Swimming Pool Safety Tips for Pets

As pet owners, protecting pets from accidents and injuries comes with the territory. If you have a swimming pool, ensuring a safe environment for your furry friends needs to be a number one priority.

Pets, especially dogs, are naturally curious creatures who may be attracted to the water. While some pets can swim well, others may struggle or panic in the water. Even strong swimmers can become exhausted quickly if they fall in unexpectedly or struggle to find a way out. In this blog, our caring team at Marketplace Veterinary Hospital shares 10 tips for keeping pets safe around swimming pools.

Tips for Keeping Pets Safe Around Swimming Pools

Taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of your pets around the swimming pool can prevent accidents and promote a safe environment for everyone. Practice these pet safety strategies:

1. Supervise Your Pets

Never leave pets unattended around the pool area. Constant supervision can prevent falls and ensure that they are safe at all times.

2. Install a Pool Fence

A pool fence is an effective barrier that prevents pets from accidentally falling into the pool. Ensure the fence is tall enough to deter climbing, and has a self-closing, self-latching gate.

3. Use a Pool Cover

Invest in a sturdy pool cover that can support the weight of your pet, and always make sure the cover is securely fastened when the pool is not in use.

4. Teach Your Pet to Swim

If your pet enjoys the water, teaching them to swim can be beneficial. Start in shallow water and gradually move to deeper areas, ensuring they are comfortable and confident. However, always supervise them while swimming.

5. Provide an Exit Strategy

Make sure there is an easy way for your pet to exit the pool — such as a ramp or stairs designed specifically for pets — and show your pet how to use them.

6. Limit Pool Time

While swimming can be fun for pets, limit their time in the pool to prevent exhaustion and exposure to chemicals. Rinse them off with fresh water after swimming to remove chlorine.

7. Keep Pool Chemicals Away From Pets

All household toxins, including pool chemicals, need to be stored in a secure location, out of reach of pets. Maintain balanced chemical levels in the pool water to avoid skin irritation or ingestion issues.

8. Learn Pet CPR

Learn how to perform CPR on pets. CPR training is definitely beneficial, but hopefully the other tips on this list can help prevent it from ever being necessary.

9. Use Pet Life Jackets

If your pet is not a strong swimmer, or you are uncertain about their swimming abilities, use a pet life jacket.

10. Regular Pool Maintenance

Maintain your pool regularly. This includes removing any objects or debris that could cause your pet to trip or fall. Check for any damage to the pool structure, cover, or fence.

Are Pup Cups Safe for Dogs?

For most healthy dogs, a pup cup here and there is a relatively benign treat. But if your dog is lactose intolerant, the heavy cream will bother her digestive system.

Contact Us for More Safety Tips

Swimming pool safety for pets is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership. Contact us for more summer pet safety tips or if it’s time for your pet’s checkup.