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July 12, 2021 ON THIS PAGE:
If you have a swimming pool, or if you take your dog to a place that does, please be aware of the potential for dogs to jump or fall into the pool but not be able to get out!
The danger of pool drowning for dogs became a horrifying reality for a pet lover whose dog drowned in a friend’s swimming pool during a poolside party. It can take only a few moments for pets to drown, especially in the case of particular breeds, and pets with certain conditions. Even excellent swimmers may not know how to get out of a pool, and they may swim until they are exhausted and drown. What can you do to ensure the safety of your pets around the swimming pool?
Should You Let Your Dog Swim in the Pool?
Its up to you and your family to decide whether or not to let your dog get into your swimming pool. The biggest factors to consider are safety and maintenance. Just like children, dogs must ALWAYS be supervised when swimming, even if its a small backyard pool. We recommend if you have a pool and do not have it covered, always be outside when your dog is around the pool or has been let out to relieve itself.
Not all dogs are good swimmers, and if some dogs fall in they cant figure out how to get out or can not swim well to do so. So, if you do decide to work on swimming with your dog, you must take things slowly and adapt to your dog. Some breeds can not swim well. In addition, your dogs presence in the pool will change the way you need to maintain it. It will take extra time and work to make sure your pool chemical levels are appropriate and your filtration system is in good working order.
The Benefits of Swimming For Your Dog:
Just like for people, swimming for dogs is a great, low-impact total body workout. Swimming is easy exercise on your pet’s joints and limbs, which is terrific for both young pups and aging dogs alike. Swimming pools can be a fun place to play with the family in the water, or a rehabilitation method for a dog recovering from a procedure.
Swimming is an excellent workout for your dog’s cardiovascular system, as well. According to Dr. Arleigh Reynolds, a Veterinary Surgeon and Canine Physiologist, “1 minute of swimming is the equivalent to 4 minutes of jogging.” Not only is your dog getting a low-impact workout, it is getting more of a workout in a shorter period of time. However, just with any workout, it is best to slowly build your dog’s swimming sessions up in length. Short bursts of swimming at first, can gradually grow into longer workouts.
This is not to say that swimming is a substitute for all on-land workouts. It’s important to have a balance because running, jogging, and walking exercise helps maintain strong bone density.
Swimming pools are also a great way for your pup to cool off on a hot summer day. It’s always best to make sure that the water isn’t too cold or too warm as to not shock your dog as he or she enters the pool as this can frighten them. There’s no better way for your dog to cool off on a hot day than taking a plunge into cool water. From an exercise perspective, warmer water is better for your dog’s muscles to help promote a full range of movement and blood flow, which allows them to warm-up quicker and prevent muscle spasms.
A fit dog is a healthy dog that is less susceptible to injuries in the long run. It’s even better if part of the fitness routine can be part of family bonding time while everyone is having fun in the pool.
Dog Fails And Falls Into Pool | Funny Pet Videos
Many new pool owners wonder if they should let dogs swim in the pool with them. They often worry about maintenance concerns and if the dog could mess up vinyl pool liners. In short, you can safely allow your dog in the pool if you want, but you may want to keep these maintenance and safety considerations in mind.
Many dogs shed like crazy during summer. Any time they get into the pool they will shed and fur, dirt, and other buildup will enter the water. Over time, this can turn into a maintenance pain. The filter may clog more easily and the water may look dirty if a dirty dog jumps in without a quick rinse. To keep these issues to a minimum, dog owners may want to practice some poolside rules with their pups.
Teach your dog to wait for your command before entering the pool. Some simple pool commands and boundaries will keep your pet safe and help you maintain the pool. Commands such as “stay,” “okay,” and “come” may help around the pool. After you create some ground rules, turn pre-swim time showering into a routine for your pup. Rinse off some of the fur and dirt beforehand to keep your pool water clean for everyone.
If you have a fiberglass or cement-lined pool, your dog will not cause damage. You can let them swim in these pools to their heart’s content without worry about damage. If you have a vinyl-lined pool, on the other hand, exercise some caution. A dog with well-groomed toenails and good pool habits will not likely cause damage, but a panicked dog who repeatedly scratches against walls and stairs may cause scratches and tears.
To reduce the risk of damage in a vinyl-lined pool, work with your dog to encourage a high level of comfort in the pool and always have a resting spot for your pet. Stairs and stationary floats may both help your dog maintain a state of relaxation and reduce the risk of damage.
Most dogs who love the water will naturally develop the safety skills needed in the pool area. However, a certain level of risk will always exist – particularly in pools without easy-access stairs. Fence in your pool to keep dogs and small children out during unapproved times, and work with your dog to build water confidence before letting him or her play alongside the rest of the family.
During the hot summer days when the entire family heads outside for an afternoon of swimming, keep plenty of freshwater around the pool for your dog to drink. Dogs should not drink chlorinated or salt water from pools. Encourage your dog to drink water outside of the pool and use the pool are only for swimming.
Use these insights to make an informed decision to let your dog(s) into your new pool or to find alternative swimming activities for water-loving dogs. With the right precautions, the pool can be a fun space for both families and their pets. For updated information on this topic, this article might help.