July 11th is National Swimming Pool Safety Day!
As the weather warms up, its time to cool off in the swimming pool. Backyard pools provide lots of family fun and entertainment. However, they also come with their share of hazards for our pets.
Checkout these tips for your dogs while hanging around the pool!
- Teach your Dog to Swim - In addition to teaching your dog to swim, make sure they know how to get out of the pool. If you need to, enlist the help of a dog trainer. They can handle your dog's fear of water and teach him/her swimming basics.
- Buy a Dog Life Vest - Life vests are great for dogs that will never be great swimmers. Vests provide extra safety so that your dog can stay afloat and remain highly visible. Even with a life vest, NEVER leave your dog unattended.
- Learn Dog CPR - Being able to properly administer artificial respiration and CPR on a dog is vital in any emergency.
- Fence Your Pool - A pool fence/enclosure is a great option if you have a dog that spends most of his/her time in the backyard. There are fencing options that keep your pool looking spectacular and your pets safe.
- Have Fresh Water Available for your Dog - Do not let your dog drink the pool water and have fresh water available to keep your dog hydrated. After your dog is done swimming, rinse him/her off with fresh water. This removes chlorine and other chemicals that can be harmful.
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