Pet Safety Around Hot Tubs and Pools: 25 Key Tips

Everyone talks about being safe around the pool with your children, the elderly, and so on. But there are not very many articles written on basic pet safety around your pool or hot tub. Here are 25 great pointers on being pet safe around any hot tub or pool. If you have any questions about safety around your hot tub or pool, please feel free to ask us for help.

• Supervise Pets at All Times: Never leave pets unattended around a hot tub or pool, as they may accidentally fall in or become trapped.
• Teach Pets to Swim: Introduce your pet to water gradually and ensure they are comfortable swimming, but never assume all pets can swim.
• Use a Pet Life Jacket: Fit your pet with a properly sized life jacket to help keep them afloat, especially if they are new to swimming or are small breeds.
• Provide an Easy Exit: Install pet-friendly ramps or steps in the pool to allow pets to exit safely on their own.
• Secure Pool and Hot Tub Covers: Use heavy-duty, securely anchored covers to prevent pets from accidentally falling into a covered pool or hot tub.
• Train Pets to Avoid the Water: Teach pets to stay away from the pool or hot tub area unless accompanied by an adult.
• Fence Off the Pool Area: Install a pet-proof fence around the pool to prevent unsupervised access.
• Keep Chlorine and Chemicals Safe: Store pool and hot tub chemicals in a secure, pet-proof area to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Rinse Pets After Swimming: Rinse pets with fresh water after swimming in a pool or hot tub to remove chlorine or other chemicals from their fur and skin.
• Monitor Water Temperature: Do not allow pets in a hot tub, as the high water temperatures can cause overheating, dehydration, or burns.
• Designate Pet-Free Zones: Create specific areas where pets are not allowed, especially around hot tubs and pool equipment.
• Check for Hypothermia: Monitor pets for signs of hypothermia, such as shivering or lethargy, especially in colder water or after long swims.
• Watch for Overheating: Ensure pets have access to shade and fresh drinking water, and watch for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting or drooling.
• Secure Drains and Skimmers: Ensure that all pool drains, filters, and skimmers have secure covers to prevent pets from becoming trapped or injured.
• Avoid Saltwater Pools for Pets: Be cautious with saltwater pools, as salt can be harmful if ingested in large quantities and may irritate a pet's skin or paws.
• Teach Pets Pool Safety Commands: Train pets to respond to commands like “stay,” “come,” and “out” to help manage their behavior around water.
• Keep Water Bowls Nearby: Provide fresh water bowls around the pool area to prevent pets from drinking chlorinated pool or hot tub water.
• Avoid Fetch Toys Near the Pool: Do not throw toys or balls near the water to discourage pets from jumping in unexpectedly.
• Inspect the Pool Area for Hazards: Regularly check for broken glass, sharp objects, or other hazards that could harm a pet's paws.
• Limit Access During Cleaning: Keep pets away from the pool or hot tub while cleaning or adding chemicals to avoid accidental exposure.
• Know Pet CPR: Learn how to perform pet-specific CPR and first aid in case of a water-related emergency.
• Dry Ears Thoroughly: Dry your pet’s ears thoroughly after swimming to prevent infections, especially for breeds prone to ear issues.
• Provide a Break Area: Set up a comfortable rest area away from the water where pets can relax and stay safe.
• Recognize Pool Exhaustion Signs: Watch for signs that your pet is tired or struggling in the water, such as decreased swimming speed or difficulty keeping their head above water.
• Maintain Regular Vet Check-Ups: Ensure your pet is in good health for swimming activities, as underlying health issues could increase the risk of water-related accidents.