Many dogs love water! All dogs love being with their families and that means if you’re in the pool they may want to jump in and be with you. We have tips on how to keep dogs safe around the swimming pool because tragedies do happen and you can help prevent them.
Imperial Pools, Inc. in Champaign, Illinois is your best source for swimming pool safety for pets and humans. Ask us for advice on layers of safety to make your pool as safe as possible. Know that no matter how many safety measures you have in place you can never let your guard down no matter if it’s children or adults or pets in the pool.
How to keep dogs safe around the swimming pool
Here are five tips to keep front of mind for pet safety around the family pool.
- Pool safety alarms will sound an alert if the surface of the water is disturbed. You can also invest in infrared alarms that will sound when the bean of light is broken. Have more than one layer of protection and alarms in case one fails you have a back up.
- Pool fencing is required in many areas of the country. Take the minimums that your area requires and amp it up. There should always be a self locking mechanism on the gate. Make sure a dog cannot wriggle under the fence and check for areas in which your pup may be digging to get into the pool area.
- Install a dog ramp. These are devices specifically made to make it easier for a dog to get out of the water. Because your dog can’t climb a ladder and if he gets into the pool area when you’re not around, you need to have a way to let him get out even if you’re not there. Teach your dog how to use the ramp and have it clearly marked so he knows where it is.
- Equip your dog with a collar with an alarm that will sound if the collar gets wet.
- Make sure your dog wears a life vest when he is around the pool. If your dog is in the water and gets tired, the life vest will keep him afloat until you rescue him.
If your dog is fearful around water and rarely goes near the pools’ edge, you still need to protect her. If she gets scared, isn’t paying attention and falls into the pool. you need to know she will be safe and can get out of the water. If your dog is in the water you may need to schedule more frequent pool cleanings and you will definitely want to clean the skimmer basket more often. Be sure you rinse your dog off with clean water when he’s done swimming so the chlorine doesn’t dry out his skin.