Do’s and Tips of Pool Safety With Your Dog

Safety is always a must when you allow your dog swim in the pool. Last weekend, SUGAR had lots of Golden FUN swimming at blog pal Rosy Rue‘s pool. It was SUGAR’s second time swimming at their pool. We took extra precautions and inspired us to share five do’s and tips you should do before, during, and after your dog’s swim.

Do’s and Tips of Pool Safety With Your Dog

Not All Dogs Can Swim
1. DO: Know your dog’s swimming capabilities. Most dogs swim but not all dogs can or like to swim. SUGAR, as a retriever dog, loves the water and is a strong swimmer.

TIP: Provide your dog a LIFE JACKET. From what I read, every year many dogs drown in swimming pools; and can happen to strong dog swimmers. The buoyancy of a good life jacket helps keep your dog afloat and minimizes fatigue during play. With the life jacket, SUGAR can swim longer.

Keep Your Dog Safe While In The Pool
2. DO: Teach your dog the proper way to enter and exit the pool via the steps. If your dog likes to jump in the pool, like SUGAR, he/she needs to know which side of the pool to exit.

TIP: You may need to join your dog in the water. Keep your dog happy while doggy-paddling. Play fetch and provide a floating dog toy that is easy to retrieve. SUGAR loves her new P.L.A.Y.’s Scout & About Toss and Float Toy.

Chemicals in the Pool
3. DO: Discourage your dog from drinking pool water. Rosy’s pool is salt water; which is treated with common salt to generate chlorine. It is unavoidable for a dog swimming and playing fetch not to ingest some pool water.
TIP: Always have a fresh, cool bowl of water ready for your dog.

Keep Your Dog Cool
4. DO: WATCH Your Dog at all times in the pool. Never leave your dog in the pool and Be OBSERVANT! An exhausted dog is in danger of drowning.
TIP: Swimming can be strenuous. Provide your dog adequate rest time and a cool place to rest. SUGAR decided that the flower bed was a good spot to rest in between her swims.

Rinse/BATH
5. DO: After swimming, give your dog a quick rinse or bath. Make sure all of the chemicals is off your dog’s fur. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can dry out your dog’s coat and skin.
TIP: Thoroughly dry your dog’s fur. Be mindful and pay extra attention to your dog’s ears which tend to remain damp.

Keep in mind these simple Do’s and Tips to ensure your dog’s safety in the pool.
Does your dog like to swim? Does your dog swim in a pool?