Can A Dog Swim In A Swimming Pool Ladder?
Is your dog a big fan of swimming? As soon as he sees water, he asks to jump in? If you have a swimming pool or are planning to have one installed in your home, the question arises as to whether or not your dog is safe to swim in it. Alas, the answer is no. For an animal as for a human, swimming always involves dangers. Drowning, poisoning, skin and respiratory irritations… there are risks. Fortunately, however, it is possible to prevent them.
Is Chlorine Dangerous for Dogs?
One of the risks is that they run from chlorine and other products used for water treatment. There is indeed a risk of intoxication but also of irritation , in particular due to chlorine. Don't let your dog drink the pool water. If you allow him to bathe in it, consider giving him a drink before swimming so that he is not tempted to hydrate himself by drinking the water in which he bathes.
To preserve your dog's health without depriving him of the joys of swimming, you can choose to treat your swimming pool with a product less aggressive than chlorine while limiting the duration of swimming.
If you have a salt pool, be aware that salt water can cause stomach problems in dogs. Disorders leading to dehydration and in some cases to an increase in sodium level in the blood.
The different products used to treat your swimming pool water can cause dermatological irritation. They can also affect the animal's immune defenses. To avoid them, remember to rinse your dog well with clean water and then dry him, paying particular attention to the ears, armpits and groin.
The question of hygiene
One of the most frequently asked questions about bathing a dog in the family pool is hygiene. Your dog carries impurities such as parasites, dead skin and other dust in his coat. And these end up in your pool if your 4-legged companion swims in it. Additionally, your pet's hair can build up in the pool filter and damage it, requiring replacement.
So do not hesitate to give your dog a bath and then brush it before letting it immerse in your pool. You'll get rid of a lot of the dirt he's carrying. There are also disposable filters for skimmers that will allow you to preserve them.
Risks for the liner with the dog's claws
With its claws, your dog risks damaging the pool liner . For this reason, it is advisable to install an access pet ramp that will facilitate entry and exit into the pool. Cement or tiled basins are more suitable.
Protect your dog from drowning
Drowning is a risk for young children, but also for dogs. Sadly, many dogs drown in the family pool every year. It is therefore essential to secure access to your pool when you are not there to watch your animal. It often happens that dogs drown because they cannot find the exit to the pool. They wear themselves out looking for it. The various safety accessories are the same as those intended to ensure that of children. Barrier, pool cover, water movement detection alarms or infrared alarms. There are many solutions.
Know that while some dogs are excellent swimmers, some breeds are less predisposed to swimming than others. This is the case with bulldogs, corgis and other fox terriers. If your animal is not a good swimmer, watch its swimming even more. A dog, just like a human, who cannot swim well, is at a much greater risk of drowning.
In short, if you can, by taking all the necessary precautions, allow your dog to bathe in your pool, these swims should be short and remain exceptional. Instead, take your pet to bathe in a lake, river or sea. He will be just as happy, if not more! Swimming is excellent for the health of our 4-legged friends but it must take place in good conditions preserving the safety and health of our animals.
