Sunday, July 6, 2014
Pool Safety For Dogs
Magnet and Muffy.... The Happy Mutts Blog
If you have a dog who loves to take a dip in a pool here are some pool safety tips that I have compiled. We used to have a pool in our backyard so I know first-hand the perils and pleasures that pools are for dogs who love the water.
1. Not All Dogs Love the Water! If your dog is fearful or apprehensive, please don't force him or her to go in the water! It will only stress out the dog and make it fear the water even more. I have seen stupid pet owners throw their dogs in the pool with a "sink or swim" mentality. So please respect your dog's boundaries and understand that he or she may be just as content sitting out and observing.
2. Pool Decks Get Hot! Be mindful that pool decks get hot! For dogs this can burn their paw pads. So keep them off hot decks and in the cool grass or lay a towel out for them.
3. Don't Let Them Drink the Pool Water! Plain and simple, if your dog ingests the chlorine and chemical laden water he will get sick. Keep fresh drinking water for your dog near the pool. This goes for salt water pools as well. Too much salt is toxic for dogs. Signs of salt poisoning include initial vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, stumbling, excessive thirst or urination, tremors and seizures.
4. Be Aware of Heat Stroke! Dogs like us humans are susceptible to the heat. Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion including lethargy, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, etc.
5. Supervise Your Dog! as you would children. Monitor your dog's exercise as some dogs tire quickly or simply do not know when too stop. Not all dogs are natural swimmers. So use a dog life vest jacket from One Sassy Dog to improve their buoyancy and make them easy to spot!.
If you have a dog who loves to take a dip in a pool here are some pool safety tips that I have compiled. We used to have a pool in our backyard so I know first-hand the perils and pleasures that pools are for dogs who love the water.
1. Not All Dogs Love the Water! If your dog is fearful or apprehensive, please don't force him or her to go in the water! It will only stress out the dog and make it fear the water even more. I have seen stupid pet owners throw their dogs in the pool with a "sink or swim" mentality. So please respect your dog's boundaries and understand that he or she may be just as content sitting out and observing.
2. Pool Decks Get Hot! Be mindful that pool decks get hot! For dogs this can burn their paw pads. So keep them off hot decks and in the cool grass or lay a towel out for them.
3. Don't Let Them Drink the Pool Water! Plain and simple, if your dog ingests the chlorine and chemical laden water he will get sick. Keep fresh drinking water for your dog near the pool. This goes for salt water pools as well. Too much salt is toxic for dogs. Signs of salt poisoning include initial vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, stumbling, excessive thirst or urination, tremors and seizures.
4. Be Aware of Heat Stroke! Dogs like us humans are susceptible to the heat. Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion including lethargy, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, etc.
5. Supervise Your Dog! as you would children. Monitor your dog's exercise as some dogs tire quickly or simply do not know when too stop. Not all dogs are natural swimmers. So use a dog life vest jacket from One Sassy Dog to improve their buoyancy and make them easy to spot!.
Have fun this summer and stay safe!
Love,
Magnet and Muffy
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