Many individuals share their pool time with their canine companions. A great many dog breeds enjoy the water and there are benefits and disadvantages when allowing dogs in the pool environment.

Exercise

Swimming is a low impact aerobic exercise that can be as beneficial for dogs as it is for their human companions. Younger and high energy dogs can burn a lot of energy through swimming. The buoyancy of water supports movement for older dogs and those with joint conditions. When attended by a human, the pool can be therapeutic for canines recovering from injuries and surgery.

Pool Chemicals

Chlorine and other pool chemicals can result in watery eyes or a burning nose in dogs. It can dry out their coat and adversely affect their skin. Dogs should be rinsed off with warm water after getting out of the pool. Swimming also increases the potential of dogs developing an ear infection.

Pool owners should also know that dogs can bring more debris into the pool than humans, especially long-haired breeds. Loose hair will come off in the pool and that will have an impact on filtration systems.

Damage to Liners

Dogs have sharp nails that can damage pool liners and pool toys. Even trimmed, well-groomed nails can be injurious to swimmers due to the way that dogs paddle to stay afloat.

Dog Safety

Unlike people, a dog won’t automatically know how to exit the pool and it requires training to teach them where the exit is located. A pool that’s not equipped with steps or a shelf-type entry will be a death trap for dogs. They won’t be able to climb a ladder and will simply swim until they’re exhausted.

Any dog that enters the water should be wearing a canine life jacket. The same safety measures should be taken for dogs as for small children. Never leave dogs unattended in or near a pool and ensure they can’t gain access to the pool through safety fencing. Don’t use a floating pool cover. Children, dogs, and other pets don’t understand that it’s not a solid surface and can easily become trapped under a floating cover.

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