- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
There’s nothing like a refreshing swim on a hot summer day—and your dog may feel the same way. For dogs who will literally leap at the chance to paddle and splash, pools are generally a safe place for a swim. However, many public pools don’t allow pets, so chances are you’ll be taking your pup to a private pool in a friend’s backyard. In these situations, there are some pool rules to consider.
“Supervision and creating a safe swim experience applies for dogs new to the water as well as those who are confident swimmers,” says Laurie Rickert, owner of The Doggie Paddle, a swim club for dogs offering swim sessions, canine hydrotherapy, and dock diving.
Whether they’re swimming for physical therapy or just fun in the sun, your dog’s well-being should be the top priority when allowed access to a pool.
Tips for Pool Swimming with Dogs
If you have access to a pool, you’ll know very quickly if your dog likes to swim! “Swimming offers valuable benefits for nearly every dog, regardless of breed, age, or fitness level,” says Catherine Murphy, founder of The Puddle, a canine aquatics facility focused on providing a place for exercise, play, and injury recovery. “It enhances cardiovascular health, builds muscular strength, and supports overall physical well-being, without putting undue stress on the joints.”
If your dog is itching to spend their summer in the pool alongside you, these best practices can help keep them safe:
Always supervise
Even if your dog is comfortable and happy in the pool, it’s important to keep a watchful eye when they’re in the water. “Dogs can tire quickly or panic, especially if they aren’t strong swimmers,” says Murphy.
“Supervise your dog closely at all times, never leaving them unattended, and watch for signs of fatigue, hypothermia, or overheating, depending on the season and water temperature.”
Groom your dog before taking a swim
A dog and water might be a match made in heaven, but dog hair and a pool filter? Not so much. To avoid clogging your pool filter with fur and dirt, keep your dog well-brushed and bathed.
“Brushing your dog can help with hair in your filter,” says Rickert, “but this should be done 2 to 3 days before swimming as brushing right before can loosen hair that will end up in your pool.” If your dog goes swimming regularly, clean your filter often to ensure the pool pump stays in good shape.
Invest in a lifejacket
A dog-friendly lifejacket can aid your pet’s ability to float in the water comfortably and be a great tool for dogs who are still a little uncertain.
“In the pool, we always use properly fitted lifejackets, especially for beginners, senior dogs, or those with mobility issues,” says Murphy. “I recommend using a canine lifejacket, even for confident swimmers, particularly in open water and deeper pools or if the dog has health issues.”
Rickert adds that research to find the right lifejacket for your particular dog is crucial. “Make sure to get good measurements of their chest as well as their length if they are a long-bodied dog,” she says. “Dogs with heavier front ends, such as bully breeds, need more buoyancy in the front of the jacket. For durability, Ruffwear and Vivaglory lifejackets are my go-to brands. Outward Hound also has good options.”
Provide a ladder or ramp
A dog-friendly pool ramp is designed to help dogs exit the water safely while swimming with you, or after accidentally falling into the pool by themselves.
“Having a designated entry and exit by steps, ramp, or poolside platform can create an easy way for your dog to get in and out of the pool without struggling,” says Rickert. This safety measure can prevent injury and be life-saving!
Gradually introduce your dog to the water
A slow introduction to a pool can keep your dog relaxed as they swim for the first time. “Many people assume that all dogs are natural-born swimmers, but that’s a misconception,” says Rickert. “While some breeds are built for swimming, others struggle or even face danger in the water. Body structure, instinct versus skill, fear and anxiety, and physical limitations matter. It’s always best to introduce dogs to water gradually, provide support, and never assume they will instinctively swim well.”
At The Puddle, Murphy shares that dogs are encouraged to become familiar with the deck and their surroundings before starting a swim session. If your dog isn’t a natural swimmer, Murphy recommends finding a reputable swim facility where trained staff can help safely introduce them to the water.
Keep swim sessions at 5 to 10 minutes
While the pool might provide endless fun, it’s important to keep a time limit on how long your dog is in the water. “I recommend limiting swim time based on the dog’s fitness level,” says Murphy. “Start with 5–10 minutes and gradually build up. Avoid long, unmonitored play in the water.”
Not only will they need to take a break and hydrate due to physical exertion, but it’s important to provide frequent breaks to avoid heatstroke in the hot sun.
“For new swimmers, keep early sessions brief and gradually increase time as their comfort increases. It might feel like your dog can swim for hours, but I suggest having them take breaks if they don’t do this on their own,” Rickert adds.
Utilize a pool fence or cover
“Make sure your pool area is enclosed with a secure fence or barrier,” advises Rickert. “It can also be helpful to train your dog not to enter the pool without your supervision or a lifejacket for added safety.”
Pool fences block access to the pool to prevent your dog from jumping into the water. You might also consider a pool cover that seals entry to the water with a sturdy tarp flush with the ground.
Learn pet CPR
Learning basic dog Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can save your pet’s life! While it’s no fun to imagine a life-threatening situation happening to your pet, this skill is helpful in an emergency.
How Harmful Is Chlorine for Dogs?
Whether you have a backyard pool or plan to visit a dog-friendly swim facility like The Doggie Paddle or The Puddle, keeping an eye on the chlorine level is important. Consistent chlorine levels and a good filtration system are key to keeping algae and parasites at bay.
“If the chlorine level is appropriate, swallowing a little here and there is not detrimental to your dog,” Dr. Jordan Beauchamp, DVM, of GoodVets, notes.
“If they are allowed to drink large amounts of chlorine water, they are likely to develop gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and esophageal erosions. These are not typically life-threatening, but can leave your pet feeling crummy,” says. Dr. Beauchamp. A trip to the vet is recommended to ensure your pup recovers well.
“Be mindful of pools with high levels,” Murphy says. “I also suggest keeping fresh water on hand to discourage dogs from drinking pool water.”
How to reduce the risk of chlorine irritation
After a successful swim session, these easy steps will help rinse off chemicals and have your dog clean and ready to return to dry land:
- Rinse your dogs off with clean, fresh water after swimming in a pool
- Dry your dog’s ears with a soft towel to help prevent ear infections
- Watch out for signs of irritation or allergies
When adding chlorine to your own pool, Rickert recommends following the wait times on the labels. “Liquid chlorine and chlorine tablets can be harder to regulate. Make sure your chemicals are fully dispersed and follow the directions for the wait time to ensure it is safe to enter the water,” shares Rickert.
When to Avoid Swimming in Pools
While pools can be a great source of refreshment and relaxation, they can also breed harmful bacteria without proper maintenance.
If a pool looks too dirty for people to swim in, it’s likely not safe for your dog either. Even with supervision, there are certain scenarios where it’s best to keep your canine on dry land:
- Avoid bodies of water filled with dirt and algae
- Avoid swimming pools with water that hasn’t been treated or maintained
- Avoid swimming pools if your dog is keen on drinking pool water. You might consider alternative water activities like sprinklers, doggie splash pools, etc.
- If your dog doesn’t know how to swim, refrain from letting them jump into the pool on their own. Instead, consider introducing them to water at a dog swim facility with certified trainers.
“The quality of the water where your dog swims is extremely important,” says Murphy. Depending on the owner, indoor facilities may be kept clean more frequently than a private pool. At Murphy’s facility, their pool has a reliable UV sanitation system that inactivates over 99.9% of water pathogens.
The dangers of blue-green algae
According to Dr. Beauchamp, poorly-treated pool water can harbor a variety of algae and parasites. “The most common algae poisoning is from cyanobacteria,” she warns. “These blooms are most common in late summer and fall when warm temperatures and less rainfall cause stagnant water.”
Ingesting cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) can be life-threatening as it may damage your dog’s nervous system and liver. “If you’re concerned that your pet had a mild exposure, be sure to provide them with lots of fresh water. If they’ve ingested a substantial amount, or you notice progressive clinical signs, hospitalization may be required,” says Dr. Beauchamp.
Signs of blue-green algae poisoning include muscle rigidity, paralysis, tremors, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritated skin. Contact your vet right away if you notice these symptoms.
Can Dog Hair and Bacteria Damage a Pool?
Keeping your dog safe in the water is top priority, but it’s important to keep your pool safe from dog-related damage too. Dogs are not always cleaner than humans, which means swimming in a pool with a dog increases bacteria contamination.
To minimize the impact of wear and tear on your pool, try these tips:
- Clean pool filters regularly: Dog hair can easily clog and damage a filter, so frequent cleanings are a must! “It’s also helpful to keep your dog clean and groomed to help minimize the amount of hair getting into the filter,” says Rickert.
- Maintain balanced water levels: “Dogs increase the pH levels of pool water, as well as reduce the chlorine level,” Rickert says. Be consistent about monitoring these chemicals to keep a properly sanitized and safe swimming area.
- Be choosy about which pools your dog uses: Dog nails can quickly damage vinyl liner pools when getting in and out. Pools with softer lining are more susceptible to wear and tear than concrete pools, so it may not be worth letting your dog swim in a pool that could be easily punctured or scratched. “Most at-home pools do not. Tearing the liner is a huge risk of letting your dog into your own pool,” says Murphy.
With the right safety precautions and a well-maintained pool, your dog can safely enjoy the fun and healthy benefits of a refreshing swim this summer! Don’t have access to a pool
