Your pet is an important part of your family. The sight of the entire family enjoying themselves at the pool will naturally attract your pet towards the pool. But how to make the pool safe for your pet? You will surely be heartbroken if your pet meets with an accident by the poolside. We give you some tips to keep your pet safe near the pool.
- Cover the pool when not in use
Invest in a pool cover and cover the pool when not in use. Covering a pool has a lot of advantages and preventing your pet from accidentally drowning is just one of them. An automatic pool cover will work well to keep your pet away from water. If your pet is particularly attracted to water, then covering the pool will distract your pet from the tempting sight of a water body.
Remember that newcastle swimming pools can be dangerous places for small pets like rabbits and small dog breeds. If you have smaller pets, then a pool cover is an absolute necessity. There are pool safety covers available, which are specifically made to keep pets away from the water. If you have a large pet, then invest in a pool cover made of a durable material that does not collapse under your pet’s weight.
- Teach your pet how to swim
The chlorine in the pool is not safe for ferrets and rabbits. It is best to keep such pets away from the pool. Your cat will never be interested in water and will prefer to keep away from the pool.
Dogs can be easily taught to swim, especially if they are younger. Starting the swimming lessons in a kiddie pool is a good idea. Depending on your dog’s comfort levels, you can progress to the shallow end and then the deep end. Put your dog on a leash when they get into the pool for the first time. Join them in the pool till they become comfortable with the pool. Never force your pet to enter the pool or remain in the pool. Stay in the pool only as long as they are comfortable. Make sure that the swimming lessons are fun and stress-free for them. If you find it difficult to teach your pet to swim, then enlist the help of professional trainers for this task. Even after your pet learns to swim, never leave them unsupervised near the pool.
- Purchase a life vest
If your dog is not a great swimmer, then purchase some bright life vests for them. Life vests and life jackets help your pet with buoyancy and allow them to remain afloat in the water. Choose a design that fits your pet comfortably and is visible from a distance.
- Teach your pet how to get out of water
If your pet accidentally falls into the water, then it should be able to get out without any help. It is very important to emphasize the exit from the pool. If you do not teach them to exit, then they may remain in the pool till they are exhausted. Show them the stairs to exit from the pool. The stairs should be easily visible from the water. Make sure that the stairs or ramp used to exit the pool is easily accessible to your pet. You can invest in floating ladders that can be easily grabbed by your pet if they are exhausted.
- Build a pool fence and install a safety alarm
A pool fence with a self-latching gate prevents your pet from accessing the pool area. Dogs are known to laze in the backyard, and it may not always be possible for you to supervise them. In such instances, the fence becomes a valuable barrier between the pet and the pool.
A pool alarm is also precious safety equipment for your pool. These alarms have sensors that detect any movement in the pool. When the sensors detect any movement, the system sounds an alarm. These devices are all the more important if you have extremely playful dogs or pets like rabbits that hop around.
- Learn pet CPR
Even in the case of the most trained dogs, accidents can sometimes happen. There are animal organizations and shelters which offer such classes. Learning mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions can make the difference between life and death in an emergency.
- Teach your pet some commands
Your pet should come to you when called. Reward your dog when it comes to you on being called. This command is valuable in the pool. If your dog is unruly, then better keep it out of the pool to avoid any heartache.
- The age and health of your dog
The age of your dog will determine your dog’s behavior in the pool. Young pups may be more playful. Older dogs may have arthritis or vision problems that you may not be aware of. Arthritis will reduce their ability to swim and their safety may be compromised. You should always consult your vet before taking your older dog to the pool. If they have health problems like seizures, then it is better to prevent them from swimming in the pool.
- Keep your dog hydrated
Never allow your pet to drink pool water. The chlorine and chemicals in the pool may harm your pet. Make sure your pet is hydrated before entering the pool. The summer heat can intensify near the pool. Keep your pet hydrated and arrange for a cool place for your pet to rest near the pool after the swimming session.
- Precautions to be taken after a swimming session
After your pet has come out of the water, rinse them in clear water. The chlorine and chemicals in the pool will harm their fur and coat. Take care to dry your dog’s ears completely after they emerge from the pool. They will get an ear infection if water remains in their ears. Use an ear cleaner that has drying agents in its ingredients.
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