Spending more time in the pool as the temperatures soar higher is a natural way of life in this part of the country. There is nothing like diving into the cool, blue water to escape the sweltering summer heat. Though they need to be reminded occasionally, the kids have the safety rules down. What about your pets though? Are they apt to charge toward the water barreling over everything—and anyone—in their path?
If someone is close enough to the water’s edge to get knocked in, things can go from bad to worse immediately. Rather than holler, “I’m releasing the hounds!” and letting them fly, teach them a better game plan.
Namely, yours.
Use the steps
The steps are the safest entry point and while it’s okay to break the rules at times, they should be used to get in the water. Especially, when there’s a risk of leapers landing on a swimmer! If your dog is in the habit of making a mad dash, expect to encounter a bit of resistance to your slower approach. Don’t give up though. Your patience will pay off sooner than later if you stick with your resolve no matter how big a fit they throw.
If your wonder dog is still working on responding to your every command no matter what’s going on in their thought process at the time, words probably won’t get the point across in the frenzied excitement of the moment. Believe it or not, the technique to remedy the situation is super simple. Leash them up for the short walk from the house to the pool.
Practice walking calmly to the steps and praise them up one side and down the other when they remain calm, too. It won’t take long and your dog will realize you’ve set a new standard.
If your dog is made for water, we understand their instinctual desire to leap! And, leap they should! We’ll leave knowing when and where it’s safe for them to do so up to you. Our dogs are capable of learning the boundaries we place on them. They can practice self-control the same as the kids.
Once in, what then?
You have rules for swimmers, and if they tend to act impulsively, one of them may well be “Don’t dunk the dog!” We’re with you on that! But does your dog understand that is a rule that goes both ways?
Your dog must realize with absolute certainty that children—and adults—never become pool toys. We would say that goes at the top of the “Pets Need Pool Rules Too” list.
Does anything else need to be added to their list other than safe entry and people aren’t pool toys?
Diving into the process
According to Rover.com, there really isn’t. The rules listed on the site apply to pet owners. We should ensure our pets are comfortable and secure in the water first and foremost.
The way to accomplish that is as follows:
- Be certain your dog knows how to swim and teach them if they don’t. Introduce them to the water and many keep wading out deeper until they can’t touch. They may need a little encouragement from you after that to begin using their legs. That usually takes nothing more than standing a short distance away from them and encouraging them to come to you. Once they begin moving their legs, learning to swim is a done deal for most. They progress straight to expert!
- Teach them where the steps are from every angle so they can exit without scrambling at the edge. This can cause them to panic and disaster could be the end result. Do the same if you install a special dock spot or exit ramp for your pet.
- If your dog is uncomfortable, stay close by and keep the session short. Just like a timid child, your dog will grow more confident as time passes.
- Never let your pets swim unattended.
Does your pup need safety gear?
Dogs are natural swimmers but it’s important to ascertain they know how to be safe in the water. Teaching them where the steps are, or if your pool has no steps, attaching a doggy dock that allows them a stepping point to launch themselves from the water, is as important as teaching them how to enter the water for a swim. Another option would be to purchase an exit ramp to install on the side of your pool allowing your pet to exit safely.
If your dog tires easily or swims themselves to the point of exhaustion, you might consider purchasing them a life vest. Timid dogs might also benefit from having a life vest because they suddenly become more buoyant. It’s also worth noting that being encased in the vest can have a calming effect on some pets.
Do you have a pooch who yearns to lounge on a float and bask in the sun with you? We suggest getting them an official doggy floatation device. They’re made to resist being punctured by your pets’ nails.
If you’re considering installing a pool alarm, some companies provide wearable devices that cause the alarm to sound if it touches water.
Don’t drink the water
We don’t want our kids drinking pool water. The same goes for our pets! Pool water is chemically balanced to keep it sanitized and ingesting small amounts while swimming isn’t a problem. Drinking pool water to quench thirst, on the other hand, may lead to serious issues.
Chlorine pools
Ingesting chlorine can cause mouth irritation. It also irritates the esophagus and stomach. This would most likely happen if your dog accesses the chlorine tablets themselves rather than from drinking pool water. Still, it’s notable so we noted.
Regarding the pool water, most pool chlorine levels range between 1-3 milligrams per liter. According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), humans and animals can safely consume water with chlorine levels up to 4 milligrams per liter.
Saltwater pools
Ingesting water that contains salt causes some unpleasant issues to occur.
They are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
This is more of a danger when at the ocean due to the extremely high salt content. Saltwater pools are generally at one-tenth the oceanic level. Still, ingesting large amounts of salty pool water is a concern… and you know how salt makes us tend to be thirsty. Dogs aren’t likely to realize what they’re consuming that is salty so keep an eye out.
Pets need a few pool rules
Teaching your pet not to barrel toward the pool at warp speed is important for preserving your loved ones and belongings! Teach them to jump on command or that when the kids are going off the edge, they need to hold up a minute but their turn is coming soon!
However you allow your pup to enter the water, safely is the ultimate key. Other than that, make sure they understand that the water isn’t a place to play rough and you’re all set to spend some lazy summer days poolside.
Enjoy!