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On warm days spent outdoors, it’s not uncommon to catch your dog lapping up a bit of pool water. But is it safe for dogs to drink pool water? Here’s what to know if you find your pup consuming chlorine.
Is Pool Water Safe for Dogs to Drink?
If your dog drinks a small amount of pool water, don’t panic. Chances are your pup will be perfectly fine, especially if your pool’s chlorine levels are at a safe balance. Most swimming pools have a low chlorine level and therefore the water in them won’t usually be harmful to dogs in small amounts.
That said, anything in excess can be a problem. If your dog drinks too much chlorinated water, this can cause irritation, which may lead to vomiting and esophagus erosion.
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You may think the less chlorine, the better, right? Think again. Pool water can be dangerous if the chlorine levels are too high or too low. Untreated pool water can contain algae, parasites, and other bacteria. If you find you need to do a chemical shock to rebalance the pool, make sure to keep your dog away until the balance is safe.
One alternative to chlorine is bromine, which is more expensive but safer overall for pets.
The biggest toxic concerns are with chlorine tablets themselves. Make sure to store these in a safe place where your dog cannot access them.
How to Stop Dogs Drinking Pool Water
If you find your dog drinking swimming pool water frequently, here are steps to take.
- Make sure your dog has easy access to fresh water in a nearby bowl. If your dog seems disinterested in their water bowl, you might try an affordable pet drinking fountain that rotates water.
- Monitor for signs of overheating, dehydration, and heatstroke.If you’re out swimming, chances are it’s pretty warm outside.
- If your pet continues to lap up pool water, take them inside for a break.
- Use basic obedience training to redirect your dog, excite them with a new toy, or call them to their place (away from the pool).
Symptoms of Water Intoxication in Dogs
What if my dog drinks too much water? Although rare, water intoxication in dogs can happen when a dog drinks too much too quickly, no matter the source of the water.
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Symptoms of water intoxication include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Bloating
- Loss of coordination (including stumbling, falling, or staggering)
- Restlessness
- Drooling
- Pale gums
- Dilated pupils
- Glazed eyes
If your dog is showing any of these signs, call your veterinarian and take your dog in as soon as possible.
What About the Beach?
If your dog swallows a few mouthfuls of salt water while playing at the beach, they may suffer diarrhea. More than that, and it could be fatal. Drinking too much salt water could lead to saltwater poisoning (also known as saltwater toxicosis). The best thing you can do is to make sure your dog has access to fresh water and is consuming plenty of it. Symptoms of saltwater poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and seizures. If you notice any odd behaviors after a day at the beach, call your vet immediately.
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Lakes and ponds also present dangers. Blue-green algae poisoning has been known to kill dogs who simply go for a swim and swallow water while playing. This bacteria is found in non-flowing fresh water during hot seasons. Blue-green algae can also grow in backyard ponds or swimming pools if they aren’t taken care of.
The bottom line is that you should not let your dogs drink directly from swimming pools, beaches, ponds, or lakes. If you suspect your dog has had a drink from toxic water, rinse them off, give them plenty of fresh water, call your vet, and monitor them for any changes.
As a seasoned expert in veterinary care and animal well-being, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in addressing the various nuances of pet health. Having worked closely with veterinarians and pet owners alike, I aim to provide comprehensive insights into the safety concerns associated with dogs drinking pool water, along with a broader understanding of related concepts.
Let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
1. AKC Affiliate Advertising Programs:
The article opens with a disclosure about the American Kennel Club (AKC) participating in affiliate advertising programs. This is a common practice where websites earn advertising fees by promoting products and earning a commission on sales generated through their affiliate links. It's essential to be aware of such affiliations to understand the potential bias in the information presented.
2. Safety of Dogs Drinking Pool Water:
The primary focus of the article is on the safety of dogs consuming pool water. It emphasizes that small amounts of pool water, especially with balanced chlorine levels, are generally safe for dogs. However, excessive ingestion can lead to irritation, vomiting, and esophagus erosion.
3. Chlorine Levels in Pool Water:
The article stresses the importance of maintaining appropriate chlorine levels in swimming pools. Both high and low chlorine levels can pose risks. Untreated pool water may contain harmful elements like algae, parasites, and bacteria. Additionally, it suggests an alternative to chlorine—bromine—which is considered safer for pets but comes at a higher cost.
4. Toxicity Concerns with Chlorine Tablets:
A cautionary note is provided about the potential toxicity of chlorine tablets. Storing them securely is advised to prevent dogs from accessing them, emphasizing the importance of pet safety around chemicals.
5. Preventive Measures:
The article offers practical steps to prevent dogs from drinking pool water excessively. These include ensuring easy access to fresh water in a bowl, using pet drinking fountains, monitoring signs of overheating, and employing basic obedience training to redirect dogs away from the pool.
6. Water Intoxication in Dogs:
The piece touches upon the rare but serious issue of water intoxication in dogs, which can occur when they drink excessive water rapidly. It lists symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, bloating, and loss of coordination, underscoring the importance of prompt veterinary attention.
7. Risks Beyond Pools:
The article broadens its scope to include risks associated with dogs ingesting water from other sources, such as beaches, lakes, and ponds. It highlights the dangers of saltwater poisoning at the beach and the potential for blue-green algae poisoning in non-flowing fresh water.
8. Cautionary Recommendations:
The article concludes with a clear directive not to let dogs drink directly from swimming pools, beaches, ponds, or lakes. If toxic water ingestion is suspected, it advises rinsing the dog, providing fresh water, contacting a vet, and closely monitoring the pet for any adverse effects.
In summary, my expertise underscores the importance of responsible pet care, considering various environmental factors that can impact a dog's health and well-being.
