Swimming is a great idea now that summer has arrived! It's not just humans that appreciate lounging in a lovely pool throughout the summer. Many dogs like playing, swimming, and cooling off in the pool. What about chemicals in pools, though? Is chlorine harmful to canines? Find the best way to make a dog's day at the water's edge enjoyable and secure.
Is drinking pool water for dogs dangerous?
If dogs consume tiny amounts of pool water, the chlorine content in a well-kept swimming pool is normally low and does not pose a threat to them. Although less than in conventional pools, chlorine is also present in saltwater pools.
Overindulging in chlorinated pool water may damage a dog's digestive system, resulting in esophageal erosion, vomiting fits, and nausea. If a pool has too much chlorine in it, the risks are much higher.
It could occasionally be necessary to shock the pool chemically in order to sterilize it. When the chemical balance allows people to swim in the pool once more, make sure your dog stays out of it.
Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times to prevent the pool from serving as their main "watering hole." Remember that the majority of municipal water supplies are chlorinated, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have determined that low concentrations of this chemical are safe to ingest.
Does pool water hurt dogs' skin?
Short swims are usually safe, but prolonged contact with chemicals in pools, such as chlorine, can irritate the dog's eyes, skin, and coat. This is typically more problematic if the dog spends a lot of time in the pool or if the pool is chemically unbalanced.
Should I reduce the chlorine level in my pool?
Rethink your thinking if you believe that lowering the chemical content will improve dog or human safety! Untreated pool water can contain a range of microorganisms, such as parasites, fungi, algae, and bacteria. These may come into unintentional contact with the mucous membranes and skin, or they may be inhaled and damage both you and your dog. These bacteria frequently pose a far greater threat than the amount of chlorine needed to keep a swimming pool clean.
Can dogs go swimming in saltwater pools?
Puppies are subject to the same basic dangers as adult dogs when it comes to chlorinated water safety: overindulging may result in gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation. Puppies may develop these bad effects of pool water quicker than older dogs because of their smaller size as well as their delicate skin, so it's beneficial to restrict swim sessions to shorter times and keep an eye out for any potential problems.
When giving pups access to a pool, pool safety is crucial. Compared to adult dogs, they have less swimming experience and are less skilled in the water. For your puppy, who is learning to swim, a life jacket was a terrific idea. Just ensure that you get the right size and never leave your dog alone, even with a life jacket on.
Are saltwater pools better for dogs?
Dogs who drink too much of the water in a saltwater pool may have similar health issues as those caused by chlorinated pool water. Furthermore, eating too much salt can cause electrolyte imbalances or diarrhea, which can soon become fatal. Thankfully, pool water has a significantly lower salt content compared to the ocean, so a significant amount of pool water would be required for it to be as harmful.
Even though dogs' mucus membranes and skin may be slightly less sensitive in saltwater pools, brief swimming sessions remain safer than prolonged exposure.
Dog Safety in Swimming Pools
It is usually safe to let your dog swim into the pool if it is able to swim. But make sure you always keep an eye on your dog and use these safety measures:
If the puppy or dog you have is young, has poor swimming ability, or you're not sure if it can swim, put a life vest around them.
Defend the pet from heat exhaustion. Offer plenty of fresh, cold drinking water as well as shade. If you notice your dog getting tired, take them inside a cool house. Dogs that are older, or puppies in particular, are more susceptible to heat stroke or fatigue. Read This: Why does my dog smell musty after swimming?
Keep your dog off of deck boards and excessively hot concrete, as these surfaces can burn their paw pads. Use your hand to test the surface if you are unsure. Your dog's feet will find it too hot if it feels excessively hot for them. Pour cold water on the place where the dog will be walking to cool it down.
Make sure your dog can securely enter and exit the swimming pool.
Take caution when swimming with your dog; their claws can be sharp. Dogs' claws are more noticeable when they swim, and some of them will attempt to cling to their human companions. A swimming canine can cause severe skin scratches.
Dogs' Impact on Your Pool
You must take into account factors other than your dog's safety if you intend to allow them to swim in your pool. Your swimming pool may suffer if your dog swims in it.
Dogs shouldn't be allowed to swim in your pool if it has a vinyl or plastic liner. Their claws have the ability to quickly inflict serious harm that is costly to fix.
When a dog enters the pool, dog hair, fur, debris, dirt, bacteria, and sometimes traces of fecal material will follow them in. This may slow down or block the pool's filter and skimmer. It also changes the water's pH, which necessitates the use of additional chemicals.
According to many pool maintenance experts, one dog in the pool has the same impact as three people. By brushing the dog and giving it a good watering before letting it into the pool, you can help to mitigate this to some extent. You still have to do additional upkeep to keep the pool safe and clean, though. Read This: What is the best way to teach dogs to swim?
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