Pet Hospital health records indicate swimming pools are dangerous for pets. An untrained animal will probably head for the nearest edge of the pool to get out, but slippery pool walls do not offer an easy exit. Panic can quickly ensue and lead to exhaustion. Barking may be difficult for a dog in the water, making it tough for them to cry for help. Pools with a vinyl liner offer no grip for the animal, and vertical ladders are nearly impossible for pets to climb. A solar blanket can both entice a pet, e.g., to chase a bird, and entrap it.
- Never leave pets unattended around a pool.
- Fence your pool with a secure gate, and never leave your pet inside the fenced pool area unsupervised.
- Make sure pets can get out of the pool. If a dog jumps or falls in and doesn’t know how to get out without help, it may panic and drown.
- Not all pets are excellent swimmers, so if water is a big part of your family life, introduce pets to water gradually.
- Try not to let pets drink pool water. Chlorine and chemicals used to keep pools free of algae and contaminants can cause pet health problems, such as dry mouth or gastric distress.
- Be mindful of pet swimming precautions and consider safety products available to ensure your pet’s safety.
- Life jackets are available for all sizes of animals.
Recently we talked with Scott Waldo, president of Platinum Pools, and we discussed the lack of attention the family pet receives when a homeowner is deciding on a new pool. Very rarely do they think of the family dog as another reason to consider safety around or at the pool. The process is full of a lot of decisions such as tile or color or design and the family pet is usually an afterthought.
In the nine years since Platinum Pools has opened its doors, they have grown to be one of the largest pool builders in the country. In this short span, they have opened 5 construction offices throughout the great state of Texas and were recently voted the #1 builder in the state in an online poll. Scott recently designed a pool in his own backyard to accommodate just that effect. Proud owners of a miniature Yorkie, Scott understood that the size of his pet would cause concerns should she fall in. So he designed a pool that included a ledge completely around the pools edge that LaLa could enjoy the cool waters and time with the family, but also easily get out of the pool when she decided. In the process, Scott has now got himself a new pool cleaner, “If she sees a leaf in the pool, she will jump in and take it out. Then she’s right back in and looking for another.” The most amazing aspect of this design is that it fit perfectly with the style of the pool and looked as if it should have been there regardless of the need. Scott also pointed out that there are many other safety features that can be added to the pool to ensure pet safety that do not necessarily have to be part of the initial design.
Some of these products include the Loop-Loc Baby-Loc fencing. BABY-LOC removable fencing is a convenient, cost effective additional layer of protection to help deter pets from gaining access to a swimming pool. Baby-Loc is also the perfect choice for a raised deck or dock. This fence can easily be taken down and reattached in minutes and can provide safety for children and pets alike. This also would not alter the design of your pool and would make it a eye catcher for future residents should you relocate and sell the home. (contact your local swimming pool store for more information)
Another idea could be a pool alarm. SRSmith produces an alarm that is solar powered and can be linked with various additions to increase safety at a door or gate as well. Whether splashing around or floating along, your pool provides hours of enjoyment for your family and friends. However, it can be a potentially perilous place for unattended children and pets. The PoolSonix Pool Alarm from SRSmith is a great fit for your pet’s safety and does not intrude onto the design of the pool or the overall effect that your backyard is striving to achieve.
One of the most amazing new safety devices for swimming pools has to be the Skamper-Ramp. This easy to install, and uninstall, safety device is prefect for any type of animal including wild animals that may get into the pool. This simple white, hi-tech plastic ramp attaches to the deck of the pool, walled pond, and many more possibilities. Because all living beings see white, animals can see it—day or night—and they “skamper” out of the water on the ramp by themselves! The Skamper-Ramp is the only patented, award-winning water escape ramp that can protect your pet from drowning by allowing the pet to get out of the water on their own. It has the seal of approval from the American Pet Association as a humane safety device that makes life easier for your pets and their owners. (You can purchase a Scamper Ramp at Natural Pawz)
Safety for your pet around water should be a concern and acting upon it only ensures that your pet will be safe and still be able to enjoy life.
