Dogs are more than just pets, they are part of the family. It is not uncommon to see water-loving canines in the family pool enjoying a swim on a hot day with their humans. But should you let your dogs swim in the swimming pool?
There are some things to think about when it comes to allowing our cute and sweet furry friends to join us in the swimming pool.
Dog Water Safety
Though it may seem like every dog is a natural born swimmer, some dogs actually do not naturally know how to swim. Puppies and older dogs may not have the muscle strength to stay above water on their own. This creates a risk for a dog to drown. Breeds with short noses and legs will also have a hard time swimming. This can include bulldogs, dachshunds, pugs, and other similar shaped breeds.
Some dogs just do not like the water and may panic to get out of the pool when you put them in. This can cause a dog to swallow pool water, which is not advisable. It could also cause injury to someone in the pool if they try to swim close for comfort. Dogs that can swim well can become fatigued and may not know how to exit the pool on their own. Ideally any dog that is able to swim should be trained to get used to the water before having them swim with others.
Pool Maintenance
One swimming dog is like having several humans in the pool. Studies have found that one swimming dog is akin to between 25 and 50 human swimmers. The amount of hair, dirt, body oils, and more being deposited into the pool water is very significantly raised with just one dog swimming in the pool. This results in a higher need for more frequent pool maintenance if the dog is frequently in the pool. Dog hair can also be much harder on a pool filter than other types of debris as it is much finer than human hair and dogs shed their hair at a much more rapid rate.
If your pool has a vinyl liner you will want to keep dogs from getting near the sides of the pools as their nails can create scratches and holes resulting in the need for very expensive pool repairs.
Should Dogs Swim in the Pool?
Swimming brings some great benefits to dogs that are able to swim and love to do so. It helps to keep them healthy and active while creating a source of happiness and excitement to play. A soak in the cool water also helps to cool down a dog on a hot day.
If you plan to allow your furry family member to swim in the pool, make sure that you are up for the maintenance and know that your dog is trained and ready to use the pool safely with your supervision.
Another alternative that requires less maintenance and time out of your day is to purchase your pooch their very own kiddy pool. It is a great alternative for anyone that would prefer not to have to take the extra maintenance steps of having a dog in the pool but still give them aplace to splash around and cool off.
For more information on pool care in Lake Havasu City please contact us any time.
More Tips for Pool Homeowners:
Dogs are more than just pets, they are part of the family. It is not uncommon to see water-loving canines in the family pool enjoying a swim on a hot day with their humans. But should you let your dogs swim in the swimming pool?
There are some things to think about when it comes to allowing our cute and sweet furry friends to join us in the swimming pool.
Dog Water Safety
Though it may seem like every dog is a natural born swimmer, some dogs actually do not naturally know how to swim. Puppies and older dogs may not have the muscle strength to stay above water on their own. This creates a risk for a dog to drown. Breeds with short noses and legs will also have a hard time swimming. This can include bulldogs, dachshunds, pugs, and other similar shaped breeds.
Some dogs just do not like the water and may panic to get out of the pool when you put them in. This can cause a dog to swallow pool water, which is not advisable. It could also cause injury to someone in the pool if they try to swim close for comfort. Dogs that can swim well can become fatigued and may not know how to exit the pool on their own. Ideally any dog that is able to swim should be trained to get used to the water before having them swim with others.
Pool Maintenance
One swimming dog is like having several humans in the pool. Studies have found that one swimming dog is akin to between 25 and 50 human swimmers. The amount of hair, dirt, body oils, and more being deposited into the pool water is very significantly raised with just one dog swimming in the pool. This results in a higher need for more frequent pool maintenance if the dog is frequently in the pool. Dog hair can also be much harder on a pool filter than other types of debris as it is much finer than human hair and dogs shed their hair at a much more rapid rate.
If your pool has a vinyl liner you will want to keep dogs from getting near the sides of the pools as their nails can create scratches and holes resulting in the need for very expensive pool repairs.
Should Dogs Swim in the Pool?
Swimming brings some great benefits to dogs that are able to swim and love to do so. It helps to keep them healthy and active while creating a source of happiness and excitement to play. A soak in the cool water also helps to cool down a dog on a hot day.
If you plan to allow your furry family member to swim in the pool, make sure that you are up for the maintenance and know that your dog is trained and ready to use the pool safely with your supervision.
Another alternative that requires less maintenance and time out of your day is to purchase your pooch their very own kiddy pool. It is a great alternative for anyone that would prefer not to have to take the extra maintenance steps of having a dog in the pool but still give them aplace to splash around and cool off.
For more information on pool care in Lake Havasu City please contact us any time.
More Tips for Pool Homeowners:
- Can Pool Water Make You Sick?
- 10 Tips to Finding the Right Pool Builder
- Chlorine or Bromine- What is the Better Choice for a Pool?
- A Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Pool Maintenance Schedule
- How to Have a Pool If You're Allergic to Chlorine
- Educational Pool Games for Back to School
- What Type of Pool is Best for My Home
- Using a Swimming Pool Chiller to Keep Cool
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