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Goodbye hot girl summers—hello pool dog festivities! This heaty time of the year is best spent in the comfort of your backyard (or a friend’s), especially if your cool canine is prone to overheating. So for the days when laying by a pool sounds more appealing than embarking on an untested trail, throw a dog pool party!
Noted by Pinterest as a 2023 trend prediction, do-it-yourself backyard dog pool parties (or pawties) increased by 490% in search. Mini-pools, on the other hand, increased by 830%. These searches sent us scouring TikTok, online stores, and our own inventory of goods to pull together a set-up no pup can resist.
Of course, the best pool party is also the safest one. Many of our product recommendations take into account the blistering heat (and also photo ops for your dog to send to Grams). We’ll also cover tips and tricks to make sure your pup ends the day loving water more than they thought they could.
Pool Party Newbie Trick: Baby Pools for Dogs
Nicole Ellis, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Rover Pet People Panelist, advises shallow water areas for dogs who don’t like to swim. “It’s important to think about what your dog will enjoy and use the most. It’s also important to be sure your dog has an access point(s) they can easily find and get out of, and remember to use materials that won’t easily get punctured by dog nails,” she says.
So when it comes to pools for pups who aren’t huge swimmers, our favorite trick is this: get a pool meant for human babies. Many of them are made to be shallow, provide shade and stability, and offer maximum durability, since a tiny human will be sitting in it. Our social media manager, Amber Christensen, got the Sunnylife Covered Shark Kiddy Pool, which makes her Boston Terrier, Olive, look super cool.
“Generally, dog pools are not inflatable these days, so this one had a little more setup, but it was easy,” Amber says. “I did have to go out and get nozzle tips ($2), but once I had them, it took me about five minutes to manually inflate it with my bike pump.”
Olive jumped in and out of the pool and even used it as a giant water bowl. “Anyone who has a small, or older dog who is gentle, and wants a place to chill would be good for this pick,” Amber says. She does note that baby pools may not hold up to big overly active dogs or dogs with huge nails who like to thrash. Looking for pools that do hold up? These dog swimming pools have passed the test.
For the Dogs Who Are Swim Pros
If you have a pool your dog already likes to jump into, then all you might need are dog life jackets, dog water toys, and floaties. A life jacket is critical if you’re planning to spend all day by the pool or a lake. And not all life jackets are the same! For example, dogs with short snouts will benefit from a front flotation pad to help keep their head above water.
And surprisingly, dog-specific water toys are important for your furry mermaid. Traditional toys that aren’t made for water can become a choking hazard, while water-specific toy can encourage different types of water play and gentle exercise. Still, you’ll want to take the toys out while your dogs aren’t swimming. “Always take pool toys out after waterplay since they can attract harmful bacteria when left sitting in the pool,” says Ellis.
As for dog floaties, we rounded up the most nail-resistant beds for the pups who like to chill without doing any of the paddling work. These dogs are ones who are ready to take the plunge when they need to but also aren’t scared of swimming. Our favorite? The SwimWays Paddle Paws raft, which was admittedly a bit of a hassle to inflate but worth the effort.
Safety note for swimmers
Dogs who are swimming should have their meal after they swim or four hours before they start swimming. This is to avoid bloat (an ER-worthy condition) and potty accidents that may ruin the fun for everyone.
Ellis also recommends a good clean-up if you have a DIY pool or an actual swimming pool dogs can play in. “Brushing your dog prior to swimming will help remove loose fur and dirt before they jump into the water,” she says. It should go without saying that you should also clean the water after each dog swim, which is also why we recommend dog-specific pools instead of shared ones.
“If you opt to build a chlorine pool, always check the levels to make sure you aren’t using too much. Chlorine is considered safe for dogs as long as you stay within the recommended amount for your pool size; using too much can be dangerous to your dog’s sensitive eyes, ears and skin,” says Ellis.
A Good Settle: An Elevated Bed—Or a Photoshoot-Worthy Chaise
Last thing you need is a wet dog in your lap. So give your dog a chaise of their own. Amber discovered the KidKraft Wooden Outdoor Double Chaise when browsing TikTok. This viral item has made rounds after someone bought it, thinking it was for adults, before realizing that it was the perfect size for dogs.
“There’s nothing like this for dogs, but when you look at the reviews for this product, you can tell so many people buy it for their dogs! Just look at the photos!” Amber says.
The chaise did take her more than an hour to assemble, though, so if you’re more of a function-over-aesthetics person, opt for an elevated or outdoor dog bed. Elevated dog beds are more likely to also keep your dog cool, thanks to the breeze that can blow by underneath. Elevated beds are also preferred for large dogs, as the chaise is not sturdy enough for excitable antics over 80 pounds.
Going for a fun photoshoot look with your small dogs? The chaise may be worth the memories. But if you don’t want the hassle of storing and upkeep, then opt for an elevated dog bed that can last multiple summer parties.
Cool Down Recipes: Slushies, Shakes, and Dog Pops
Us pet parents may already have a drink or two in mind, but don’t forget about the dogs. They don’t just have to drink water. Here at Rover, we have many bespoke summer ice lick recipes for dogs. Arguably for some of these, you could double the recipe and split the other half for yourself in a blender with some sweetener or juice! (Just be clear when making these which ones are for you and which ones are for the dog!)
Here are four blended summer slushies to try:
And getting ahead of the safety note below: Avoid alcohol during this party, especially if you have your friends’ dogs over or new puppy friends. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you’re not able to adequately supervise your pups.
Last But Not Least: Heat Safety Tips
It’s best to know the signs of heatstroke in dogs so that you don’t need to rush to the emergency vet. Check the forecast before you plan your party and also on the day of to make sure it’s safe for your dog. Then remember the common signs of heatstroke, which can include:
- Heavy panting
- Rapid and/or difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Lack of coordination
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- A deep red or purple colored tongue or gums
- Seizure
- Unconsciousness or collapse
- Excessive drooling/salivation
A pool may help combat and deter heatstroke from developing, but this also varies by climate. Chances are if water droplets are evaporating immediately upon hitting the ground, it’s too hot for your dog—and maybe even you.
Now you know how to throw a pool party for dogs. For the invitations, we’ll leave that to you.