Summertime Safety: The Backyard Pool
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?
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