A sunny day with the family together: few things complete this scenario like a swimming pool! With everyone together, swimming and playing in the water is a lot of fun. But what about the furry ones? Can the dog enter the pool and enjoy it together with the humans?
As a fiberglass pool is made of a durable material that is easy to maintain and clean, there is no problem with the combination of pets and fiberglass pools.
After all, with the maintenance up to date, your water will be healthy and will not present risks to anyone. There will be a lower incidence of solid waste on the surface or floor of your pool. This guarantees greater safety for both humans and domestic animals, as the risk of contaminated water decreases.
In addition, there is no risk of damage to the structure of your fiberglass pool, as it is very resistant and durable. Even if your pet is a big one, like a Labrador retriever, you can rest easily. You can let the pet have fun in your pool and everything will be fine!
Dog in Pool: Pet safety in the fiber pool
Before fun, there is always safety. A pet is a member of the family. As a family member, we can compare him to a small child. So, just like a child, you need to be aware of some points:
1. Don't throw the puppy in the pool
Most dogs are born with the instinct to “paddle” when they enter the water, for survival reasons. But that doesn’t mean that all dogs know how to swim, this natural movement is not enough to keep them from drowning.
That’s why the importance of never leaving him alone in the pool, on the edge or in the environment where the pool is. In addition to the risk of him getting hurt, throwing the dog in the pool can cause such a scare that it can leave him traumatized, understanding that that is a dangerous place for him.
Don’t force him into the pool, if he shows that he wants to enter, that’s fine, otherwise, respect your puppy’s wishes. Here’s the maxim: don’t do to your dog what you wouldn’t want to be done to you. Take it easy!
2. Beware of sun exposure
On very hot and sunny days, be careful with the time the puppy will be exposed to the sun inside the pool. This can tire you out more quickly, as well as cause burns. Opt for times when the sun is milder.
3. And don't forget the sunscreen
Currently there are sunscreens suitable for pets. It is worth passing it on the puppy’s ears and nose so that, during exposure to the sun in the pool, he does not suffer from burns.
4. Avoid feeding him right before play
It is not recommended that you leave the dog in the pool right after a meal. The dog can feel sick and even have congestion. The ideal is to enter the water about 3 hours after eating.
5. Keep an eye out for tiredness
If you notice that your pet is tired of swimming, is panting or is swimming slower, take him out of the pool. The risk of drowning from exhaustion is real.
Let him play for a few minutes in the water, then take a break, and when he has caught his breath, come back with him to the pool. About 30 to 40 minutes of exercise is enough for your puppy to play and expend energy.
6. Forbidden to drink pool water
During playtime, your dog may get thirsty and start drinking pool water. As the water is treated with chlorine, it’s not cool to drink it (for the same reasons as humans). If swallowed, the dog may vomit or have diarrhea. If the condition worsens, take him to the vet.
7. Before entering the water, pay attention to your health
Dogs that are not in good health should not enter the pool. It is important that they do not have any intestinal worms, skin diseases, otitis or any other health complication.
We should also always observe that if the pet has any injuries, constant contact with pool water, which has some chemicals, can worsen the condition that the animal already has.
8. A bath after the pool
After the puppy leaves the pool, it is essential that you bathe him with dog shampoo to remove the chlorine from the fur. After bathing, dry it completely to avoid mycoses and dermatitis, especially between the paws.
It may be that water enters the pet’s ear – it is important to dry the ears well and observe if he does not have ear discomfort after playing.
9. Invest in a chest harness
For dogs that are not used to entering the pool, a tip is to put on a harness (chest collar). That way, if they get tired, have cramps or any other mishap, you’ll be able to pull them by the chest more easily.
10. Or in a life jacket
Another option for dogs that are not used to it is their own vests. They work exactly like life jackets for humans, allowing dogs to have contact with the water, but remain afloat without risk of drowning.
After checking all these items, it's time to have fun with your pet!
We have come to the conclusion that it is possible, yes, to combine your pet with a fiberglass pool, as long as all the safety measures and particularity of your pet are respected!
If everything is ok, there is nothing to stop your fun being shared with your pet. For more information related to the fiber pool universe, see our website.
Check other blogposts here:
Exclusive Pools now offers EcoFinish pool coating
ecofinish pool coating
The ultimate DIY guide to installing your fiberglass pool:
DIY Fiberglass pool – Installing a fiberglass pool in your backyard is an exciting project that can transform your outdoor space into a personal oasis.
Building your dream pool: The complete guide to DIY Fiberglass pool kits.
DIY Fiberglass pool – Have you ever imagined turning your backyard into a luxurious oasis, complete with your own sparkling pool?The idea of having a
DIY Fiberglass Pools: As aeasy guide to building your own
DIY Fiberglass Pools – Building your own pool can seems like a hard task, but with the right materials and guidance, it can also be