Pool Side Safety Tips for Dogs

Dog owners must be vigilant in keeping their dogs safe around pools. Not all dogs can swim, placing them in danger if they should slip into the water. Many dogs become disoriented or lose their balance trying to get a drink of pool water, which can have deadly consequences if no one is watching. Always remain with your dog if he takes a swim to reduce the risk of drowning.

  1. Door Chimes

    • Door chimes that sound off when any door leading to the pool deck is opened are an important feature for any homeowner who has small children or pets. Placing a door chime on your doors alerts you when someone is entering the pool area. Children often have a habit of leaving sliding doors slightly open, allowing dogs to push the door aside and enter the pool. Having an alarm or chime on the door reduces these risks.

    Supervision

    • Supervision is necessary when your dog is on the pool deck. Dogs often attempt to drink from the pool and can lose their balance while doing so. Older dogs are less agile and can slip into the water. Even dogs who are good swimmers can panic when they fall into the water, and slippery pool sides are difficult to climb when exhaustion sets in. According to PetPlace.com, dogs submerged underwater for more than 45 seconds usually need medical assistance. Supervise your dog at all times when he is on the pool deck and train him to swim to the shallow end of the pool when he is in the water.

    Safety Devices

    • Safety devices that alert you when your dog is in the water are widely available at pet stores. This device is designed to sound an alarm if your dog enters the pool, a pond or any other hazardous bodies of water nearby. Place the alarm sensor on your dog's collar or harness. When the dog enters the water, an alarm goes off requiring you to reset the base station before the alarm stops. Placing an alarm on your dog gives you the time needed to get your pet out of the water and prevent drowning.

    See-Through Fence

    • Installing a fence or barrier around your pool is another way to keep your children and pets from becoming victims of accidental drowning. Be sure to install a see-through fence or barrier, making it easier to see who is in the pool. After your fence is installed, be sure to keep the gate closed at all times, even if you must go inside for only a few minutes. Remember, it takes less than two minutes for a dog or child to lose consciousness in the water. Your fence or barrier should have a self-locking and self-closing gate as well.