We are in the midst of summer time here in Arizona, which means pool time all the time! Nothing is better than spending a hot summer day floating around in the pool, but sometimes this comes with a few side effects, which can include our pets too. If your pup loves to swim just as much as you do, it is important to keep a few things in mind.
The most important safety tip we have when it comes to dogs and pools is to make sure you keep all pool cleaning supplies and chemicals out of the reach of pets. Chlorine and anything else you use in the pool to keep it clean can be deadly to cats and dogs in its concentrated form, so make sure it is locked up and out of reach.
As far as chlorinated pool water, it is not deadly but can cause a few problems we should be aware of. First off, over consumption of water can cause GI problems and vomiting. Just like humans, pool water won’t kill you, but it probably won’t make you feel very good. Second, it can be very drying to the skin, so watching your dog and limiting time submerged in the water is best, as well as rinsing them off with fresh water after they are done playing.
Increased time splashing around and under the water can also cause more ear infections, especially for dogs with floppy ears. Make sure you dry out the area completely after swimming. If ear infections become regular, make an appointment with us so we can help fix the problem.
Another big problem we see a lot as a result of too much time in the pool, relate to the feet and pads. Just like human’s fingers and toes get pruney, dog’s pads and nails can also become soft and become injured more easily. Dr. Ware recently did a video all about water safety and his best recommendations, so watch to learn even more about water safety when it comes to your pets.
Pools can be fun and are a great way to beat the heat, but it is important to be cautious of your pets around the water to keep them safe. If you ever have questions about the water or run into a problem, please call us at (602) 559 9600 or visit our website for more information.