Paws and Pools: Pool Safety Guidelines for Pets
Pools provide a comforting source of relief to pets and owners alike! As summer heats up, you and your pets may be looking for a way to cool down.
For many animals, though, water isn't just a respite from the summer heat. Often, animals are inherently drawn to swimming because it provides them with access to food and allows them to escape from predators. Swimming also offers a means of transportation for many animals, enabling them to reach new habitats or migrate to different locations.
For many domesticated animals, swimming can be a form of exercise and play that contributes to their overall well-being. Water is something that your pet may instinctively crave and enjoy.
Water-Loving Pets
It's pretty common to see dogs frolicking and having fun in the water. Many dog breeds are born water lovers. Some dogs have been specifically bred for water-related activities, so their love for water may be instinctual.
Here are some common dog breeds known for their attraction to water:
American Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
English Setter
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Newfoundland
Portuguese Water Dog
These breeds were developed to work in water (1) and are skilled swimmers capable of hunting, retrieving, rescuing, and carrying out other tasks in and around water.
Some dogs simply enjoy the sensation of being in the water and the opportunity to cool off. This attraction to water can also be influenced by a dog's individual personality and experiences. For instance, if a dog has positive associations with water from a young age, they may develop a strong affinity for it. However, it's not only dogs that need pool safety.
Many animals love the water, from Chinese crocodile lizards to pot-bellied pigs!
Since water is an essential part of your pet's health and can play a role in their happiness, it makes sense to provide pools for our pets; however, don't forget that water is also a potential source of danger. As a pet owner, it's important to take the proper precautions to avoid pool accidents, regardless of your pet.
Pangel™ works to ensure the safety of your beloved animals, so we've put together some pool pet safety tips so that you're always wise when your pet is around water. Allow Pangel™ to clue you in on how to be a responsible pool and pet owner!
Pet Safety Precautions for Your Pool
Let's start with a proactive approach. Just like prepping your home for pet safety, there are some items you can purchase that help you prevent pet accidents at the pool. Securing your pool with one of these choices is a first step toward optimal pool safety.
When it comes to keeping your pets safe around the pool, a pool fence is a great idea. It provides a physical barrier to prevent your pets from wandering into the pool area alone.
There are various types of pool fences available, including removable mesh fences, aluminum fences, and glass fences. It's important to choose a fence that is sturdy and meets safety regulations to protect your pets effectively.
Another option to help keep pets from accidentally falling into your pool is a cover. Consider a pool cover when the pool is not in use. A solid cover or a safety cover specifically designed to prevent falls are good options for pool owners with pets. A by-product of a pool cover is that it helps keep dirt and debris out of the water!
You might want to install a pet pool ramp to help your pet get in and out of the pool safely. These ramps are designed to provide a gentle slope for easy access and exit, making it a safer and more enjoyable experience.
A pool alarm for pets is a great way to help keep your furry friends safe around the pool. The alarm will alert you if your pet falls into the pool, giving you the opportunity to respond quickly and prevent a potential tragedy.
More to Keep in Mind
Installing safety devices is sensible, but there are a few other steps you can take to secure your pool area.
Store pool chemicals securely out of your pet's reach. Pool chemicals can be dangerous for the skin and eyes and toxic if ingested. Store them securely and carefully follow the manufacturer's guidelines for use.
Keep your pool area clean. Tripping or tangling hazards can happen with pool floats and noodles, but also be aware of the allure pool toys pose to pets. Keep colorful, fun items tucked away so they don't tempt your pet to play in the area without you.
Keeping Your Pet Safe at the Pool
Safety features and cleanliness are a great start to deter unfortunate accidents! Now, let's look at ways to allow your pet to enjoy the pool safely.
A pet life jacket is helpful for ensuring the safety of your pet during water activities. It provides buoyancy to help your pet stay afloat and is equipped with handles to easily lift them out of the water if needed. Additionally, the bright colors and reflective strips help improve visibility, making it easier to spot your pet in the water.
Always supervise your pets around the pool. Just like with children, never leave your pet unattended near the pool, as they may experience a struggle and need assistance.
When your swimming session is over, be sure to rinse off your pets to remove any substances or chemicals from their fur. Chlorine and salt, which are commonly used to treat pool water, can be harmful to pets if ingested during self-grooming.
What About Wild Animals?
As animal lovers, sometimes we worry about more than just our own precious pets. Wild animals can wander into your pool area and put themselves in danger just as easily. If you have an uncaged pool, you might get a visit from the occasional curious critter.
The Humane Society suggests these four tips for assisting wild animals who've strayed into your swimming area:
Design your pool with ledges along the sides to provide shallow areas for animals to escape.
Install a fence around the perimeter of the pool.
Purchase a water exit ramp or place buoyant items along the edges.
Secure knotted nylon ropes on the sides of the pool for climbing animals like raccoons and squirrels. (2)
Pool Pet Emergency
Pet CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique for helping revive a pet that has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. The American Red Cross offers an online course that pet owners can take to become certified in dog and cat CPR by learning and practicing the six basic steps of pet CPR. (3)
You've also got a partner for pet emergencies in Pangel™. The Pangel™ pet safety app is designed to ensure that your pets never go without the care and attention they need.
As an owner, you can enjoy an added sense of security by using Pangel™. The user-friendly app allows you to select guardians to step in and administer care when you can't.
Protect Your Pet at the Pool and Always With Pangel
Make the pool a happy place to play and make memories with your pet! Be sure you have installed necessary safety items, keep your pool area clean, and maintain vigilance when allowing your pet to swim.
Extend that vigilance further by adding the Pangel™ pet safety app to your pet care routine. Ensure that your pet never goes without necessary care by downloading the app and selecting your pet's guardians today. Pangel™ is the solution for safety and security when a pet is without an owner. Try it now for a free 14-day trial!
When it comes to the safety of your pet, Pangel is your partner.
Reisen, Jan. "Just Add Water! 16 Dog Breeds That Can Swim Easily." American Kennel Club, 9 June 2023, www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/breeds-that-are-born-to-swim/.
"Pool safety for wild animals: Simple ways to save the lives of your wild neighbors." The Humane Society of the United States, www.humanesociety.org/resources/pool-safety-wild-animals.
"Pet CPR." American Red Cross, www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/performing-cpr/pet-cpr.
