Your neighbor is having a pool party and has invited the whole family, including the family dog. Not all dogs like the water, but there are a few safety precautions to take if you have a pool or will be taking your pet around one.
- If it’s your pet’s use of a pool, you may want to ease them into the pool by holding him tightly as you use the steps to walk into the pool and then wade through the water getting him wet a little at a time. Your pet will automatically start “doggie paddling” once in the water. It will be important to show him to use his back legs as well so that he doesn’t become tired too fast. Then it would be best to let him try to swim to the exit. Do this until you feel the dog is comfortable in the water.
- It is important to show your pet where the steps are located before he gets in. lt is wise to mark the steps with a tall plant or umbrella to help him easily spot the area. Your dog may panic once he finds himself in the middle of the pool alone and you may need to remind him where the steps; but you may need to throw in a safety floatation device to climb onto or grab onto to help make them feel safe. If the pool does not have steps, you may want to purchase a ramp.
- It is important that you never leave your pet unsupervised around water. Train your dog to “wait” or “stay” at the pool steps until they have permission to enter. Since many people may be in the pool at one time, teaching you dog to wait will ensure that he doesn’t put himself or others in danger when entering the pool.
- The pool deck may be hard and hot on your dog’s paws. You may want to place water shoes on your dog’s paws to protect them.
- Keep plenty of fresh water available for your dog to drink to discourage him from drinking too much pool water. Ingesting too much chlorine can be harmful. The pool chemicals can also be harmful to their skin and coat, so it important to bathe or rinse your dog after swimming.
- Frequent “potty breaks” will also be important to ensure that your dog doesn’t relieve himself in the pool. Pool guests will surely appreciate this.
With a little training and a few safety precautions your dog will have a fun and safe time at the pool party.