It doesn’t take a survey to determine that the best place to spend time with your pet in summer is the pool. You also don’t have to be a qualified professional to know the pool is a lifesaver when it comes to the prevention of heatstroke and other heat-related conditions. The only question is, your pool or theirs?
Dog pools
Dog pools are a fun way to help them cool off when the temperatures start to feel marginally volcanic. They are super-easy to set up and usually pack away like a dream as well. The best thing about a dog pool is that you don’t need a big backyard, and many come with a simple drain that makes filling and emptying a breeze. Dog pools are affordable, low maintenance, and easy to store away. There isn’t much downside to dog pools and little to no obvious danger!
Your pool
Nothing beats splashing into the pool in a wild explosion of crisp blue water. Nothing, but your dog setting off their own splash bomb right behind you. The problem is that most people think that all dogs are natural born swimmers. Therefore, if you throw a dog into a pool, it will automatically know what to do and start paddling away. Sure, most dog breeds are capable of basic swimming skills (like you, after 30 years of swimming), but not all dogs are natural swimmers, and some will do anything to avoid getting wet (like that cousin who only ever puts her feet into the water).
3 Pool pet dangers
- Accidental drownings
As is the nature of accidents, both novice and seasoned swimmers could unfortunately end up drowning. Always be attentive and don’t leave your dog unsupervised.
- Irritated skin
A well-maintained pool’s chemicals are diluted enough not to be toxic to your dog to swim in, but they may cause redness, itching, or flaking of your dog’s skin. Be vigilant and notify your vet if you notice anything.
- Water intoxication
If a dog swallows too much water, it could become water intoxicated. Although rare, it does happen and if left untreated it can be fatal.
Pets with special needs
Certain conditions can cause a dog to accidentally fall into a pool or drown. If your doggo suffers from fits or seizures, fainting, blindness, head trauma or other physical limitations, they should not be unsupervised around the pool.
Safety tips.
- Fencing your pool is a great way of ensuring that your adventurous doggo doesn’t discover the inside of the swimming pool without your supervision.
- Ramps and steps can make your dog’s exit from the pool much easier.
- Alarm systems can alert you when there is movement in the water itself, not around the swimming pool edge.
- Coverings can help prevent unplanned plunges and keep your pool cleaner for longer.
Whether it’s in your pool or theirs, have a blast splashing around with your pets, but make sure there is always ‘pawrental’ supervision, as there would with any of the kids.
