Dog Pool Safety: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Pooch Safe

Splashing around in the pool with your pooch can be lots of fun, and swimming is a great way to stay cool and a wonderful low-impact exercise. Not all dogs enjoy the water, but if yours does, here are the important pool-safety tips to know.

Teach your dog how to swim

Some dogs are natural swimmers; others need guidance first, depending on breed and temperament. Never force your dog into the water. Start in a kiddie pool or shallow water and build up gradually, with praise, treats or a favourite toy. A doggy life jacket with a handgrip adds a useful safety margin.

Make sure your dog can exit the pool

Jumping in is easy — getting out is not, especially with above-ground pools or pools with ladders. Being unable to exit is a common cause of drowning in dogs. Teach your dog where the steps or ramp are, and practise entering and exiting together.

Always supervise

Never leave your dog unattended in a pool — this is the single most important rule. Watch for signs of fatigue, such as difficulty swimming or sinking lower in the water, and provide rest and fresh drinking water during sessions.

Fence your pool

This is critical and legally required in many areas. A tall gate is the best way to stop dogs (and children) entering unsupervised. Many dogs jump higher than expected, so fence above-ground pools too. Door and pool alarms add another layer.

Grooming for pool care

Keep your dog well groomed with trimmed nails — long nails can tear vinyl liners or scratch fellow swimmers. Rinsing your dog before swimming reduces hair and debris in the water. Maintain proper pool cleaning and water chemistry.

Medical concerns to be aware of

Drowning and near-drowning

Even experienced swimmers can drown. Drowning is a medical emergency — death can occur within minutes. If your dog has a near-drowning incident, contact your vet immediately. Near-drowning (water inhaled into the lungs) can cause pneumonia and organ damage, and symptoms may appear up to three days later:

• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale or blue gums
• Loss of consciousness

Veterinary care is required immediately; the outlook depends on how long they were submerged, the water chemicals involved, and how quickly they’re treated.

Swallowing pool water

A small amount is normal. But ingesting a lot of pool water, salt water or pool chemicals can cause toxicity — vomiting, diarrhoea, and electrolyte imbalance. Offer plenty of fresh water, monitor intake, and keep chlorine and chemicals out of reach.

Eye, ear and skin irritation

Water left in the ears can lead to ear infections, and pool chemicals can irritate eyes and cause dry, itchy skin (and subsequent infections from scratching). Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming and use an ear cleaner with a drying agent.

By Dr Gillian Davidson

2 May 2024

Dr Gillian Davidson is a veterinary surgeon who writes on canine training, behaviour and everyday safety, helping owners raise happy, well-adjusted dogs.