Many people like to have their pets in the pool with them. But before you let your pets jump in and cool off, please make sure it’s safe. Just like children, pets need supervision around the pool. It’s important to train them before going to swim. We, at The Pool Butler, have provided a few helpful tips on pool safety for pets to make sure your pets stay safe this summer.
Swimming
Many people assume that their pets know how to swim. But not all animals know how to swim. In fact, even some dogs don’t know what to do the first time they hit the water. Some animals need training, or at least an opportunity to test the waters and learn slowly. If possible, give your pets a chance to play in water and learn how to swim before you bring them to the pool. Some training schools also have pet swimming lessons. Never assume that an animal can swim until you have seen them do it successfully.
Swimming Vest
If your pet can’t swim, but you know they want to enjoy the pool too, invest in a vest. The good thing is that a swimming life vest is super cute, especially on puppies. Plus, they come in all sorts of colors and designs to make your pet in the pool look fashionable and adorable. With a life vest, you know your pet will be safe swimming around in your pool. But remember, don’t leave your pet unattended.
Life vests are also indispensable for pets participating in recreational water activities, for example, boating. If it’s the sort of sport that would require you to wear a life vest (and most water sports do), your pet should get one, too, even if they can swim.
Older Pets
Some older pets may require extra supervision, especially if they have health concerns. It’s common for many older pets to have arthritis, vision loss, seizures, or other potential safety issues. In these cases, it’s important to make sure you keep an eye on them in and around the pool. You may want to contact and confirm with your veterinarian if your pet is healthy enough to swim in the pool at all. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. However, just like humans, older pets can actually benefit from swimming. It gives them a chance to move around and exercise with a much lower impact on their bones and joints than going for a run.
Drinking Pool Water
Sometimes pets are like children. One similarity is that, like children, pets can end up ingesting some pool water. If it’s just a little swallowed water, don’t worry too much. A well-maintained pool doesn’t really pose a threat to your pet if they happen to ingest some water.
Unlike children, though, pets sometimes intentionally go for a drink out of your pool. If your pet took a long drink from the pool, they should still be fine, but you should keep an eye on them. Drinking too much cold water too quickly can upset a dog’s stomach. Also, high levels of sanitizing agents and other chemicals can cause problems. It is very unlikely your dog will be poisoned by pool water, but they might regurgitate some water or even vomit.
Cats face an additional risk when drinking from a pool. If a cat drinks too much water too quickly, it could aspirate, taking water into the lungs. This can result in gasping and coughing. Usually, it resolves itself. But if your cat shows signs of breathing problems, like continued gasping, noisy breathing, or a blue tint to the lips and gums, seek medical help immediately.
A chlorine pool or saltwater pool should be safe if your pet does happen to take a few gulps. So don’t worry! As long as they’re drinking regular water to stay hydrated, there should be no threat to your pet.
Fences
Fences around your pool are one of the best ways to prevent pool accidents from happening. That goes for people and pets. There are going to be times when you can’t supervise your pet, or when your pet gets loose. In those moments, your pet will be safe with a fence around your pool. A fence can also keep your pet safe when they’re running around your backyard.
If you’re worried about your backyard appearance, don’t worry. From chain link to picket, or even an artistic stone facade, there are many different options for safety fences.
Besides safety fences, another useful security device is an automatic pool safety cover. When you close your pool over winter, use a safety-grade solid cover to keep your pets out all winter long. During the swimming season, an automatic safety cover makes it easy to seal off your pool when it’s not in use. Automatic covers that are operated with a switch increase your chances of using the cover every time and using it correctly since there is no struggling with a manual cover.
Letting Pets Use the Pool
In addition to the safety concerns for your pet, you want to make sure that your pet is not making your pool unsafe. If your pool has a vinyl lining, it may be best not to let pets in. A stray claw can pierce and rip the vinyl lining, seriously damaging the pool. Also, when your pet swims in the pool, they introduce all sorts of body oils, dirt, and bacteria. Make sure you keep the pool filter on a little longer and monitor your free chlorine levels. Treat your pool as you would after heavy use from humans, such as after a pool party. Keeping track of your free chlorine and other chemical levels on a regular basis is the best way to keep your pool and everyone in it safe.
Have Fun and Keep Your Pets in the Pool Safe
When it comes to pet pool safety, there are a lot of ways to keep your pets safe while also enjoying their time with you. So enjoy a few laughs and smiles. Keep you and your pets cool during the hot Atlanta summer. But most importantly, enjoy your pet’s company.