Pool Safety Tips for Pets

It is getting hot out there and a quick dip in the pool can be a great way for you and your furry friend to keep cool this summer. While a day by the pool sounds like fun, it can easily turn into disaster if you do not take the right precautions when it comes to pool safety for you pets!

Here are a few tips on keeping your pet safe this summer:

1. Limit access to the pool area

Putting a fence around your pool and keeping the gate closed is the best way to keep your pet safe from any accidental fall-ins. With a fence they can only get into the pool area if they are being supervised.

2. Get your pet a life jacket

Don’t just assume that your pet is a good swimmer. Buy your pet a life jacket, and then try to teach him how to swim. Even if your pet is a good swimmer, he can easily get cramps or become exhausted. By wearing a lifejacket, your pet will be less at risk.

3 .Keep the pool water drinking to a minimum

Pool water contains chemicals, chlorine and even sometimes algae. It is important to try and prevent your pet from drinking this water as it can cause her to become sick. Keep a bowl of clean water outside of the pool for your pet to sip from!

4. Pay attention to the heat

Heat from the sun becomes more intense around water. Make sure you keep an eye out for sunburn and heat stroke. Also be sure the surface around the pool is not too hot. Walking on hot surfaces can cause blistering on your pet’s paws.

5. Create an easy way in and out

It’s best to have steps that your pet can easily climb to get in and out of the pool. If he falls in, he needs to have easy access back out of the pool. While you are in the pool with your pets, teach them the proper way to enter and exit.

We want your pets to stay cool and healthy all year round. To learn more about pool safety for your pets give Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital a call at 908-464-0023. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ & YouTube for more tips!