Imagine this: sun warming your back, water lapping around you, and joyful barks from your furry friend splashing alongside. Sounds idyllic, doesn't it? Unfortunately, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), hundreds of dogs drown each year due to lack of supervision in swimming pools!
Now picture that perfect summer day: your dog, tail wagging eagerly, takes an excited first dip into the pool. They may be natural swimmers paddling gleefully or cautiously paddling; their happiness in enjoying this calm water oasis on such an otherwise hot day is evident!
But that idyllic scene can quickly turn tragic if we're unprepared. Pools pose a hidden risk to our canine companions; unlike people, not all dogs are natural swimmers and can soon become disoriented or exhausted, leading to drowning. Furthermore, pool chemicals may irritate their skin and eyes, and summer heat may lead to overheating issues for them as well.
Don't let pool safety derail your summer plans with your pup! This blog post is your one-stop guide for essential summer pool safety tips for dog owners. From assessing swimming ability to creating an oasis by the waterside for them, everything is covered here to make your summer plans safer with your best pal in tow. So grab your swimsuit and some dog-safe toys, and get ready for an enjoyable and safe season together.
Summer Pool Safety Tips:
Before the Splash:
- Assess Your Dog's Swimming Ability: Not all dogs love water! Before giving your furry pal access to a pool, introduce him/her gradually through a controlled environment like a kiddie pool or shallow beach area and observe their comfort level—are they paddling freely, or do they seem overwhelmed? This will allow you to determine whether a life jacket may be necessary and plan your poolside supervision strategy appropriately.
- Invest in a Life Jacket: Make a properly fitted life jacket part of the summer essentials list for all dogs regardless of swimming ability, especially non-swimmers or breeds with short snouts like Pugs or Bulldogs. Look for one specifically designed for canines, offering comfortable fitting and secure handles to simplify retrieval - Petkonnect provides an assortment of fun colours and sizes to keep your pup safe!
- Supervise at All Times: Even strong swimmers face an imminent risk of drowning in pools, so never leave your dog unsupervised near one, even for just a moment. Accidents may happen quickly, and an unconscious dog may not be able to escape its distress without help from human rescuers.
- Maintain Pool Chemistry: Balanced pool chemicals are crucial for human and canine health since chlorine and other disinfectants may irritate the skin or eyes of both species. Consult a pool maintenance professional regarding pet-safe chlorine levels; additionally, keep testing kits handy to maintain chemical equilibrium.
- Consider a Dog Fence: Supervision is key, but added layers of security can provide peace of mind. Installing a dog fence around the pool perimeter creates a physical barrier against unsupervised access and could be ideal. Explore various fencing options until you find one that matches up perfectly with your pool area and aesthetic.
Poolside Essentials:
- Fresh Water and Shade: Spending all day by the pool can leave your dog parched. For their safety, always have fresh, cold water available throughout their pool time. Also, set up a shaded area such as an umbrella, canopy or pop-up tent so they can escape direct sun rays and relax while cooling off in peace.
- Doggie Pool Toys: Keep your pup entertained and engaged with buoyant toys designed for aquatic play, such as floating rings or fetching sticks that provide aquatic enjoyment. Avoid plush toys, which could become waterlogged and harbour bacteria.
- Cooling Treats: Refresh yourself while beating the heat with delicious treats that keep your pup cool! Freezable dog treats made of fruits and vegetables or lickable mats spread with pet-safe yoghurt are two delicious choices that offer hydration and entertainment for keeping your canine comfortable during hotter weather.
- Towels and Drying Supplies: Designate one towel specifically for drying off your dog after a swim to help avoid skin irritation and keep it feeling comfortable. Keep a sensitive skin shampoo at hand as an occasional post-pool wash-off solution.
Post-Swim Care:
- Rinse Off Chlorine: Once out of the pool, give your pup a thorough rinse with clean, fresh water to remove chlorine and other pool chemicals that could irritate its skin or eyes. Pay special attention to its paws and stomach areas.
- Paw Pad Care: Pool chemicals and rough pool surfaces can damage your dog's paw pads. Inspect them regularly for cracks, irritation, or discomfort before gently wiping them down with a damp cloth to clean them. Apply paw balm designed for dogs as an additional layer of protection and keep hydrated with this practice.
- Monitor for Heatstroke: Heatstroke can be a serious risk for dogs in hot weather. Be alert for symptoms such as excessive panting, drooling, glazed eyes, vomiting, and lethargy in your pet. If this occurs, move him immediately to an air-conditioned environment with plenty of shade, provide water, and seek professional veterinary assistance immediately.
- Prevent Ear Infections: Moisture trapped in your dog's ears after swimming can lead to infection, so be sure to dry their ears with a soft cloth, paying particular attention to folds. Consult your veterinarian about safe solutions for regular ear cleaning.
Summer Pet Care Tips
Hydration is Key:
Summer heat can quickly dehydrate your four-legged friend. To make sure they remain hydrated throughout their day and not just by the pool, provide constant access to fresh, cool water throughout their day, not just by its source - such as carrying portable bottles of water with collapsible bowls for walks or outings as a portable source. Consider adding ice cubes for added refreshing cooling when at home, too.
Walks During Cooler Hours:
Midday sun can be hazardous for dogs. To stay safe, avoid scheduling walks or playtime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when temperatures can be at their highest. Early morning or evening walks may be safer options when temperatures are lower. Shaded paths should always be preferred, and it is also essential to be wary of asphalt surfaces that could burn your dog's paws.
Sunscreen for Light Coats:
Not all dogs require equal sun protection. Light-coloured breeds with thin fur or hairless breeds like Chinese Cresteds may be more prone to sunburn. Apply pet-safe sunscreen specifically designed for dogs to expose areas like their nose, ears, and belly every two hours (reapply every hour after swimming or towelling off), especially after swimming or towelling off. Petkonnect offers several pet-safe sunscreens to keep your pup protected.
Regular Grooming for Comfort:
Regular grooming of your pup goes beyond simply aesthetics during the heat of the summer months. Brushing their coat helps remove loose fur that traps heat and causes discomfort, and matted coats can restrict airflow, leading to overheating. Brushing promotes healthier coats that allow better airflow - keeping your pooch cooler and more comfortable.
Follow these summer pet care tips and prioritise pool safety measures to ensure that your furry friend has an enjoyable summer alongside you. Create lasting memories together while keeping them cool, hydrated, and safe from the summer heat.
Pool Safety Training for Water Worriers
While some dogs take to water like ducks, others may require extra encouragement, and pool safety training can help your canine overcome fear and build confidence in the water. Here's an overview:
- Start Slow: Gradually introduce water into your dog's life using a kiddie pool or shallow areas, rewarding calm behaviour and positive interactions. Reward calmness with treats.
- Lure Them: Use their favourite treats or toys to draw them closer to the water and allow them to explore it at their own pace. Encourage splashing, playing and exploring.
- Command & Reward: Teach basic commands like "enter" and "exit" using pool steps, rewarding successful completion with praise or treats for successful completions.
Resources for the Taking:
Various resources can assist in training a dog pool safety course. Consider enrolling in professional classes offering waterwork-focused instruction or exploring online tutorials from reliable sources; patience and positive reinforcement should always be key components.
Conclusion
Summer Fun with Peace of Mind:
This guide presents essential summer pool safety tips to ensure your dog has an exciting poolside adventure this year. Just a little preparation can go a long way. By assessing swimming ability, providing life jackets when necessary and maintaining close supervision, we can create an enjoyable poolside environment for our furry friend.
Responsible Pet Ownership Matters:
Summer is an opportunity for us to create memories with our beloved pets. By prioritising their well-being through proper hydration, adjusted walk schedules, sun protection for light-coloured dogs and regular grooming appointments, you demonstrate responsible pet ownership while assuring their comfort throughout this warm season.
Share the Splash & Spread the Word!
We hope this blog post has given you all the knowledge to keep your pup safe and relaxed by the pool this summer. Don't forget to spread this knowledge among dog lovers to raise awareness for summer pet care. For even more support, visit the Petkonnect website, which has a selection of summer essentials such as life jackets, pool toys, and pet-safe sunscreens to keep your furry pal happy and healthy throughout this season!
