Here’s a number that stopped me cold: roughly 5,000 dogs drown in pools every year. Most of those deaths are preventable. And the hard truth is that dogs don’t instinctively know how to swim — the dog paddle is a thing, but finding the ladder isn’t. So before you crack open the gate this summer, let’s walk through five pool safety tips that have saved my own clients’ dogs more than once.
Watch them, always , and teach the exit
Tip one is boring and it’s the most important one. Never leave your dog unsupervised near the pool. Not for “just a second” while you grab a drink. A dog that’s exhausted or panicked can slip under without a sound, and they can’t bark to get your attention.
What surprised me is how few owners realize their dog has genuinely never been taught how to get out. Dogs don’t understand pool steps or ladders by instinct. The American Kennel Club recommends teaching the exit on purpose, in shallow water, before they ever paddle in the deep end. Show them where the steps are. Praise them every single time they use them. Don’t assume it’ll just click.
And please don’t throw a dog into the water to “see if they like it.” A scared first-timer will panic, thrash, and tire in seconds.
The chlorine questions, answered straight
The biggest pool worry most owners have, the chlorine itself, is actually the least scary part. A properly maintained pool holds only about 1 to 3 parts per million of chlorine. That’s diluted enough that a splash or a few sips won’t hurt most dogs. The real danger sits in your shed: chlorine tablets and concentrated liquid. Those aren’t diluted, they’re corrosive, and ingestion can cause vomiting, drooling, and mouth ulcers. Store them sealed, high up, and out of paw’s reach, every single day.
That doesn’t mean chlorine is a free pass. Dogs that swim a lot can end up with dry, itchy skin or red eyes. The fix is easy, though, rinse them off with fresh water after every swim and towel out their ears. Moisture trapped in a floppy ear is basically a welcome mat for ear infections, and that’s the clinic visit nobody wants to make in July.
Gear that actually earns its place
Not every dog is a natural swimmer. Pugs, bulldogs, and short-legged breeds sink like anchors, and many older dogs lose the strength to tread water. A well-fitted dog life jacket closes that gap fast. I’ve found ones with a sturdy handle on top are worth their weight, since the handle lets you scoop a struggling dog straight out without wrestling. And if your dog swims in a lake or river, treat the life jacket as non-negotiable, not optional.
A pool fence is the other piece of kit that quietly saves lives. It keeps a wandering dog away from the water when nobody’s watching, which is exactly when accidents happen. Add a dog ramp or use the steps, and you’ve covered both the “getting out” and “staying out” problems at once.
Now, a word on what they drink. Pool water tastes great to a thirsty dog, but gulping too much can cause vomiting, and serious over-swallowing can lead to water intoxication, which is genuinely dangerous. Keep a bowl of fresh water right by the gate and refill it. In my experience, a dog with clean water in reach almost never sips the pool. It’s the simplest fix on this whole list.
Let’s be real: a dog cannonballing off the steps is one of the purest joys of summer. Keep these tips in your head and you get all the fun without any of the ER runs.
FAQ
Sources:
- American Kennel Club — akc.org
- American Veterinary Medical Association — avma.org
- PubMed (National Library of Medicine) — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Cat Play: Toys, Games, and Exercise
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian for medical concerns about your pet.