Swimming serves not only as a fun summer activity for humans, but also as an excellent way for dogs to get exercise and have fun. Before letting your furry friend jump in the pool, read these tips below to learn how to keep your dog and swimming pool safe this summer.
Benefits of Letting Your Pup Swim
Just like their owners, dogs can benefit significantly from the aerobic activity of swimming in a pool. Swimming gives your pup low-impact exercise while also allowing them to enjoy the outdoors. Jumping into the pool is also an excellent way for your pooch to stay cool on hot days. Best of all, bringing your furry friend into the pool is a great way to bond with them while you’re spending time in the pool this summer.
ConsiderFido’s Swimming Skills
Certain dog breeds are naturally better swimmers and may be more eager to get into the water than others. Before introducing your dog to water activities, research its breed to learn how it may fare in the water. Some breeds struggle with swimming due to their body shape or susceptibility to respiratory issues. Regardless of your dog’s breed and swimming skills, it’s crucial to always monitor them when they are in the water. Water-obsessed pups tend to overdo it in the pool and swim to exhaustion. To prevent over-exertion, encourage them to take frequent rest breaks while they swim. Experts recommend limiting swimming sessions in the pool to ten minutes at a time.
How Do Pools Affect Fido?
Swimming pools are generally safe for dogs to swim in if properly maintained. However, just like humans, your pup may experience slight irritation from chlorine in their eyes, ears, and skin after swimming. Additionally, chlorine stays on your dog’s coat long after they exit this pool. To prevent skin irritation, wash your pup off with clean water after they’re done swimming.
Although pool water is relatively harmless for your dog’s skin, ingesting it can harm your pup’s health. Keep an eye on how much pool water your pup consumes while swimming. Ingesting a minimal amount of pool water is inevitable and relatively harmless. However, consumption of large amounts of chemically treated water can harm Fido’s health, upset their gastrointestinal tract, and, in rare cases, can be fatal. To prevent your pup from drinking from the pool, ensure they always have access to fresh, clean water nearby.
How Does Fido Affect Pools?
Just as your pool water may affect Fido, your pup can impact your pool’s chemical levels and health. If you allow your pooch to swim in your pool, be prepared to spend more time maintaining it. Canines are significantly dirtier than humans and carry more contaminants, with some studies estimating that one dog is equivalent to having three humans in your pool. In addition to their dirt and debris, dog fur can clog pool filtration systems and affect the chemical balance. We recommend regularly brushing Fido and keeping him well-groomed to reduce the amount of dog hair in your pool. Give your pup’s coat an extra brush and rinse them off with water before allowing them into the pool.
Additionally, dogs’ strong nails can easily scratch or tear pool liners. To prevent Fido from causing any damage, regularly trim your pup’s nails and keep them out of pools with plastic or vinyl liners. Keeping your pool clean and intact with a dog is possible, but it will take more time and effort.
Swimming Pool Safety
If you decide to let Fido venture into your pool, keep these safety tips in mind. First, train your pup to get out of the pool. Make sure your dog has mastered exiting the pool before allowing them to jump in. Next, always take your dog’s lead when swimming with them. Never force your dog to swim, and never toss your dog into a pool. If your pup shows interest and gets in the pool, always be within arms reach in case they need assistance. Since dogs can’t use pool ladders, consider installing a ramp or dog-friendly steps into your pool to ensure they have a quick and safe way to exit. Additionally, we recommend purchasing a dog lifejacket for your pup, especially if they enjoy swimming but don’t have much stamina. Lifejackets will increase your furry friend’s visibility and buoyancy in the pool, keeping them safe while they have fun.
Ultimately, it’s your decision whether or not you allow your pup to swim in your pool. After considering these tips on doggie swimming, you should be equipped to have a fun and safe pool day with Fido.