Do you enjoy swimming? Many of our canine patients love going for a dip on hot days. Pools can be dangerous for Man’s Best Friend, though, so you’ll want to take some precautions to keep Fido safe. A Roanoke, VA vet discusses pool safety for dogs in this article.
Swim Lessons
If your dog can’t swim, take some time to teach him. Gently support your four-legged pal as he is learning, and encourage him with praise and compliments. It’s a good idea to put a doggy lifejacket on Fido, at least at first. If you know someone with a dog that swims well, enlist them to help. Your pooch may learn more quickly by observing another pup!
Steps
The first thing you want to do whenever you take Fido to a pool is show him where the stairs are. We can’t overstate the importance of this! Even dogs that are great swimmers can panic if they fall in and don’t know how to get out. Take time with this training, and make sure your canine buddy really retains the knowledge. It’s also a good idea to get pet pool stairs, especially if you have an above-ground pool.
Other Precautions
In general, follow the same pool safety rules as you would with a toddler. First and foremost: never leave Fido unattended near water. Also, don’t let him swim immediately after eating. We also recommend fencing your pool off when it isn’t in use. This is especially important if your dog can’t swim well, is a small dog or senior, and/or has health issues that affect his sight or mobility. Pool covers can also be dangerous, as dogs sometimes mistake them for solid surfaces, and try to walk on them.
Water
This may be easier said than done, but try not to let Fido drink from the pool. The best way to avoid this is to make sure he always has fresh water available.
Fur
Did you know that dogs can get sunburns? Pooches with pale and/or thin fur are most vulnerable. Ask your vet about putting sunscreen on Fido.
Paws
Dogs’ paw pads are very sensitive, and are extremely delicate when they’re wet. Keep Fido on soft ground after he gets out of the water.
Enjoy your summer! Please contact us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care.
