Do you wish to enjoy a perfect pool day with your pup? The canines can also accompany you in splashing waters and taking a dip to beat the scorching summer heat.
Canines are sensitive to water, and pet parents must keep a close watch while dodging into the pool with their fur babies.
If you have a pool in the backyard or near your premises that allows pets, taking them for a fun pool day sounds like an idea. They find it refreshing to calm themselves in water, and it’s a perfect low-impact exercise. Swimming also enables pets to improve their motion without much impact on joints.
No matter how water-friendly your dog is, assuming they are great swimmers can be the biggest mishap! Calculating the risks and being cautious about their safety while in the pool is always better. Considering essential safety precautions and keeping tips in mind helps cherishing pool time with your four-legged companions.
Essential Tips to Have Fun with Pups in Pool!
Summer is approaching, and your dog might love to splash out some pool water to cool themselves down. Keeping them aloof from potential water dangers is crucial for you as a pet parent. Here are the things to consider:
- Do Not Anticipate Your Dog is a Swimmer
Not all dogs can swim and are not always in the mood for water exposure. Few pups are naturally adaptable to water bodies, while others do not behold the swimming potential. They can immediately drown like a rock, and it can be a havoc for them. Several physical attributes of the dogs decide their swimming potential like body shape and build.
Dogs with short legs and big chests cannot stay afloat for longer. The ones like pugs with flat faces easily suffer fatigue and are prone to breathing issues. Small dog species like Chihuahuas get frightened by big waves.
So, every time you take them for a water activity, put on the life vest to quickly let them adjust to the water. Relax and have fun once you find them chilling and enjoying the pool ambience. In case of any discomfort from their end, it’s better to quit the idea and take them out immediately!
- It Takes Time for Dogs to Learn Swimming
Canines find it overwhelming to get exposed to the pool initially. It takes time for them to feel confident enough and enjoy the pool water. With some convincing tactics, you can encourage the pups to take a water flight for the first time.
You can introduce them to shallow water first and then encourage them to the deep waters. As they feel comfortable, begin coaxing them by luring them with some fancy pet toys.
While you’re taking their swimming session, ensure they are not frightened or uncomfortable out there. Some wadding sessions can make them feel free enough to enjoy the swim times.
- Life Vest is Important for Dogs
If your pup is a new learner or even an advanced swimmer, venturing into pool waters with a life vest is essential. Some of them feel nervous while in water, and putting them down with a life vest is not recommended.
You only need to keep them safe before puddling into the Pool waters. Life vests in vibrant colours and designs are available for pets to attract and motivate them for a swimming session. Keep them style-loaded to cheer up the furry friends for a fun pool time.
Nervous dogs can quickly feel fatigued in water, and their respiratory system might be intervened. It surges their drowning probability and a good life jacket can safeguard them. Visit a local pet accessory store and try a few life vests for your pup to find the perfect fit for them.
- Keep your Pooches Hydrated before Pool Sessions
Restricting your pup to drinking water from pools, lakes, or ponds is mandatory to avoid infections. An ideal way to do this is to keep them hydrated with lots of fresh water you bring from home.
There can be contagious organisms and chemicals in such water bodies causing diarrhoea or even Leptospira in some instances for pets, putting them in fatal conditions. Older dogs with weaker immunity systems are more susceptible to such issues, and avoiding drinking water from such sources is ideal.
Hydrating them with water and refreshing pet-friendly beverages is a perfect way.
- Check with your vet for preventatives
Before planning a pool day, a better idea is to visit your veterinarian to understand your pets’ physical condition and water-friendliness. They can update with essential preventatives to protect your dogs from specific illnesses and diseases.
Discussing with your vet about the vaccines is critical to ensure the dog’s outdoor activity is vital. Active dogs who prefer outdoor activities must be given the Leptospira vaccine.
Any negligence can result in the respiratory failure system of dogs and expose them to potential risks. Keeping a preventative plan ready with your vet for the pup makes sense.
- Check your Dog for Illness Symptoms
If you plan to take your furry friend to the poolside fun, ensuring their sound health is important. Certain parasites in water can transmit diseases to dogs, and these cannot be spotted with the naked eye.
Watch out for specific symptoms in dogs, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If any of these signs seem prevalent in your pooches, consult your vet and get the right treatment or diagnosis for them. Certain waterborne diseases might prove fatal for your dog if left unattended.
- Look out for the Blue-Green Algae
A specific bacteria named blue-green algae is found in calm waters like pools or ponds. The algae called cyanobacteria might prove toxic to pets and livestock. Exposure of dogs to water ingestion containing blue-green algae can result in contamination.
If there’s algae in the water, keep your pup away to prevent any hazardous situation. It is unable to figure out this bacteria unless you find it in a clumped form. You can view it from green, blue, or bluish-green flakes resting over the water.
Keeping your pup aloof from it is necessary.
- Wash your Pet After Each Swimming Session
Rinsing or cleaning your pup after each pool day is essential to wipe off all the bacteria from them. If they are densely furry, it is crucial to cleanse them after swimming, or they might end up ingesting the stuff inside.
Giving them a good bath can eliminate all the chemicals from their fur and remove itchiness. Washing them can also prevent chronic ear infections; do not forget to dry them completely. Plan a trip to the vet if you notice any odour in them.
Chronic ear infections can be an issue for dogs that swim regularly. Please pay close attention to your dogs’ ears, ensuring they’re clean and thoroughly dried after a swim. If you notice any changes in your dog’s ears, or if they develop a foul odour, schedule a vet visit for diagnoses and treatment.
Lifesaver Tips to Protect Your Dogs from Drowning
– Pool Fence
Either go for pool fencing if you regularly visit the swimming area, or if that’s not possible, do not leave them unattended. Stay cautious that your pup doesn’t accidentally fall into a pool, or they might accidentally drown themselves.
Out of excitement or fear, dogs tend to pounce into the water, exposing them to multiple risks. Keeping pool alarms is also good for saving the dog’s life.
– Introduce Pups to Pool Slowly
Let them get into the pool slowly, and do not push at any cost. Keep their paws in the pool and see if they are comfortable entering the water. Be gentle with them so they don’t injure themselves near the pool.
– Praise them at each step
There are also specifically designed doggie pools, resembling the kid pool, that allow small pups to relax. Once they were familiar with these places, playing in the nearby waters fascinated them.
Keep your dogs near the pool steps towards the shallow end and guide them throughout the process. Applaud them for each step into the water as it enhances their confidence levels.
Swim with Dogs Safely to Maximize Fun!
All set for some doggy paddle? Moving around with your beloved furry friends inside the pool waters on hot days is fascinating. Planning an ultimate weekend fun with pups is possible by giving them a safe encounter with the pool waters. It can enable them to learn about water time, and who knows, they might be a pro swimmer soon.
Many water-loving dog breeds like to relax in swimming pools, but not without a vest in any case! The pool float, a doggy raft or any other fancy flotation device can prevent them from getting fatigued. Teach your dog proper swimming techniques and CPR skills for immediate first aid in case of emergency.
Beware of the chlorine effects after a pool water bath, as it might harm them. Chlorine content in water beyond a certain level can prove risky to pets, and keeping a check on it is imperative. Always prioritize their safety and comfort beyond the enjoyment level while taking pups to pools or any other water bodies.
With all the above tips and suggestions, you can ensure a safe swim with your canine friend in pool waters for a fun-filled leisure day!
