Most people would agree that there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a dip in a pool on a hot day. Did you know some dogs feel the same way? Swimming is a low-impact exercise that helps condition dogs and improves their range of motion without stress on their joints. And it’s fun! But being around the pool has risks, even for good dog swimmers (and just because they like the water doesn’t mean they know how to swim). You need to take safety precautions to keep your dog safe in and around swimming pools.
What are the risks around pool safety for dogs?
Swimming pools are a great way for pets and their owners to cool down during a warm day, unfortunately, they can also be dangerous. Pool safety for dogs must always be considered along with human safety.
The primary dangers associated with swimming pools include:
- Drowning
- Exposure or ingestion of pool chemicals
- Heat Stroke
Let’s explore each of these hazards a little more and discuss the best ways to prevent accidents from happening.
Drowning
Drowning is the most common cause of death related to swimming pools. Dog owners might be tempted to skim past this segment since all dogs are natural-born swimmers, right? Not necessarily.
While both dogs and cats have an instinctual ability to swim, there are a few factors that contribute to a higher risk of drowning which need to be remembered when improving pool safety for dogs.
- Breed – Certain breeds of dogs and cats have a more difficult time swimming. For example; breeds with flat noses or short snouts, barrel shaped bodies and short legs, or excessively long thick coats will have a more difficult time staying afloat.
- Age – Puppies and kittens may lack the coordination and muscle strength to swim very far. On the other hand, older pets may tire out more easily or become disoriented.
- Medical difficulties – Pets who suffer from vision loss, arthritis, dementia, or who are prone to seizures have a higher risk of drowning. Check your pet’s medications as well to ensure that they won’t hinder their ability to swim safely.
Even if your pet is a young, healthy swimming enthusiast, accidents can still happen. Pets can fall into the water unexpectedly and panic or tire out without warning.
Steps to help prevent drowning
It doesn’t matter how well your dog swims; drowning is always possible. This tragedy can be prevented by taking a few precautions:
- Teach your dog to swim.
- Enclose your pool with a fence.
- Get a pool alarm system that will alert you to unexpected motion in the pool.
- Place motion sensors around the pool area.
- Install a solid pool cover that can bear some weight in an emergency.
- Get a pet-friendly pool ladder, ramp, or stairs, and train your dog how to safely get in and out of the pool.
- Avoid allowing dogs with mobility issues around the pool.
- Always have your dog wear a properly fitted life jacket with a handgrip when around and swimming in the pool.
- Never leave dog toys in the pool or in the pool area. Despite having a pool fence, a dog may be extremely motivated to get inside in order to reach the toy.
Steps to save a drowning dog
There is nothing more terrifying than finding your dog unresponsive in a pool. But you must remember to stay calm and take action.
These are the steps to follow:
- Carefully lift the dog out of the pool and gently place it on the pool’s surroundings
- Clear the airway of water
For small dogs and puppies, hold them upside down so water can drain from the lungs. Large dogs should be laid on their side as you try to elevate the body above the head so water can run out the mouth and nose. - Check for a pulse
Place two fingers on the inside of the upper part of the rear leg or listen for a heartbeat by placing your ear on their chest. You may have a hard time finding a pulse or hearing a heartbeat on overweight dogs. - If there is a pulse but no breathing
Extend the dog’s neck to open the airway. Close their mouth and cover their nose with your mouth. Breathe into their nose until you see their chest rise. Continue until your dog is breathing on their own. - If there is no pulse
Attempt CPR on your dog and call for help from anyone nearby and emergency veterinary services.
If it can be done safely, attempt resuscitation while someone is transporting you to a veterinary hospital.
If you aren’t trained in CPR, find a CPR trainer so you are prepared in an emergency situation.
How to prevent drowning
Now that you understand the risks associated with pet drownings, let’s discuss the ways to you can prevent this tragedy from happening.
- Conduct a swim test
Swim with your pet and stay within arm’s reach until you are familiar with their abilities. If your pet seems to enjoy the water, you can practice with them until they become stronger swimmers. - Install a safety fence and alarm
The best way to protect pets and humans from drowning is to install a safety fence with a pet-proof locking gate. Consider a pool alarm as well, which will alert you if your pet falls into the pool unexpectedly. - Train your pet to use the stairs
While enthusiastic swimmers won’t hesitate to run and jump into a swimming pool, they won’t be able to jump out as easily. Make sure your pool has stairs or a ramp that your pet can access easily and navigate without assistance. - Invest in a life vest
If your pet fears the water or has difficulty swimming consier purchasing a special pet-specific life vest. If they fall into the water this can keep them afloat until you can get to them. - Be careful of entanglement
Remove pool covers, solar panels or large rafts any time your pet is near the water. They can easily become tangled or trapped underneath. - Learn CPR training
No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. Learning pet CPR could save your pet’s life. - Never leave your pet unattended
Even strong swimmers shouldn’t be left to swim alone. Watch pets as closely as you would watch human children when they are in or around the pool.
Pool chemicals
Consideration of pool safety for dogs extends beyond drowning, as untreated pools can become a breeding ground for bacteria and algae that can be toxic to both you and your pet. Unfortunately, the pool chemicals required to keep away that bacteria can also be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken.
When used correctly, chemically treated pools are safe to swim in and even ingest in small amounts, however full strength chlorine, bromine, and even alkaline tests can be irritating to skin and fatal if ingested.
How can you keep your pool sanitary and safe for your pets?
Using pool chemicals safely
Chemicals are necessary to keep harmful bacteria and algae out of your swimming pool, but be sure to follow these tips to keep your pets safe:
- Keep chemicals locked up
While most chemicals are safe for your pet once they are properly diluted in the pool, full strength chemicals can be fatal. Designate a lockable shed or storange container to store all of your pool chemicals, cleaners and testing supplies. Don’t let your pet outside while you are using these products and lock them back up as soon as you are finished. - Read directions carefully
Pool chemicals are designed to be diluted to safe levels. Using too much of a chemical or using the chemicals incorrectly can throw off this delicate balance and make your pet sick. Also, if you “shock” your pool, be sure to wait until chemicals levels are back to a safe level before letting your pet swim (usually about 24 hours). - Don’t let your pet drink pool water
It’s safe for pets to ingest a small amount of pool water while swimming, but allowing them to drink large amounts of chemically treated water can lead to upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea and even kidney failure. Keep plenty of fresh clean water nearby and direct your thirsty pets to that instead. - Rinse your pet after swimming
Get in the habit of rinsing your pet off after a swim. This prevents chemicals from staying on their skin and fur for too long which can cause skin irriation and stomach upset from licking it off. - Look for safer alternatives
Consult your local pool supply shop for advice on pet-friendly pool chemicals that may be safer to use with furry swim companions.
Is It safe for dogs to ingest pool water and chemicals?
Having a pool can put your dog at risk of being poisoned. Ingesting too much pool water causes water intoxication, and they can also be poisoned by ingesting pool chemicals.
If your dog ingests too much pool water, the sodium levels in their blood will drop dangerously low. Even though this is a rare situation, it can be fatal if not treated immediately. Salt poisoning can occur if too much water is ingested from saltwater pools.
Signs of water intoxication include:
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of coordination
- Drooling
- Seizures
Signs of salt poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
Once pool chemicals, such as chlorine tablets, brominating tablets, and muriatic acid, are diluted in a pool, they’re generally not a concern. Typically, the most common side effect from ingestion of chemicals in the pool water is nausea and vomiting. However, if they’re ingested undiluted, such as your dog finding and eating the tablets, they are poisonous. They can cause ulcers in your dog’s mouth, throat, esophagus, and intestines which can result in intestinal perforation.
You can prevent toxicity by taking these steps:
- Provide plenty of fresh water away from the pool
- Watch your pets without them knowing, to ensure they are not drinking pool water
- Keep all pool chemicals in chew-proof containers in a locked and secure location
- Keep dogs secured and away from open chemical containers when performing pool maintenance
If you suspect your dog has water intoxication, salt poisoning, or poisoning from pool chemicals, seek medical care immediately.
Heat stroke
Swimming is a great way to cool off on hot days, but unfortunately spending all afternoon at the pool also means spending all afternoon in the sun which can cause heat stroke – an unexpected thought in regards to pool safety for dogs.
Heat stroke, also known as heat exhaustion, occurs when your pet’s body temperature rises above its standard range. Dogs and cats have very few sweat glands (of course this is why dogs pant – to expel heat) so their bodies are lacking many functions to regulate their temperature.
Heat stroke typically occurs when the temperature outside is high, though always keep in mind that heat stroke can occur at lower temperatures if the humidity is high.
Signs of heat stroke in pets include:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weakness, stumbling or disorientation
- Collapse
- Seizures
If your pet shows any sign of heat stroke, move them to a cool shady spot and contact your vet right away.
Preventing heat stroke
Heat stroke can strike quickly in the summer so follow these precautions to prevent it from happening to your pet:
Consider the possibility of heatstroke any time the temperature is above 80 degrees or humidity is high, and take these precautions to keep your pet cool:
- Never leave your pet unsupervised outside on hot days. While you are away, keep your pet indoors with air conditioning.
- While outside, ensure your pet has access to fresh water, shade, and shelter away from direct sunlight.
- Take your daily walk or jog in the morning, before temperatures reach dangerous levels.
- Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Heat quickly builds to deadly levels in a closed car, even on sunny days that aren’t hot.
- On hot days, keep brachycephalic breeds, elderly and obese pets, and those with heart or lung issues inside your air-conditioned home except for short outdoor bathroom breaks.
Swimming is a great way for your pet to cool down and get some exercise this summer but if you aren’t careful swimming pools can be a hazard to your furry friends.
