By Vee Cecil, Guest Blogger

Pool Safety

For many families, the summer is the perfect time to get a puppy. Often, our work schedules are a little more relaxed and with the kids out of school, there are some extra helping hands to smooth the transition.
But even with the extra help, anyone who’s ever cared for a puppy knows what a handful they can be. It seems they live to get into anything and everything that they shouldn’t. And in the summer, with pools open for business, there are even more dangers to keep you on your toes.
The pool is definitely a high-risk area for an energetic, curious puppy. If you’re planning on having your pup by the pool, be aware of possible mishaps and take steps to prepare for them in advance. Here are a few tips to help you do so.

Key Safety Tips
- Don’t assume that your dog can swim.
- Puppy-proof your house and yard.
- Keep your dog hydrated and in the shade.
- Learn dog CPR.

Know That not All Puppies are Natural Swimmers

Because of the term “doggie paddle,” I think we often assume that all dogs can swim. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. As Amy Shojai on About.com explains in her article on puppy drowning, a dog’s ability to swim really depends on the breed. So, don’t assume your puppy will instantly be able to swim if he or she falls or leaps into the pool. The article notes that puppies are at an especially high risk for drowning because of their “inexperience, curiosity and fearlessness.” Be sure to keep a close eye on your puppy and be ready to lend a helping hand when they take their first plunge into the pool.

Puppy-Proof the Pool Area

We’ve all heard of baby-proofing a home to protect babies and toddlers from possible accidents in the home. So, why not do something similar to protect our puppies from trouble? The House Breaking Bible.com provides great advice on how to puppy-proof your house and yard. For example, if you have a fence around your pool, be sure the gate is self-closing. That way it is less likely to be left open for your puppy to sneak in.

Also be sure to puppy-proof the area where you keep your pool chemicals and other household products. As the In the Swim Pool Blog guide to pool chemicals shows, many of the chemicals that are effective to clean your pool are also toxic. If not stored properly, the fumes they release are dangerous for people of all ages but can be especially dangerous for children and animals.

Make Sure Your Puppy Takes a Break in the Shade

Temperatures soar in the summer, and while taking a dip can be a great way for your puppy to cool off, Bark Post.com stresses the importance of taking steps to keep them cool outside the pool as well. As the article advises, make sure your puppy has a shady place to sit and is staying hydrated in the summer heat.

Learn Dog CPR

If an accident does happen, you’ll want to be able to act fast. Dogs can be resuscitated using CPR just as humans can. But you must know how to do it successfully and which method to use based on your dog’s weight. Pet MD.com provides CPR instructions for dogs weighing less than 30 pounds and for dogs weighing more than 30 pounds. Read through the instructions and post them near your pool so that you can act fast.

Puppies are happy and energetic, and those are certainly qualities their owners should take time to enjoy. But that energy can get your puppy in trouble in the blink of an eye. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure you and your puppy have a fun-filled summer.

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Vee Cecil lives in Kentucky and loves sharing her passion for wellness through her recently-launched blog. She is also a wellness coach, personal trainer, and bootcamp instructor.