Should You Let Your Dog In Your Pool?

People love their dogs and man’s best friend fits right in around the home. Consequently, many feel that their swimming pool is a natural extension. After all, your dog enjoys the rest of the backyard; therefore, why should the pool be off limits?

While your pool may be a welcome and inviting retreat for guests and members of your family, bringing your dog in for a swim may not necessarily be a good idea according to experts.

One thing is true about dogs, in general; they are usually pretty good at swimming. Some breeds such as the Labrador are even considered great swimmers. However, it’s a myth that all dogs can swim. Just like people, some are better at it than others. In general, there are a few dog breeds that are not very proficient at swimming at all.

While the Basset Hound, Boxer, Bulldog, Dachshund, Pug, and Pekingese are some of the most popular dogs; these breeds typically have more difficulty when it comes to swimming. This is due to their anatomy and facial structure which is less suited for swimming than their canine cousins. While dogs who are not proficient by nature can be trained to swim, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will truly enjoy it.

A startling statistic states that over 5,000 pets drown in swimming pools each year. Consequently, the swimming pool may actually impose more of a danger than a benefit when it comes to your pet. Dogs also have the potential to “dry drown” which can happen when they get water in their lungs while swimming. Issues like inflammation, infection and other problems can arise up to a week later. This can happen even with dogs who are proficient swimmers during horseplay in the pool. What most experts usually recommend for those water-bound pups who enjoy the pool is that they wear a life jacket suitable for dogs. The American Kennel Club recommends this both in the pool as well as around natural bodies of water.

Having one dog in the pool is the equivalent of having araging pool party with 50 people according to experts.

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Allowing your dog to swim at the lake or river may also be a potentially bad call. A lesson that pet owners in North Carolina learned last month when a toxic algae bloom killed several dogs that had been swimming in Jordan Lake.

When dogs drink from or just swim in contaminated water, they might become poisoned according to the ASPCA. Bluegreen algae can cause severe brain or hepatic damage if consumed.

We’ve discussed the health and well-being of dogs when it comes to pools as well as safety concerns, but what of the water sanitary issues that come from allowing pets in the pool? Is it safe for family and guests to swim in the pool with dogs?

Important Sanitary Issues

“Having just one dog in the pool is the same equivalent of having a raging pool party with 50 people,” said Cole Daasnes of Poseidon Pool Service.

“Dogs typically carry dirt, oils, and bacteria in their fur and paws which really have no place in the pool. This is in addition to their fur which can clog your filter and make it tougher to keep your pool clean,” explained Daasnes.

Increased Risk of RWI’s

Pet owners who enjoy swimming with their dogs should be aware of the safety and maintenance issues. Keeping the pool clean for swimmers after a pet has been in the pool should be of top priority. Dogs do not have the same control over their bodily functions that people do and may urinate in the pool. They also frequently have fecal matter clinging to their fur which can contaminate the water and lead to Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI’s) such as E. coli, Hepatitis A, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia.

If you are going to allow your pet in the pool, consider purchasing a pool float for dogs that allows them to keep you company poolside without actually getting in the water. Some folks have even built pools specifically for their dogs to enjoy separately from the one the family uses. Another good idea is to purchase a pool alarm that will notify you if your pets accidentally get into the swimming pool.

After a Pet Has Been in the Pool

While we’re a big fan of man’s best friend, the best advice is don’t, and for all of the aforementioned reasons. If however, you do insist on swimming with your dog, shower immediately after and make sure to bathe your dog as well. Also never throw your dog into the pool, it can shock them and cause them to immediately

It’s always a good idea to give your swimming pool a liberal dose of shock after dogs swim in it, the same as you would after a large pool party. Remember to keep your chlorine around 1-3 ppm and keep your pH and alkalinity balanced.

7 Reasons To Keep Rex Out Of The Swimming Pool

1. Animal fur can clog your pool filter and make maintenance more difficult.

2. Sharp nails and claws can damage your pool liner or interior finish.

3. Not all dogs can swim.

4. Dogs are more sensitive to chlorine.

5. 1 Dog = 50 People in the swimming pool which makes sanitization harder.

6. Dogs can easily drown when unattended.

7. Recreational Water Illness can be easier transmitted.