5 Pool Safety Tips for Dogs: How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Swimming Pool

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We are definitely in the dog days of summer now and one of the best ways to cool down in this heat is by taking a dip in the pool. Swimming pools are a must have for many people during the hot summer months. They’re a great place to keep cool and stay active simultaneously, not just for humans, but for our dogs too! If you have a dog that loves the water then allowing them to go swimming with you is the perfect summer activity. However, with all the fun that comes with pools there is a lot of danger as well. Keep your pup safe in the pool this summer by following these 5 pool safety tips for dogs.

1. Be Mindful of Pool Covers

Pool covers are great for keeping dirt, debris, and unwanted pests out of your swimming pool when it’s not in use. Unfortunately, pool covers also pose as a large hazard for our pups. Dogs can’t necessarily decipher between normal ground and a pool covering, meaning they won’t avoid walking on it the way we would. If your dog walks onto your pool cover, there’s a risk that they could fall in. This is super dangerous for dogs who are scared of water or can’t swim. And even for strong swimmers, the shock of falling in the water combined with the panic of being stuck underneath the covering can cause them to panic and drown.

Unless your pool cover is sturdy enough to hold the weight of a human without caving in, don’t keep it on when your dog is unattended around the pool. Instead, always monitor your dog when they’re outdoors and hanging around the pool. You should also consider adding a locked fence around the pool, this will keep all dogs, children, and even some wildlife safe from drowning.

2. Don’t Assume they Can or Want to Swim

Contrary to popular belief, all dogs are not born knowing how to properly swim. You can likely toss any dog into a body of water and expect them to “doggy paddle” to stay afloat, but this action is not truly swimming. Don’t assume your dog knows how to swim. Be sure to introduce them to the pool slowly and watch them closely their first several times in the water. If they seem to struggle to catch onto how to properly swim, you could consider enrolling them in some canine swim classes.

You should also never assume that your dog wants to swim. There are several dog breeds, such as golden retrievers, that are known for loving the water. However, there are many dog breeds who don’t enjoy swimming at all. If your dog protests greatly when you attempt to bring them in the pool, don’t force it. Forcing your dog to swim will cause them to panic which could lead to drowning or injuring themselves. 

3. Invest in a Life Jacket

Floatation devices in swimming pools aren’t just for kids! Dogs can benefit greatly from having a life jacket of their own. They are especially useful in dogs who aren’t confident swimmers or if your pup starts to become tired. 

Note: Your dog should always wear a life jacket in large bodies of water such as the ocean or a lake regardless of their swimming abilities. 

4. Know Exhaustion Signs

Just like with any exercise, swimming can become incredibly exhausting and this is true for our pups too. After all, they’re dogs not ducks! Keep an eye on the amount of time your dog spends swimming and force them out of the water for a break every once in awhile. 

It’s also important to watch for signs that they are becoming exhausted such as:

• Slowing down
• Dropping their rear end
• Excessive panting

If you notice your pup is showing signs of exhaustion, help them out of the pool asap and get them inside for some fresh drinking water and relaxation.

5. Don’t Let Them Drink the Water

As humans, we won’t drink pool water and neither should our dogs! Pool water is full of chlorine and other chemicals that makes it unsafe for them to drink. The chances are high that they’ll end up ingesting some here and there, but be sure to provide plenty of fresh drinking water for when they get thirsty. 

Note: If you notice your dog ingest a large amount of pool water, call your vet ASAP.

Does your dog enjoy the pool? What are some tips you have to keep them safe?