Pool safety for your pets is just as important as pool safety for children. With many factors, and many specific concerns, the basics are usually the best place to start. Many common concerns regarding pool safety and pets have to do with pool chemicals and animal behavior around pools. This brief overview of pool safety for your pets will cover these two main areas and address a few common concerns.
Is pool water safe for my pets to drink?
Generally speaking, a small amount of pool water is safe for cats and dogs. Unfortunately, these animals don’t have the restraint or ability to know when they’ve had too much. The American Kennel Club points out that some dogs think of the pool as one big personal dog bowl. They recommend that this behavior should be discouraged. A little pool safety training can go a long way for your pup’s wellbeing and health.
Cats, who also need frequent drinks of water, are sometimes drawn to the swimming pool as well. Pool safety for an outdoor cat is a little trickier than it is for a dog. One good option is to keep fresh water accessible near the pool. A drinking fountain can sometimes attract a cat more easily than the pool.
How will my pets behave around my pool? Are they in danger?
Pool safety for your pets comes down to a bit of training and preparation. Dogs are often thought to be natural swimmers. While this is true for many dogs, some dogs will require a little training. It’s a good idea slowly introduce your dog to the pool by using positive reinforcement. Karen A. Soukiasian offers six easy steps to get your dog into the swimming pool. She also points out that your dog needs to know where the ladder, steps, or shelf is located. This ensures that he or she can easily exit the pool without getting panicked.
Even though cats aren’t generally considered water animals, pool safety for your cat is very important too. It’s important to be prepared for the rare cat that wants to take a dip or the cat who accidentally falls into the pool. Cats are surprisingly good swimmers; however, they tend to have trouble safely getting out of a pool. One solution is to make sure your pool has plenty of shelves for your cat to use to get out. You can also purchase safety devices that are specifically designed to help animals get out of the pool.
Supervise your pets!
Regardless of the type of animal you have, or if you’re actively supervising your animal in the pool, it is important to understand that pets can sometimes swim to the point of exhaustion. So, keep an eye on your furry companion. Make sure to limit the amount of time they spend in the water. If you see them getting tired or panicked, calmly assist them out of the water. By following this rule of thumb and the other pool safety considerations listed above, you’re sure to have a fun-filled summer with your pets in and around the pool!
