As summer begins, many of us are looking forward to relaxing around the pool with our furry friends. Many dogs have been bred to love water and enjoy pools just as much as we do. But unfortunately, swimming pools can pose safety hazards for dogs. An estimated 5,000 pets die every year due to accidents involving swimming pools.

For the team at Dan’s Pet Care, safety always comes first. Can you safely enjoy a backyard swimming pool with your dog? The answer is yes – but only if you take precautions and stay vigilant. Read on to learn more about keeping your dog safe when you’re enjoying a swimming pool together. We’ll look at a few common questions from dog owners and provide some answers.

Can I Keep My Dog Safe By Covering My Swimming Pool?

It might seem like covering your pool is the perfect solution to keep your pet from drowning. Unfortunately, pool covers can collapse under your dog’s weight. Even if your dog knows how to swim, they may get stuck underwater when this happens. A better way to keep unsupervised dogs (and children) out of your pool is to install a high perimeter barrier around the whole pool. A pool alarm can also help alert you when an accident occurs. 

Should I Teach My Dog To Swim?

You probably can – and should – help your dog learn to swim. However, not all dogs are equally good at swimming. Here are just five of the dog breeds that tend to love swimming:

• Standard Poodles

• Labrador Retrievers

• Golden Retrievers

• Cocker Spaniels

• Irish Setters

However, other breeds such as bulldogs and corgis may feel less at home in the water. Their bodies simply aren’t shaped for swimming. Although most dogs can swim to some degree, they may not enjoy it at all, and they might not be able to stay in the water safely for a long time. 

How to Teach Your Dog to Swim

First of all, anytime your dog has access to a swimming pool, it’s best to equip them with a life jacket. This can also be a great accessory when they’re learning to swim. Dogs tend to feel more confident and secure when they’re wearing a flotation device. If your dog has a panicked, scary experience with a swimming pool, they may be scared to go near it again. When you’re helping your dog learn to swim, it’s also a great idea to wear a life jacket yourself. Even if you’re a great swimmer, you might need some extra buoyancy if your dog starts to panic and hold onto you.

These 5 tips can help you get started with your dog’s swimming lessons:

1. Start by coaxing your dog into shallow water.

2. Gradually coax your dog into deeper water.

3. Offer plenty of praise and treats when your dog takes initiative in the water.

4. Always show your dog how to safely enter and exit the pool, and practice going in and out repeatedly. 

5. Look for other dogs who already know how to swim. Having them spend time with your dog in a pool can be very helpful. 

My Dog Is A Great Swimmer. Can I Leave Them In The Pool Unsupervised?

Your dog might seem perfectly at home in the water, but it’s never ok to leave them unsupervised. Dogs that love swimming often fail to notice when they’re starting to get too tired. By the time they feel like they can’t keep swimming, they could be too exhausted or disoriented to exit the pool. If you’re leaving the pool area for a while, take your dog with you.

Will Pool Water Irritate My Dog’s Skin?

If your dog spends a lot of time in the pool, they might end up with dry skin and hair. If you notice chlorine buildup in their coat, a thorough bath with non-chlorinated water, shampoo, and conditioner can help. Also, be sure to monitor your dog’s ears for signs of irritation or infection. If your pet swims a lot, ask your vet about drying out their ears and applying any treatment they recommend.

Give Your Pet The Best Summer Ever With Dan’s Pet Care?

Does your dog need a summer haircut? How about a place to stay while you’re on vacation? Or maybe they just need some extra walks in the sunshine during the day when you’re busy at work. The licensed pet care specialists at Dan’s Pet Care offer all the services you need to give your pet their best summer yet. Call us today at (516) 551-1613 or fill out our online contact form!