Since dogs are family, it can be very easy to treat them that way. And if you’re anything like my family, when we play in the pool we play HARD!
But your dog’s place in the pool is not the same as a person’s. Safety is always a must when playing in the pool, but your dog’s safety is entirely different issue than the safety of humans.
Here are the 11 things you should do for your dog before, during, and after a dip in the pool.
BEFORE
1. Make sure your dog knows how to swim.
Duh. Maybe your dog should start in the kiddie pool before jumping into the deep end.
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2. Understand that personalities determine strong swimmers, NOT breed.
You may think your dog has a natural inclination to the water because it’s a [enter random breed here], but your dog will develop a relationship with the water based on who your dog is, not what your dog is.
3. Get a lifevest for your dog.
Find a comfy design that is both effective and visible.
4. Do some obedience training.
“Sit” and “stay” might not have a place in the pool, but “come” certainly does. Your pup should always come when you call (a simple trick is to ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS reward your dog when it comes) and this goes double in the pool.
5. Learn some pet CPR.
It’s one of those things it’s better to know and not need, than to need and not know.
DURING
6. Always watch your pup.
Never leave your dog unsupervised. This is key. Your pup could get tired or swallow some water or other such pool hazards, and you need to be ready to spring into action!
7. Make sure your pup can get OUT of the pool.
The may get tired of swimming or just tired of being in the water. Either way, there needs to be an easy exit for pups to leave the pool. ***This one is very impawtent. If your pup doesn’t think there is an exit, they will just stay in the pool until they are dangerously exhausted.***
8. Keep your pup cool.
According to the ASPCA, the natural summer heat intensifies near water, meaning you need keep your pup hydrated and have easy access to shade.
9. Do not let them drink pool water.
Umm, yeah, if it has chlorine in it, don’t let them ingest it. Instead, provide alternate sources of water.
10. Play in the water with your dog!
The best way to ensure they’re safe is to join them in the refreshing cool water you prayed for all winter!
AFTER
11. Rinse with clean water after the pool.
This removes chlorine and other chemicals which your dog will find unpleasant or harmful.
Learn more in the video below. 🙂
