on a boat or at the beach. But life jackets can be life savers poolside as well. While never substitute for supervision, life jackets are especially helpful to older dogs who can tire more easily. Life jackets allow older dogs to take full advantage of the low-impact, therapeutic nature of water by giving them more time to experience the benefits of aquatic exercise. The most effective type of life jackets have a handgrip that gives you an easy way to handle a struggling dog.
Fences and Pool Cages are the Best Way to Prevent Drowning Accidents
Even if you have a fenced backyard, the best way to prevent drowning accidents is to have a separate fence around your pool. Whether it’s a picket or chain link fence, it can keep your pup safe when you can’t physically supervise them near the water yet still give them the freedom to explore the backyard. Even if your dog doesn’t typically enter the pool without you, they could accidentally fall in or go in after a toy.
Don’t Worry About a Few Gulps of Water
It’s a basic fact that dogs like kids will ingest a little pool water when they swim. Whether your pool is chlorinated or a saltwater pool, swallowing a little bit is not an issue if the pool is well maintained. Sometimes, though, pets will quench their thirst with a generous long drink from the pool, which can often result in vomiting. There is also a condition called water intoxication, which can result in bloating, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, dilated pupils, loss of coordination, drooling, and seizures. It’s very unlikely, however, that your dog can be poisoned by pool water that has diluted chemicals in it.
The bigger risk is the pool chemicals themselves, which, if ingested, are highly poisonous. Always keep chlorine, both liquid and tablet forms, out of reach from your pets. The best rule of thumb is to always have cool, clean, fresh water available to your pet by the pool.
Watch for Signs That Your Dog Might Need to See a Vet After Swimming
Chlorine can irritate a dog’s skin, eyes, nose, and ears. Also, water trapped in the ear canal can lead to infection. It’s important to rinse your dog with fresh water after a swim and either clean their ears or use swimmer’s ear preventative drops.
Pool water can strip natural oils away from a dog’s coat, resulting in irritation like redness, dryness, itching, or flaking. Excessive chewing and scratching are good signs that your dog’s skin is irritated. Before he takes a swim, it’s a good idea to apply a leave-in coat conditioner that contains sunscreen. After a swim, in addition to rinsing your dog off, it’s also a good idea to rinse their eyes with a sterile saline wash and clean their ears with a dog ear cleaner that contains drying agents.
If your dog displays any type of discomfort after swimming, it’s important to get them evaluated by one of our vets at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics. Don’t forget to schedule regular checkups and provide monthly flea treatment along with annual pet shots to keep your dog its healthiest both in and out of the water.
