The weather is warming up, and the sun is out! You know what that means... It's pool party time! I'm sure you're like me and want to include your pets in your summer activities. Why not set up a pool party and invite your dogs? If your friends have dogs who enjoy water, invite them too! But first, make sure you follow these three tips to help keep everyone safe around water this summer.

Introduce Water Gradually

Not all pets are natural swimmers, so it's important to introduce them to water gradually. Start with shallow areas or kiddie pools, allowing them to get comfortable and build confidence. Use positive reinforcement and treats to create a positive association with water. Most dogs will not take to the water right away, so it is important to be patient. Start slowly and make it fun! It's not going to happen in one day. Begin with a few minutes each day or a few times a week to get them used to being wet and splashing around in the water. The most important thing is to make it a positive experience and reward them with treats or their favorite toy.

Once they are comfortable being wet and splashing around, you can move on to the next step of slightly deeper water. Gradually encourage them to venture into deeper water as they continue to have fun. As they progress, always prioritize safety.

Safety First

Just like humans, pets need to be supervised while swimming. Ensure that your pool or swimming area is secure and never leave your pet unattended. A secure pool area should have a fence around it that prevents children and pets from entering.

Consider using a life jacket specifically designed for pets, especially if they are new to swimming or have difficulty staying afloat. Life jackets are available on Chewy, Amazon, Petsmart, Petco, and other pet-related websites, as well as your local pet store. Dogs with round bodies and short legs may struggle to stay afloat, so make sure they have a life jacket.

All of my dogs started with a life jacket and eventually progressed to swimming without one once I was confident in their ability to navigate the pool and find the steps to exit. They are always monitored while in the pool area, and the gate is locked when we are not present to keep them out. Since my dogs have grown to love the pool, we are extra vigilant about their safety and keeping the pool gate secure, otherwise they would be in the pool all day. Safety has to come first so they have many more days of fun ahead of them.

After all the fun, remember to rinse and dry off your dog to prevent dry skin or infections.

Rinse and Dry

After swimming, rinse your pet with fresh water to remove chlorine or saltwater, which can irritate their skin. Dry their ears thoroughly to prevent infections, as moisture can lead to bacterial growth and ear infections. Many people use ear cleaners with evaporating properties to clean out their pet's ears after each pool day. Check with your veterinarian to see which brand they prefer.

You can use a beach towel to help dry off your pet, as it will help them dry quicker compared to air drying in the sun. If your pet has a long coat, consider brushing it to prevent tangles or mats.

Above all, remember to have fun with your pet. They enjoy participating in the same activities as you, which provides them with lots of enrichment. The bond between the two of you will become even stronger. Introducing them to the water slowly and using positive reinforcement will build their confidence and trust in you. Keeping their safety in mind further strengthens that trust. Lastly, taking care of them after the fun has ended will ensure they stay healthy, happy, and eagerly look forward to the next pool day!

More Water Activities

Pool days are just one summer fun activity you can do with your pets. For more ideas, check out the Dog Photo Challenge Water Edition digital download from my other website CritterDigital.com. You can download the photo challenge and post on social media the fun you have completing each task. Remember to stay safe and have fun!

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