What to Do If Your Dog Drank Pool Water
Theres no need to panic if your dog drinks a little bit of pool water. Just put a stop to it and make sure to provide fresh water nearby. Watch your dog for any signs of illness and call your veterinarian if youre not sure.
Its best to contact your vet for advice if your dog drinks a large amount of pool water. They may tell you its safe to watch and see if your dog develops any issues. Or, they may tell you to come in for an exam. If your dog is acting very lethargic or sick after swimming, then you should get your dog to the nearest open vet just to be safe, even if it means a trip to the emergency vet.
When your buddy is a true water pup, it’s often safer to let him enjoy the wet stuff from the safety of a controlled swimming pool. Harsh waves and rip currents be gone — saltwater swimming pools are a dog’s best friend when summer starts to scorch.
Salt can be toxic to your dog in large quantities. Always provide plenty of fresh, cool water for your buddy to drink as he frolics, so he’s not tempted to lap up the salty stuff. Stay vigilant for signs of salt poisoning. These include initial vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, stumbling, excessive thirst or urination, tremors and seizures. Seek immediate veterinary treatment if your dog shows signs of salt poisoning.
Also, dogs can tire quickly when swimming. Never leave your dog unattended in water of any kind, and always have an accessible escape route out of the pool. If your dog becomes overly tired, hell need your help to get him out of the water.
Saltwater pools use salt, as opposed to chlorine, to cleanse and sanitize pool water. Much less corrosive than mass amounts of chlorine, saltwater pools are safer for your pets than traditional chlorinated pools, if well-maintained of course. However, don’t expect the pool to taste and feel like the ocean; saltwater pools have a salt content of approximately 3,200 parts per million, while ocean water’s salt content is roughly 35,000 ppm. Still, it’s a good idea to give your pup a good freshwater rinse once he’s done swimming.
Christina Stephens is a writer from Portland, Ore. whose main areas of focus are pets and animals, travel and literature. A veterinary assistant, she taught English in South Korea and holds a BA in English with cum laude honors from Portland State University.
Ah, the “big backyard water bowl!” We get this question all the time, and we’re happy to say that a well-maintained pool poses little threat when your pets drink from it. In fact, a properly-maintained chlorine pool contains no more chlorine than the tap water at our home in Chandler. And I know, because I tested it! As the photo the left shows, our city water has about 1.5 parts per million of chlorine–which is probably why we all drink from the reverse osmosis tap!
Drinking sea water can be dangerous for sure, but properly maintained “salt water” pools have about 1/10th the salt of sea water. Increased salt intake can make dogs drink and pee more (which might lead to accidents in the house), but as long as it’s not the only source of water, drinking small amounts from salt water pools is generally safe, too. Dogs with heart disease, kidney disease, and those eating salt-restricted diets shouldn’t drink from saltwater pools, though.
Even though chlorine is safe at normal levels, the pool should never be your pets’ only source of water. Pets should be prevented from drinking from pools immediately following “shock” application and whenever additional chemicals like algaecide are in use. And if your pool isn’t well maintained, keep pets out; algae, excessive chemicals, and other things in poorly maintained pools can cause trouble!
Can Dogs Drink Pool Water? Whether A Salt Water Pool Or Chlorine Pool, Too Much Can Be Bad For Them
Swimming is a tremendously fun activity for both dogs and people alike. Who doesn’t like to have a splash around to cool off in the hot summer months? And if you are a dog, then you will love to swim in any weather no matter what time of year it is! However, not all water sources are created equal. There is a big difference between letting your dog swim in a chlorinated pool and saltwater pool. Many dog owners even ask if it is safe to let their dog swim in saltwater pools. In this article, Emma Charles, DVM, investigates the safety aspect of these types of water pools and which one is best for your dog.
Obviously, the sea is salty. We know that, but your dog does not. When they are playing on the beach and running around in the sun they will work themselves up a thirst. A thirsty dog will head for the nearest water source without giving it a thought in the same way that we would. Common sense tells us to avoid sea water, but just as with children, we have to teach dogs not to drink salty water.
No, drinking salty water can be harmful to your dog and can even be fatal. It is natural for a dog to gulp down a few mouthfuls of seawater and if this does occur, do not panic. The worst-case scenario for a dog who has consumes a small amount of this substance will be fine. They may even develop a small level of diarrhoea in some cases. This is natural and is not a cause for concern on its own. Your dog should recover within a few days. The next time you visit the beach, however, try to take action to discourage your dog from engaging in this behavior again. A tin can filled with stones can be an effective training aid in this environment. You should be able to gain your dog’s attention using this deterrent.