Pool Safety for Pets

Several times per year we hear of pets drowning in swimming pools. We believe that we often overlook pool safety for our pets. Following are some pool safety tips for your pets (dogs are mentioned here because we most often hear of dogs drowning in pools):

1. Watch your dogs as you would your children when they are in the pool area. This might sound ridiculous, but not all dogs are able to take care of themselves when in the pool.
2. Have a water dish for your dog. Some people allow their dog to drink out of the pool. The water should not harm the dog, but if the dog falls in to the pool while trying to get a drink, the dog may become startled and be unable to recover.
3. Teach your dog how to get out of the pool. Most dog drownings in pools are because the dog does not know how to get out of the pool and simply swims around looking for an exit and wears itself out. There is a product that helps pets get out of pools-the product is basically a ramp that assists pets to get out of the pool. www.skamper-ramp.com
4. Although pet drownings do occur, an area often overlooked when it comes to pools and pets are the chemicals used in the pool. Be sure to keep the lids tight on all chemical containers and clean up any chemical spills to prevent accidents with the family pet.

Pools and pets are both important parts of the family, and they can coexist if we are careful and pay attention when they are in the pool area.