With summer in full swing, you and your dog may be looking for a way to stay cool. A swim in a pool or a lake is a great way to have fun and cool off. While this can be great fun and a wonderful source of exercise for you and your dog, there are a few things to be aware of before unleashing your dog into the water. 

 

A Few Safety Tips

 

Be Cautious Of Pool Covers

 

Pool covers can be dangerous for anyone to play around or walk on. An unsuspecting dog who may think that this is a solid, safe area to walk on could find himself tangled, trapped, and disoriented within a pool cover. Don’t leave your dog unattended when he is outside to ensure that curiosity doesn’t end in tragedy. 

 

A Pool Fence Can Keep An Unsupervised Dog Safe

 

If you own a pool and can’t constantly supervise your dog outside, a pool fence is a great way to make sure your dog doesn’t accidentally fall into the pool. 

 

Make Sure Your Dog Can Safely And Easily Get In And Out Of The Water

 

Most dogs aren’t able to climb up a ladder, as is common in most inground pools. Investing in a set of dog steps or a ramp will allow your dog to have safe access in and out of the pool. Be sure to train your dog to use these steps to enter and exit, so he becomes familiar with them and knows where they’re located. 

 

Teach Your Dog To Swim

 

This one may seem a little counterintuitive, right? After all, don’t all dogs instinctively know how to swim? Most dogs can “doggie paddle” to a degree, but efficiency and technique are not always inherent. Dogs who are not familiar with swimming may splash and paddle with their front legs but forget to use their hind legs. To help your dog learn, get in the water with him and help support his back end until he gets used to using his hind legs to help with his swimming efforts. 

 

Consider A Dog Life Vest 

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Some dog breeds are poor swimmers due to their body size or structure. Bulldogs and other breeds with large heads compared to their bodies have a difficult time swimming. Even if your dog can swim, fatigue can quickly set in. A dog life vest will help provide support to keep your dog afloat if he starts to fatigue suddenly. A life vest for your dog is definitely recommended when going out into open water or on a boat. 

 

Never Leave Your Dog Unattended

 

Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. Dogs can fatigue quickly without warning. If this happens, your dog may begin to panic and struggle, causing him to inhale water that can travel to the lungs. This is a dangerous situation as it can lead to dry drowning several hours after your fun at the pool. Be sure to monitor your dog for fatigue, and if you get out of the pool, make sure your dog gets out too. 

 

Don’t Let Your Dog Drink the Water

 

Dogs often drink treated pool water while they are swimming / playing fetch in the water – this can lead to electrolyte imbalances and digestive issues.

 

Breaks are the best way to help monitor this. Be sure to keep fresh drinking water near the pool and direct your dog to it instead of letting him lap up the pool water. 

How To Tell If Your Dog Needs A Break 

 

A day at the pool can be a lot of fun for your dog. In fact, your dog will probably have so much fun that he doesn’t realize when he’s tired and needs a break. Make sure that you keep an eye on your dog and call him out of the water to take frequent rest breaks on dry land. One way to tell if he is getting fatigued is to keep an eye on his backend. If it starts to sink or dip under the water, it’s time for a break. 

 

It’s also important to keep watch for signs of heatstroke. The water can help keep your dog’s external temperature in check. However, if he’s retrieving and swimming and excited, his internal temperature can increase. If you notice your dog’s panting increase, call him from the water and check his gums and tongue. If they are dark pink, it’s time to rest in the shade and drink fresh cool water. 

 

After A Day At The Pool

 

After a fun day splashing and playing at the pool, a few hygiene tasks need to be taken care of to make sure your dog stays safe and healthy. 

 

Check The Nails and Pads Of Your Dog’s Feet

 

If your dog was playing in a pool with concrete or cement sides or decking, his feet and nails might be cracked or dry. Check pads and nails – contact a groomer or vet if you feel like they need some attention. 

 

Rinse Your Dog With Fresh Water

 

After swimming, a quick rinse with fresh water will help remove any leftover pool chemicals or saltwater that may irritate their skin and dry it out. 

 

Dry Out Their Ears

 

Using an ear cleaning solution or a dry cotton ball to swab your dog’s ears after swimming helps dry up any water that may have splashed into his ears. This is especially important in dogs with floppy ears, as airflow into the ear is greatly diminished. This little step will help prevent ear infections and trips to the vet. 

 

Be Mindful Of Wet Collars

 

If your dog splashed in the water with his collar on, be sure to remove it after he is safely in the house without a chance of escaping. Removing the wet collar will reduce the likelihood of irritation or hotspots from developing. 

 

With the right precautions playing and swimming in a pool with your pup can be a lot of fun. Are you having fun with your pup in the pool this summer? Share a photo of your dog in the water with us on Instagram or Facebook!