• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

3 tips to make your pool safe for your dog

Posted May 31, 2017

If you have a pool and you have a dog, you need to learn how to make it dog pool safe.

There are no reliable statistics as to how many accidents involving family pets and swimming pools happen each year since most go unreported, but Veterinary Pet Insurance puts the number in the thousands, with many of these incidents being preventable.

Pool owners need to be familiar with their pets’ physical capabilities along with proper safety measures involved with having a swimming pool and pets in the same household.

These three tips will ensure a safe summer of sun, fun and relaxation and keep your dog pool safe.

Non-Swimming Breeds

Despite the common belief that dogs have a natural swimming ability, many breeds simply are not built for the water. Some dogs have obvious characteristics that are not conducive to swimming, while others just aren’t born swimmers.

Brachycephalic dogs are those with flat-looking faces, or a short snout that doesn’t extend their noses very far out. Bulldogs, pugs and Griffon Bruxellois fall into this category. These breeds can only keep their noses above the waterline by being vertical with their heads extended, which typically results in sinking.

Many of these dogs also have short legs that aren’t good for swimming. Basset hounds and Dachshunds are short-legged, non-Brachycephalic breeds that also aren’t good swimmers. Dogs with disproportionately large heads, like Dogue de Bordeauxs, are also bad swimmers.

Most cats hate water because they’re only exposed to it at bath time. But, the species itself can actually swim quite well. Ancient Egyptians even used cats to help them catch fish. But unless you’ve specifically acclimated your cat to the water, it’s probably best to keep him or her dry.

Safety Equipment and Precautions

If you want to share the pool with your dog, make sure to take the necessary precautions to keep your dog pool safe . Get a dog life preserver and demonstrate to your pooch that it keeps him or her afloat. Hold on to your dog before letting go until he or she feels comfortable and safe in the water.

Keep in mind that dogs’ noses, ears and eyes are far more sensitive than human sensory organs, particularly when it comes to chlorine. Though a little ingested chlorine won’t hurt your pet, discourage him or her from drinking pool water. Rinse your dog off with a garden hose when you’re done swimming.

Get a doggydock for the pool to provide an easy way for your dog to get in and out of the water when he or she is ready. Use anchored pool covers versus the floating ones. An accidental fall when you’re not around can cause your dog to panic, become disoriented and suffer serious or fatal injuries.

Emergency Medical Care

Accidents happen and you may only have seconds to save your dog. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) differs a bit for small and large dogs. Little dogs (those under 30 pounds) and cats should be cupped between your palms for chest compressions. For larger dogs, chest compression are done in much the same way as you would for humans, according to PetMD.

Mouth-to-nose is how you perform artificial respiration on dogs and cats. Cup their muzzle with your hands and blow into the nose once for every five compressions. Continue this process for 10 minutes to see if the dog or cat starts breathing on its own again.

Safety should always be the top priority when it comes to pets and pools. Exercising due diligence keeps your dog pool safe and means more fun for you and your furry best friend.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Related Posts

  • Do not encourage jumping games, or tap your shoulder for your dog to jump up on you, until your dog is completely obedience trained and under control at all times.
    Dog training: 3 things every good dog should know

    Dog training should include three key things every dog should…

  • make home and yard dog safe
    Make your home and yard dog safe

    Much like you would prep your home for a two-legged…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Dog Training, Home Page Tagged With: Dog safety

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Pit bulltraining tipsTicksRescue dogThanksgivingSeparation anxietyRottweilerPet parentsYorkshire terrierPoodleSocializationVeterinarianPuppy-proofSmall dogsPetfinder.comValentine's DayVacation dog carePuppy kindergartenPandemicPotty trainingPomeranianTwo dogsPawOutdoor activitiesPet sitterSheddingWorking dogsWaterOld dogsService dogs

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Use 5 factors to choose the best veterinarian for your dog
    Research thoroughly and consider location, services, experience, cost, and staff before choosing the right vet for your dog. […]
  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]
  • Dog fears: 10 ways to fight separation anxiety
    Separation anxiety is one of the most common dog fears. Use our 10 steps to help your dog become more confident and overcome her fear of being left alone. […]
  • Is amoxicillin safe? What antibiotic is most effective for dogs?
    Consult your vet before giving your dog antibiotics. Know when your dog needs medication and watch for allergic reactions. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.