Pet Safety for Dogs and Swimming Pools…

Just like with children, your pets should always be supervised when swimming. This also applies to your pet being in the garden where the pool or hot tub is located. Do not leave your dog unattended in case they fall in, and using a cover helps keep the pool and hot tub clean while also helping to prevent accidental falls. If your pet can’t get out on their own, they can panic and tread water frantically, quickly leading to exhaustion.

The chemicals in pool water can lead to skin irritation in both humans and animals. It is recommended to rinse your dog off after swimming, and be sure to regularly check for dry or irritated skin. Contact your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.

While a properly maintained pool is generally safe for dogs – provided that they do not have any skin conditions – the water can be dangerous if too much is ingested.

If your pet drinks water from a swimming pool or hot tub with chlorine, it can lead to an upset gastrointestinal tract, which may cause nausea, vomiting, and esophageal damage.

A news story recently highlighted one Bulldog who was struggling to breathe after the strong chlorinated water caused inflammation on his lungs. While he quickly recovered, vets had to give him oxygen through a catheter in his nose to stabilise him.