Dogs and swimming

Some dogs love water and will dive into the first puddle they see. Others, on the contrary, are very afraid of it. In any case, the swimming pool can be a dangerous place for our furry friends. So what precautions should we take to avoid accidents?

Also, is the pool a safe place for dogs? Are there any risks for dogs who love swimming?

And for us… Is it healthy to swim with Fido? What do we need to know in terms of hygiene?

Finally, what are the risks for the swimming pool? What precautions should be taken?

The benefits of water and swimming for dogs

What a joy for swimming dogs to quench their thirst in the cool water!

Swimming is a great way to keep your dog cool during the hot summer months. It can prevent heatstroke and dehydration.

And then, like for us, swimming helps keep fit. And it's great therapy for dogs who can't do much walking because of arthritis or injury.

But can dogs swim safely in a pool? And is hygiene at risk?

My dog ​​in the pool… What about hygiene?

You treat your pool against all bacteria, algae and other microorganisms that could proliferate in the water. To do this, your weapons are good filtration and disinfectant treatment of the water. Thanks to this, you and your children can happily splash around in a pool that remains healthy and clear. Yes, but what about the dog?

A dog is less clean than you (in principle). An animal also takes few showers (in principle still!) and it carries a lot of impurities in its fur: dust, dead skin, parasites… And all these impurities end up in the pool once the dog is in it.

So, chlorine works much harder to disinfect the pool. And that's how chloramine is made, a harmful by-product of chlorine for humans (and dogs!), unless you opt for another more natural water sanitation system, such as ionization.

Your pet also tends to shed its hair. The hair ends up sucked up by the filtration system. This results in clogging the filter and making filtration less effective.

The solution:

• Good hygiene for your dog (regular baths)
• A quick preventive shower and brushing before swimming
• Use disposable pre-filters for the skimmer. This will prevent the filter from getting clogged.
• Pay extra attention to the treatment of your pool

Can the dog damage the pool?

Yes, the dog can damage your pool if you have a pool with a liner. Your dog's claws can irreversibly damage it, especially when he tries to get out of the water.

Shell pools are more resistant but scratches can be visible. The most suitable is anything that is hard masonry, ceramic, etc.

The solution:

• Slippers for Doggie?
• A special access ramp for the dog

Dog Vs Chlorine? Are Chemicals Dangerous to Dogs?

Your dog gives you his imploring look and his miserable eyes because he would love to come and swim with you in the pool... But you wonder if that would be good for him.

Indeed, the swimming pool is not necessarily the best place for dogs. The risk is poisoning and irritation.

If you use chlorine, you should not allow your dog to drink the pool water (easy to say, I know!), especially if you have a salt pool. Salt water can cause stomach problems (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), which in turn can lead to dehydration or an increase in sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia).

Most dogs keep their heads above water when swimming. If they don't, be careful not to let them swim too often, to avoid poisoning. The trick: give them something to drink before they get in the water. They'll be less tempted to try the pool water. Also, keep a bowl of water next to the pool.

Also, depending on the products you use (and especially the dosage), water can be aggressive for the skin and the immune system. Indeed, the dog's skin is more fragile than ours. Chlorine is a powerful oxidant and it is indeed not very good for the skin and the respiratory system of animals.

The solution:

• Treat your pool with a product that is milder than chlorine or avoid long periods of swimming in the pool
• Pay attention to the dosage of chemicals in the water
• After a swim in the pool, a shower is necessary to rinse your dog + a good drying (even if it is hot). Dry his ears, armpits and groin well.

Dogs and drownings

Many dogs drown each year… It is important to secure your pool to avoid accidents. Whether your dog loves or hates water, the danger is present. If you leave your dog unattended, he risks drowning.

It is believed that all dogs can swim, but this is not the case. In fact, some dog breeds cannot swim at all.

Examples of dog breeds for which swimming is difficult: basset hounds, Welsh corgis, dachshunds, Sealyham terriers, Boston terriers, Scottish terriers, pugs, bulldogs, greyhounds, pinchers, dobermans, etc.

Stay alert when your dog is around the pool. It is important to be aware of signs of exhaustion in your dog. A dog will not tell you that he is tired…and he may continue to play in the water even though he is exhausted.

On that note, have a good swim with Toutou!