Summer is upon us and the temperatures are rising. Many pet owners in Southern California have the luxury of a swimming pool. Pets enjoy being in and near cool water when it is warm outside. Other pets are merely curious to what the large body of water is in their backyard. Here are a few precautions and tips to keep your pets safe and put your mind at ease when it comes to water play.
Some pets swim well in the water while others were just not made to be successful swimmers. Even strong swimmers can tire and start to panic when they cannot find a way to land. Any pet owner with a pool should have a fence or barrier around the pool not just a cover. Plastic covers can be mistaken for a walking surface and pets can get stuck. Lastly, curious puppies or kittens may wander towards a swimming pool, fall in and not know how to get out.
Many products are on the market to promote pool safety for pets. Having an alarm set for when doors and gates open let you know who is near the pool. There are also safety collars designed to alarm as soon as the collar is submerged in water. The collar also sends owners a notification. If a pet was to fall into a pool that did not have stairs to exit, a floating ramp is a good accessory to purchase. Lastly, when any pet is swimming under supervision, a life vest will keep your pet buoyant when he does tire.
If you have questions about pool safety, or an emergency regarding the pool give us a call: AV Veterinary Center 661-729-1500, All Creatures Veterinary Center 661-291-1121, or Canyon Country Veterinary Hospital 661-424-9900.