Whether your dog was built for swimming or not, there are plenty of hazards in and around pools, hot tubs, ponds, etc., that can prove deadly.

In addition to drowning, dogs can experience hypothermia (low body temperature) from unheated pools, ponds, and other bodies of water.

Severe hypothermia signs can include dilated pupils, stupor or coma, pale or blue gums, decreased heart and respiratory rate, and shivering. If signs are present, wrap your dog in a blanket, and use hot water bottles to provide heat (do NOT use heating pads, as they can cause burns). Take your dog to your veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as possible.

Problematic Pool Covers
Some seemingly “solid” pool coverings (such as solar covers) can be deceiving for dogs, who think they are walking on solid ground only to sink and become trapped under or twisted in the cover.

Keys to Water Safety
According to Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori, the keys to water safety for dogs are prevention, preparedness and awareness.

Prevention
No dog should have unsupervised access to any body of water (swimming pools are best fenced off for safety for everyone). There are also pool escape tools like the Skamper-Ramp  made for dogs.

Prevention also includes teaching your dog what to do in the pool, so it’s important to work with him in the pool to help him learn where the steps are so he can get out easily.

Your dog should also come to you when called, even swimming. If your dog isn’t great at recall, have extra retrieving toys on hand, so when your dog is heading into a dangerous area, you can lure him back with a toy thrown closer in.

Preparedness
Before letting your dog swim, survey the area, paying attention to currents, tides, underwater hazards and the condition of the water (FYI-in late summer, algae scum on the top of standing water can be toxic).

Get prepared with first aid and CPR for your pets, too. Many local Red Cross chapters offer these classes, and some veterinarians may also teach them.

It also doesn’t hurt to get your dog a personal floatation device.

Awareness
Be aware of your dog’s health and condition–even swimming dogs get hot and need fresh water, and when your dog gets tired, it’s time to stop.

By following a few safety precautions, this can be a great summer to swim with your dog.

For more pool safety products for pets, click here.

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