It’s a pretty neat thing to watch a dog or a puppy swim on their own without being taught. It’s purely instinct for them to do the doggy paddle. In some cases, it might be smart to ease your dog into the water if he or she is very young. The ocean or the bay is a great place to bring your pup for exercise, a bath or both. Just throw them in the back of the Jeep and you’re off. But what about allowing your dog swimming in your pool? Is it safe or unsafe to bring your pets into your own backyard pool?

Pets In Your Pool

Take a look at your own body or your child’s and then your dog’s. Compare the obvious: humans, like dogs, have dirt, oils, skin cells, which are brought into the pool. Dogs have a lot more hair that has trapped dirt, dust, bugs, and even fecal matter. Is your dog strictly an indoor dog or an outdoor dog? Outdoor means lots more debris and dirt will enter the pool. “An average size dog is equal to three humans in terms of the stuff they will bring along with them into a pool.” — Source: TripSavvy

Because a dog equals three humans in terms of contributing filth to the pool, you may be treating your pool a lot more. An influx of chemicals and compounds means your chemical balance will be thrown off more quickly. If you and your best friend hang out in the pool often, stock up on treatments and chemicals.

Pets And Your Pool Water

Our second main concern is the type of pool water you have. Immediately, you may think chlorinated water could do your little pup harm. And you’d be correct. Chlorinated water is bad for humans to drink as well as dogs. Make sure you have a bowl of fresh water nearby for them to drink.

If Your Pet Does Come Into The Pool…

Additionally, there are measures you should take if your dog goes for a swim. Just like humans should shower after swimming, your dog should do the same. Think about the sequence of events that would unfold: 1) your dog swims, 2) he gets out and shakes off, 3) he licks himself. He’s licking the chlorine and chemicals and ingesting them, which can be harmful. Even if you have saltwater pool water or mineral water, it’s still not something you or your pet should consume. This is why the post-swim shower is so important!

Also dogs, like infants and children, need to be supervised at all times. You should realize they can panic just like children can when experiencing something new or frightful. Getting out of the pool can be traumatic if they’re not used to the stairs. They certainly can’t use the ladder so make sure you keep your eye on them at all times! For the first time swimming, we advise walking them up and down the stairs so they become accustomed to the transition from land to water and vice versa.

Pet Medical Equipment

It’s not outrageous to know CPR for humans. Since dogs are man’s best friend, dog CPR is smart to know as well. A lifevest or lifejacket would be another investment worth having for your dog when they come swimming too. Just use your common sense before it becomes uncommon.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• https://www.tripsavvy.com/dogs-in-the-swimming-pool-good-idea-or-bad-2679916
• https://stories.barkpost.com/life/pool-safety-tips-dogs/

Erik’s Aquatic Care is always here to answer questions you may have as a current or future pool owner. Cheers!