| Across the United States there are thousands of | | | | exposure. |
| swimming pools, some in ground, some above. | | | | If you own a pool and a dog, here are some |
| Every year dogs drown in these swimming pools. | | | | ways to prevent drowning: |
| Many dogs are attracted to water and can swim | | | | 1. First of all, be sure your dog knows how to |
| just fine. The problem comes when they can't | | | | swim, teaching her gradually and making it fun. |
| find their way out of the pool. | | | | 2. Be sure your dog knows where the steps are |
| There are also dogs such as bulldogs, pugs - dogs | | | | in the pool. This you will need to teach repetitively |
| with normal breathing problems because of their | | | | until you are sure she will swim there to exit the |
| short muzzles - who may inhale water into their | | | | pool. There are also pool ramps for dogs. The |
| lungs as they are thrashing about in the water. It | | | | main reason a dog drowns in a pool is from |
| is more difficult for them to keep their noses | | | | exhaustion due to trying to drag its water logged |
| above the water. | | | | body out in places along the edge where there |
| Most dogs seem to have a natural ability and | | | | are no steps or ramp. |
| instinct to swim, although it is best to gradually | | | | 3. Have secure fencing around your pool, making |
| teach them from puppy-hood. Never throw a dog | | | | it less likely a dog will fall in or access the pool |
| in a pool of water and expect it to swim. This can | | | | when no one is around. |
| cause panic and fear of water. Gently encourage | | | | 4. Provide a pool alarm system that will alert |
| a dog to wade into a body of water such as a | | | | anyone in the home to the accidental immersion |
| lake or a pool, being there to provide support and | | | | of a dog or child in the water. These can be |
| make the experience a fun thing. Never force a | | | | found online and are portable, lightweight and easy |
| dog to swim. Not all dogs like water. | | | | to operate. They can mean the difference |
| Swimming is good exercise for both humans and | | | | between life and death of a child or dog. |
| dogs. If you own a swimming pool and don't mind | | | | Hot summer days, kids, dogs and swimming pools |
| having dog hair in it, this is a good place for your | | | | just go together. There's nothing better than a |
| dog to enjoy a cool swim on a hot day and it is | | | | cool swim on a hot day, but just remember to |
| good therapy for dogs that can't do much walking | | | | always supervise and watch for signs of |
| because of arthritis or injury. But ALWAYS | | | | exhaustion in your dogs. They cannot tell us when |
| provide supervision when your dog is swimming in | | | | they are tired and some of them won't stop |
| your pool. Also, it is best to hose her off when | | | | "having fun" even when they are tired. It's up to |
| finished swimming to remove the chlorine which | | | | us as owners to protect our dogs from drowning |
| can dry out the hair and skin after prolonged | | | | and have a safe and enjoyable summer. |