Article Can my dog swim in the pool with me? By Probuilt Staff March 22, 2022

A lot of dogs simply love the water. They cannot resist just jumping in and splashing about. Other dogs, well, not so much. They prefer to get near the edge but that is about it. Just a quick sniff of the water and they are good. But if you have a dog who loves the water, is it okay to have him join you in your backyard pool? And what if you have a dog who is uncertain about getting in the water, but you think it’d be fun to have him join you for a bit of splashing around? Is it okay to bring him in the water?

Short answer? Yes. However, there are a few things you should know before you make this a habit.

Always Supervise Your Pet While He is in the Pool

First of all, don’t let your dog play and swim in the pool without your supervision. You would never let a young child swimalone, so don’t let your dog have free reign of the pool without your watchful eye. Even if you think your dog is a strong and confident swimmer, it is never a good idea to just let him have the pool to himself. You may even want to consider a life vest recommended by a veterinarian to keep your dog from getting overly tired and fatigued. Just like a human can drown in the pool, so can a dog.

Start with the Simple Things

If your dog doesn’t naturally take to the water, you can teachhim some basic things, even if that means just getting used to being wet. By introducing your dog to the water when he is very young, he will most likely have more courage and will be less resistant to getting into the pool. You can start by introducing him to the water in the bathtub. Zero-entry swimming pools are also a great teaching playground for dogs, as they can get into the water at a more gradual pace and at their own comfort level. The more you familiarize your dog with the water, the more he will get used to it and learn to swim without a lot of extra lessons and training.

Skip the Snacks

Just as we have always been told not to go into the water just after we have eaten, you should not let your dog get into the pool after he has eaten. This could lead to stomach and digestive issues that otherwise could have been avoided. Just play it safe.He can enjoy a treat after his swim!

Beware of the Drains

Just as we warn parents not to let children near the drains as they are known for their powerful suction action, you should not let your dog near a drain. Talk to us about how to make your drain less hazardous. We are more than happy to help maintain a safer swimming experience.

Focus on the Fun

Just like kids (and adults!) love their pool toys, so do dogs. Toss a ball into the water or give your pup a pool noodle with which to play. Even a Frisbee or a squeaky toy can be a lot of fun. The more you interact with your dog, the more fun he will have in the water.

What about Saltwater Pools?

While saltwater from the ocean is hazardous to animals, if your dog takes an occasional sip of the water from a saltwater pool, it should not pose any risk due to the low-salinity level of saltwater pools. That being said, however, if your dog drinks copious amounts of water from a saltwater pool, it could result in diarrhea, lethargy, and other serious issues. Be sure your dog has a fresh bowl of clean water available from which to drink. Let’s face it, though, just as we may occasionally ingest water from a saltwater pool, so will your dog. Just make sure it is only on occasion and from a well-maintained and clean pool.

There are, however, a few potential dangers to your dog when he is in the swimming pool, including the chemicals, potential for water intoxication, irritated skin, and accidental drownings. Discover the five swimming pool pet dangers for more information. Prevention is always key!

Will my dog harm a fiberglass pool?

Due to the unique construction of fiberglass swimming pools, dogs can enjoy a romp in the water. Their nails and claws won’t harm a fiberglass – or even a concrete – pool. They can, however, rip a vinyl liner pool, so beware.

Hit the Showers!

Because of the chemicals in pool water, it is important to make sure you rinse off and clean your dog after he has had his time in the pool. Be sure to also remove moisture from his ears. Dogs can get swimmer’s ear just like people can. If you are uncertain as to how to properly clean your dog’s ears, ask your veterinarian. And never use swabs in your dog’s ears. Those can be harmful. Using a cotton ball to clean the ears is better.

No Rush

If you are more excited to get your dog into the pool than your dog is, then take things slowly. Do not rush your dog or expect him to just happily jump into the pool. Don’t force him into the pool. Just take baby steps until he is confident and eager to get in on his own. Not all dogs like swim nor is every dog a great swimmer. Some may simply need a bit of time to acclimate to the idea. Some dogs may never want to get into the water. It depends on the breed.

Also, make sure you each your dog how to properly enter and exit the pool. Should he get into a situation in the water that causes him to panic, he needs to know how to exit the pool safely.

To find out more about making your backyard swimming pool a safe and fun place for your dog, just ask us! At Probuilt Pool & Patio, our emphasis is on safety and fun!