Pools and pets, both make homes lively and more enjoyable. You are lucky if you have both at home. However, owning a pool and a pet brings many safety responsibilities. The safety measures to be taken may vary a little depending on the pets you have at home. While dogs are more attracted to water, cats usually like to stay away from pools. Indoor cats sometimes may feel adventurous, escape, and slip into the pool, resulting in accidental falls.
Some pets are natural swimmers while others may not be able to get out of the pool on their own unattended. Most dogs can at least do the so-called dog paddle in case they accidentally fall into the pool. Smaller pets like rabbits and guinea pigs may not be able to make it out of the pool on their own. Pets that stay indoors and in cages are mostly safe but what about the ones that venture outdoors? The best way to keep your pets safe is to raise your safety guard around the family pool. Some basic rules are required to be followed to avoid unwarranted tragedies.
Teach your pet pool manners and how to swim
This mostly goes for dogs. Your energetic puppy is most likely to be attracted to the pool, especially during the warm summer months. Some dogs simply love jumping into the pool and in that case, it becomes important to teach your dog how to swim. Your dog should also know where the steps are located so that he can walk out of the pool if he accidentally falls or gets tired. Teach your dog how to behave around the pool. Accidental falls into the swimming pool may sometimes make pets panicky and scared. Regular supervised swimming routines can ease the fear of water in pets. Pets that are too tiny and cannot use the pool steps should not be allowed into the pool. It is best to familiarise your pets with the pool area so that they learn to be more careful when around the pool.
Install a fence and an entry gate
Pool fences and an entry gate are some must-have safety precautions if you have pets at home. However, a broken latch or a forgetful pool user who does not close the gate can give your pet a chance to slip into the pool. A gate alarm can give you a heads-up in case your pet manages to push through the gate and enter the pool area. No matter if you own a fibreglass pool or a concrete pool, do remember to construct a suitable fence around it. Check the condition of the gate and the latch at regular intervals for timely repairs and upkeep. Also, install a pet-safe ladder so that your pet has easy access to exit from the pool. Most importantly, being vigilant never hurts! Do not allow your pets around the pool without adult supervision.
Install pool alarms and cameras
Pool alarms are a great way to keep you informed if your pet falls into your pool. Pet safety pool alarm systems are designed specifically to keep pets safe around a pool or any water body. There are a bunch of different alarm systems available in the market. A water immersion alarm designed with a wireless transmitter attached to a pet’s collar will alert you immediately when your pet jumps or falls into the pool water. Some other alarms start to ring when any movement in the pool water is detected. These devices are a great way to protect pets from tragic poolside accidents. Investing in collar alarms can also keep your pet safe when you go for a vacation by the lake.
It is not enough to just keep an eye on your pet when you are spending time with them at home. To ensure their safety you can also install cameras that you can access remotely when away from home. That way you can keep a tab on their whereabouts and call for help if you notice any accidental fall into the pool.
Invest in pet life jackets
Many families enjoy spending time with their pets in family pools. If your puppy is a novice, buy a life jacket for your canine friend. Your pet may love to take a dip in the pool and with a safety floatation device around them, you will have peace of mind. There are different designs available with grab handles, adjustable straps and leash attachments. The most important of all is to see if the life jacket fits your pet and if they can move comfortably in it. Shopping for colourful, trendy pet jackets can be fun but always remember, safety comes first!
Cover the pool with a safety pool cover during the off-season
Pool covers are a debatable issue when it concerns pool safety measures for pets. Pool covers that are too thin and flimsy may be more harmful than helpful. When you have pets at home you need a pool cover that’s well fitted, sturdy and can support your pet’s weight.
When pool owners use pool covers to keep the water warm and clean from debris during the off-season, the cover may gather leaves and debris making it look more like the ground. A pet walking over the pool cover may accidentally tumble into the pool if the material isn’t strong enough to hold some weight. Getting stuck or wrapped into a pool cover can be disorienting and scary for a pet. In such a case it almost becomes impossible for a pet to find its way out independently. While investing in a pool cover make sure it’s sturdy, durable, and strong enough to support your pet’s weight.
Conclusion
As much as pool safety is important for pool owners with pets, so is choosing the right pool that will be more comfortable for their pets. Fibreglass pools are more pet-friendly options as the durable gelcoat does not tear away or get punctured with dog or cat claws. In concrete pools, if the interior is finished with plaster, agate, or tiles, they may have a rough finish or hurt a dog’s joints. Sharp edges of concrete pools may also hurt your pet in case of accidental slips. As fibreglass pools are pre-fabricated in factories they have a smooth finish with no sharp edges.
Remember all dogs are not equal. Some love to swim and spend long hours inside the pool but some fret about the idea of entering the pool. Do not force your pet to enter the pool if they do not do it willingly. The chlorine in your pool will not hurt your pet if the swimming sessions are short and occasional. However, prolonged exposure to chlorine may irritate the eyes and skin of your dogs and cats.
Don’t worry, a little precaution and surveillance can keep your pet safe around the pool. No matter what type of pool you have at home, take a splash and enjoy it to the fullest with your pets.
Pools and pets, both make homes lively and more enjoyable. You are lucky if you have both at home. However, owning a pool and a pet brings many safety responsibilities. The safety measures to be taken may vary a little depending on the pets you have at home. While dogs are more attracted to water, cats usually like to stay away from pools. Indoor cats sometimes may feel adventurous, escape, and slip into the pool, resulting in accidental falls.
Some pets are natural swimmers while others may not be able to get out of the pool on their own unattended. Most dogs can at least do the so-called dog paddle in case they accidentally fall into the pool. Smaller pets like rabbits and guinea pigs may not be able to make it out of the pool on their own. Pets that stay indoors and in cages are mostly safe but what about the ones that venture outdoors? The best way to keep your pets safe is to raise your safety guard around the family pool. Some basic rules are required to be followed to avoid unwarranted tragedies.
Teach your pet pool manners and how to swim
This mostly goes for dogs. Your energetic puppy is most likely to be attracted to the pool, especially during the warm summer months. Some dogs simply love jumping into the pool and in that case, it becomes important to teach your dog how to swim. Your dog should also know where the steps are located so that he can walk out of the pool if he accidentally falls or gets tired. Teach your dog how to behave around the pool. Accidental falls into the swimming pool may sometimes make pets panicky and scared. Regular supervised swimming routines can ease the fear of water in pets. Pets that are too tiny and cannot use the pool steps should not be allowed into the pool. It is best to familiarise your pets with the pool area so that they learn to be more careful when around the pool.
Install a fence and an entry gate
Pool fences and an entry gate are some must-have safety precautions if you have pets at home. However, a broken latch or a forgetful pool user who does not close the gate can give your pet a chance to slip into the pool. A gate alarm can give you a heads-up in case your pet manages to push through the gate and enter the pool area. No matter if you own a fibreglass pool or a concrete pool, do remember to construct a suitable fence around it. Check the condition of the gate and the latch at regular intervals for timely repairs and upkeep. Also, install a pet-safe ladder so that your pet has easy access to exit from the pool. Most importantly, being vigilant never hurts! Do not allow your pets around the pool without adult supervision.
Install pool alarms and cameras
Pool alarms are a great way to keep you informed if your pet falls into your pool. Pet safety pool alarm systems are designed specifically to keep pets safe around a pool or any water body. There are a bunch of different alarm systems available in the market. A water immersion alarm designed with a wireless transmitter attached to a pet’s collar will alert you immediately when your pet jumps or falls into the pool water. Some other alarms start to ring when any movement in the pool water is detected. These devices are a great way to protect pets from tragic poolside accidents. Investing in collar alarms can also keep your pet safe when you go for a vacation by the lake.
It is not enough to just keep an eye on your pet when you are spending time with them at home. To ensure their safety you can also install cameras that you can access remotely when away from home. That way you can keep a tab on their whereabouts and call for help if you notice any accidental fall into the pool.
Invest in pet life jackets
Many families enjoy spending time with their pets in family pools. If your puppy is a novice, buy a life jacket for your canine friend. Your pet may love to take a dip in the pool and with a safety floatation device around them, you will have peace of mind. There are different designs available with grab handles, adjustable straps and leash attachments. The most important of all is to see if the life jacket fits your pet and if they can move comfortably in it. Shopping for colourful, trendy pet jackets can be fun but always remember, safety comes first!
Cover the pool with a safety pool cover during the off-season
Pool covers are a debatable issue when it concerns pool safety measures for pets. Pool covers that are too thin and flimsy may be more harmful than helpful. When you have pets at home you need a pool cover that’s well fitted, sturdy and can support your pet’s weight.
When pool owners use pool covers to keep the water warm and clean from debris during the off-season, the cover may gather leaves and debris making it look more like the ground. A pet walking over the pool cover may accidentally tumble into the pool if the material isn’t strong enough to hold some weight. Getting stuck or wrapped into a pool cover can be disorienting and scary for a pet. In such a case it almost becomes impossible for a pet to find its way out independently. While investing in a pool cover make sure it’s sturdy, durable, and strong enough to support your pet’s weight.
Conclusion
As much as pool safety is important for pool owners with pets, so is choosing the right pool that will be more comfortable for their pets. Fibreglass pools are more pet-friendly options as the durable gelcoat does not tear away or get punctured with dog or cat claws. In concrete pools, if the interior is finished with plaster, agate, or tiles, they may have a rough finish or hurt a dog’s joints. Sharp edges of concrete pools may also hurt your pet in case of accidental slips. As fibreglass pools are pre-fabricated in factories they have a smooth finish with no sharp edges.
Remember all dogs are not equal. Some love to swim and spend long hours inside the pool but some fret about the idea of entering the pool. Do not force your pet to enter the pool if they do not do it willingly. The chlorine in your pool will not hurt your pet if the swimming sessions are short and occasional. However, prolonged exposure to chlorine may irritate the eyes and skin of your dogs and cats.
Don’t worry, a little precaution and surveillance can keep your pet safe around the pool. No matter what type of pool you have at home, take a splash and enjoy it to the fullest with your pets.
