Dogs in Pools, What To Know
OK, we know you’ve probably heard this all before, but we’re going to say it again for good measure: Dogs and swimming pools don’t mix. To a dog, pools are like a big old toilet bowl — one laced with chlorine, according to the American Kennel Club.
Dogs can be lethal to vinyl liners, leading to costly repairs as they frantically scramble at the side of the pool. Others point out the strain your dog’s hair will put on your filter system. Sure, you can trap it before it reaches the mechanics with skimmer basket liners, but you’re going to spend a lot of time cleaning it out.
If you’re like a lot of dog owners, though, you consider Charlie to be part of the family. He looks so sad watching the rest of you splash around and have a good time. With that in mind, we’ve come up with a few tips to make the best of a less-than-ideal situation.
- Use bromine rather than chlorine as your pool chemical. If that’s not possible, make sure to hose your dog down after swimming to keep the chlorine from irritating her skin. Keep a full bowl of clean water nearby so she can drink at will (or at least dilute the pool water she swallows). You will want to test your pool’s chlorine levels after your dog’s swim, too, as it tends to drop unusually fast.
- Although many dogs naturally take to the water—they did, after all, invent the dog paddle—introduce your dog to the pool as you would a child. Trying to get out of the pool can induce a panic attack, so make it easy by marking the path out of the pool with a potted plant and by standing nearby to help at the first sign of distress. Under no circumstances should you leave pets in the pool unattended.
- Have a clean, dry towel nearby to pat moisture away from your dog’s ears. Or simply pull out the blow dryer.
- Should I wash my dog after swimming in the pool? Yes, chlorine in pools will dry out the dog’s skin and fur. As a result, they can become itchy and their fur may become tangled, dry and dull.
Pool accessories and doggie products are available, too, such as Scamper Ramps and veterinarian-prescribed sunblock. And if you notice problems such as dry skin, a good moisturizing dog shampoo should put everything back in order.
There are plenty of reasons to keep your pet out of the pool area, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, there’s no reason why you can’t make it work.
Are you looking for an inground swimming pool to be built in your backyard? If so, you are at the right place. Contact Precision Pools and Spas, and also check out our pool build specials.