Many swimming pool owners also share their lives with dogs. The swimming pool service contractors from Tipton Pools in Knoxville, TN have 7 ways to keep your dog safe around the pool. Some dogs just take naturally to water and want to be with their families no matter where they are! Because of this, there are certain accommodations pet owners need to make when they become pool owners.
It is fun to be in and around the pool and you may know how to keep your children safe, but do you have any plans in place for your four-legged family members? Swimming pools are great for your dog to have fun, get fit and spend time with the family but it needs to be done safely.
7 Ways To Keep Your Dog Safe Around The Pool
Here are our best tips and you can ask us for more when we pay a service visit.
- Not all dogs are great swimmers so don’t force your dog into the water if he doesn’t want to go in. “Barrel-chested” dogs like bulldogs are not built for swimming. If your dog wants to come in, then great. If not, let him relax poolside and enjoy your company.
- Never leave your dog in the pool unattended. A dog could quickly get into trouble and if he does and you’re not there, tragedy could occur. When you leave the pool area make sure your dog gets out of the water.
- Keep dog toys away from the pool area when the dog isn’t in there with you. Don’t leave temptation in view if your dog really loves a particular toy. Don’t leave it to chance that she might dig her way into the pool to get the toy then fall into the water.
- Have a dog first aid book, read it, and become familiar with reviving a dog that has drowned. Have your vet and emergency vet numbers handy. Consider taking a dog CPR course if you plan to spend a lot of time with your dog in and around the pool. Learning these lifesaving measures are ideal whether you have a pool or not.
- Teach your dog to swim, and do it enough until he doesn’t panic. A dog that flails around in the water, and can’t take direction isn’t swimming; it is just beating the water with its paws. Swimming looks different than panic. If your dog doesn’t want to be in the water, you will be able to tell by his body language and there is no sense in scaring him.
- Make sure there is a visual target for the dog which is near the steps leading out of the water. Get your dog familiar with it and practice having him swim toward it to get out of the pool. If your pool only has a ladder, you will want to install a dog ramp to help him out of the pool, especially if he gets into the water when you’re not around.
- Consider having your dog wear a life vest. Even a dog who knows how to swim could get tired out and a life vest will keep her safe.
It’s great if your dog wants to swim, but it needs to be enjoyable for everyone. If you have a dog who shouldn’t be in the pool with your family consider getting a kiddie pool and filling it with water so he can roll around. Also, when you get out of the pool with your dog make certain you rinse him off to get the chlorine out of his fur and off his skin.