Summertime Safety: The Backyard Pool

Written on 07/18/2013 by Brandy Arnold

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On a searing hot summer day, a backyard swimming pool surely has its rewards for relief from the blistering heat. However, it also has the possibility for disaster if you are not cautious enough. Pool safety concerns for dogs are similar to those for kids, and that’s far more than just mindful supervision.

Important Things to Consider

Pools can be an excellent source of fun and exercise for your water-loving pet. Below are just some of the safety issues that you need to take into account to ensure your four-legged friends’ welfare.

Do’s:

· Bear in mind that around the swimming pool, the sizzling summer heat can lead to heat stroke. Always watch for symptoms that indicate heat exhaustion. These include excessive drooling, lethargy, vomiting, foaming at the mouth, etc.

· After going in for a dip, prevent any possible irritation brought about by chlorine by always rinsing Fido off with fresh clean water. Use of goggles made especially for dogs is sometimes recommended for those with easily irritated eyes.

· Clean his ears immediately after swimming. Remember that lots of dogs, especially those with floppy ears, tend to be prone to ear infections. Cleansing the ears with an ear cleaner with a drying agent will help to clear out any excess water and prevent bacterial infection or irritation.

· If possible, install a Scamper Ramp so it will be easier for your small pets or senior dogs to exit the swimming pool. At the very least, be sure your dog is trained to exit the pool on his own. Accidents happen; arming your dog with the skills he needs to exit the pool could save his life.

Don’ts:

· Never assume that your dog naturally knows how to swim. If your pet has never swam in the past, make sure that you are able to slowly introduce him to the water beforehand.

· As much as possible, avoid letting Fido drink the pool water. Keep in mind that chlorine can make him ill.

· Never allow your pooch to swim in a swimming pool that has a cover in it as he can become tangled in the cover get stuck underneath.

Other Safety Measures

Thinking in terms of “layers of protection” can go a long way to ensure that your pets are guarded well against the unforeseen. But, there are ways to avert accidents. Invest in a fence that prevents your dog’s access, but that will allow you to see what’s going inside should he get through. Once installed, always keep it closed even when you just have to leave for a couple of minutes. See to it that the barrier has an automatic lock gate.

Buying a floating pool alarm device can also be of great help. This mechanism floats in the pool and goes off once pool surface is disturbed. Have it set up so that the alarm can alert you both in and out of your home.

Never leave your pet unattended in or around the swimming pool, regardless of how well he swims or his knowledge of exiting the pool. A fun day of swimming can leave your pet exhausted and vulnerable to drowning or falling in.

Do you have a backyard swimming pool? What measures do you take to keep your furry one safe?