Keep Your Dog Safe At The Pool This Summer
Don’t let a day of fun at the pool turn into a medical emergency for your four-legged companions. Thousands of pets drown in pools each year, according to some home insurance carriers, and there are some simple strategies to dramatically decrease this risk for your dog this summer.
Keep your dog safe with these tips when swimming or hanging out at the pool:
Don’t assume your dog can swim.
It is dangerous to assume your dog can swim. Many can not, and are at risk of drowning when left near a pool or left unsupervised. Be sure that the pool has a way for the dog to exit, since they can’t tell you when they are getting tired or struggling in the water.
Get your dog a vest.
Even dogs that know how to swim should be wearing a life vest when near and in a swimming pool. These are sold for pets of all sizes, and are not very expensive. Also, familiarize yourself with some basic canine CPR, just in case your pet requires medical assistance.
Keep your eye on your pet.
Don’t ever leave dogs unsupervised around a pool, or any body of water for that matter. Letting the pet run loose, in and out of the water, is not wise, and you may not notice that your pet is having trouble until it is too late to help.
Bring water for your dog.
If your dog gets thirsty, they will drink pool water, which can make them sick. Chlorine is not good for pets to ingest, and may result in a nasty case of diarrhea. Furthermore, dogs can get hot and dehydrated in the pool and sunshine, which can cause lethargy and vomiting.
Wash your dog up after.
Be sure to give your dog a scrub after swimming in a pool, especially if it is a pool that contains chemicals such as chlorine. When pets groom themselves, they can ingest these chemicals from their fur. The residue can also cause skin irritation for sensitive pets.
Play it safe at the pool this summer. Take time and pay attention to keep your pet safe and free from the risk of drowning. Before taking your pooch to the pool, be sure that you are prepared with a vest, bottled water, and your undivided attention, first. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, but keep your eye on your dog to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable. To learn more, speak with a business like Pet Medical Center.
