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Many dog parents wonder if it’s safe for their furry friends to take a dip in the pool. While swimming can be great exercise for dogs, pool water does come with some risks that every pet owner should understand.
The Good News About Pool Water
Most of the time, properly maintained pool water is safe for dogs. Once pool chemicals like chlorine are diluted in water, they usually won’t harm your pet if they drink small amounts while swimming. Many dogs enjoy splashing around in pools without any problems.
When Pool Water Becomes Dangerous
Fresh Water Poisoning: Believe it or not, drinking too much of any water can make dogs sick. When dogs spend hours playing fetch in the pool, they often swallow large amounts of water. This can dilute important minerals in their blood called electrolytes. When this happens, the brain can swell, leading to serious problems like seizures or even death.
Pool Shock Danger: Pool shock is when pool owners add very high amounts of chlorine to clean the water. If your dog swims in recently shocked water, the strong chemicals can irritate their skin and breathing. Some dogs may even collapse after swimming in these conditions. Always wait until chlorine levels return to normal before letting your dog swim.
Chemical Storage Risks: Never let your dog near pool chemicals in their original containers. Chlorine tablets, crystals, and liquid chemicals can cause painful burns to your dog’s mouth, throat, and stomach if eaten. These products should always be stored safely away from pets.
Signs to Watch For
If your dog has been swimming, watch for warning signs like:
- Vomiting or excessive drooling
- Acting confused or unsteady
- Trembling or shaking
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures or collapse
These symptoms need immediate veterinary attention.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
Here are simple steps to protect your swimming buddy:
- Give your dog breaks every 30 minutes from water play
- Provide fresh drinking water so they’re less likely to drink pool water
- Wait several hours after adding pool chemicals before allowing swimming
- Store all pool chemicals where pets can’t reach them
- Supervise your dog around water at all times
Other Water Hazards to Know
Pool water isn’t the only concern. Blue-green algae in ponds and lakes can be deadly to dogs. Salt water can also cause serious problems if dogs drink too much. Stick to clean, cool, moving water when possible.
When it comes to colder temperatures due caution is necessary. While some hardy dogs may not be deterred by cold water, it’s important to know they can have hypothermia.
- Monitor water temperature: A good rule of thumb is that if the water is too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.
- Consider your dog’s health: Small dogs, puppies, senior dogs, and those with certain health conditions are more susceptible to the cold. Breeds with thinner fur are also at higher risk.
For safer and more controlled swimming opportunities in the colder months, indoor dog swimming pools or canine hydrotherapy centers are available.
Remember, every dog is different. While some dogs can swim in pools without issues, others may be more sensitive to chemicals or prone to drinking too much water. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian for advice about your specific pet.
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Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
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