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Summer Pet Safety Tips – Pool Safety

Jul 28, 2018 | Pet Safety

Just like with kids, you should never leave pets unattended around the pool!
AZPetVet’s Dr. John Graham shares a few summer pool pet safety tips with Gina and the Your Life Arizona viewers.

Water Safety 
A pool is a wonderful way to beat the heat, but like children, animals should never be left unsupervised around water. Don’t assume your dog is a good swimmer or won’t go into the pool. The pool can be just as tempting for pets as it is for humans! If your dog jumps into the pool or falls in while you’re away from home, they might not be able to get out on their own.

If you can’t block their access to the pool, take time to work with them in the water. In order to pool-proof your pet, introduce them to the water gradually, and make sure they know how to get out.

As they swim, use your body and hands to direct them to swim the steps or a shallow area where they can safely get out or wait for help. Practice “swimming to the steps” with your pet until they are able to get out of the pool unaided. Plenty of praise and encouragement can help reinforce this safety lesson. If they accidentally fall in when nobody is around, this training can mean the difference between life and death.

For dogs that love to swim, be sure to rinse their coats after swimming to remove chlorine or salt. And while it may be a losing battle, try to keep your dog from drinking pool water – the chemicals can upset their tummy.

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.