How To Keep Your Dog Safe While Swimming In Your Pool (And Away From Other Predators)

Chlorine is not generally harmful to dogs if they drink small amounts of pool water. Saltwater pools contain chlorine, but at lower levels than traditional pools. Chlorine can irritate a dog's gastrointestinal tract. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and erosion of the esophagus. Too much exposure to chlorine and other pool chemicals can irritant a dog’s eyes, skin (including its paws), and coat. Improperly treated pool water can harbor a variety of microorganism. These include bacteria, algae, fungi, and parasites. Puppies share the same basic risks as adult dogs. Salt water pools are slightly gentler on dogs' skin and mucous membranes than chlorinated pools. Eating too much salt can lead to diarrhea or electrolyte imbalances that can quickly become life-threatening. Short swimming sessions are still safer than extensive exposure. (max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/is-chlorine-bad-for-dogs-4689565-03-dfca4f3b81914f5b8761fb0b4ba8f6eb. Put a life vest on your dog if it's a weak swimmer, young, or unsure of its swimming skill. Puppy and senior dogs are particularly susceptible to heat exhaustion or stroke.

Having a dog swim in your pool can affect your pool negatively.

Dog hair, dander, dirt, debris, bacteria, and even traces of fecal material on a dog dog's coat and feet will go right into the pool when your dog enters.

It can clog or slow the pool skimmer and filter.

It changes the pH of the water, increasing the need for more chemicals. . . .