When you’re thinking about pool safety, where does your pet fit into the picture?
You’ve seen the dog memes of a beloved pet—complete with sunglasses no less—lounging on a comfy raft as he floats around the pool, right? Or what about the ones where the dog comes bolting out of the house charging straight toward the water…
Whether they’re catching some rays or fanatic about swimming, those guys are living the life for sure! If your pet is into pool time, have you taken precautions to make sure they can enjoy their time in the water safely?
We’ve put together some tips to help make that job easier.
Risk of pets drowning on the rise
Around 5,000 family pets drown in backyard swimming pools every year—actually that number is sure to be even higher now because that’s a 2014 statistic. Backyard pools are becoming the norm in many portions of the country—especially when you include above-ground pools in the mix.
You can reduce the risk of that ever happening to your precious pup by taking a few simple precautions.
Install additional safety features
Lots of people take the old adage, “better safe than sorry” to heart when it pertains to the swimming pool.
You’re more than likely one of them.
Have you already installed these safety features for added protection against a drowning accident?
• Pool enclosures and fencing—These features keep your pet from falling—or plunging—into the pool when they go outside. Providing a barrier between your pets and the swimming pool helps you maintain a safe environment at all times.
• Gutter guards—A gutter guard is an important safety feature for people and pets too! At best, an open gutter is a fall hazard, however, in the case of small children and pets, there’s a risk that they could become entrapped.
• Pool ramps—If you’re pool doesn’t have a wide set of steps leading into the water, your pet may not be able to exit the pool on their own. Pool ramps install at the edge of the pool and provide the assistance your dog needs to exit the water without help.
• Pool alarms—Some state and local governments require pool owners to install pool alarms. Even if it’s not mandated, the majority of pool owners—especially those with young children—invest in a good pool alarm. Most of them activate if anything heavier than 17 pounds hits the water.
• Safety covers—Pool covers stretch tightly across the pool and anchor at the sides preventing your pet from falling into the pool. They can be purchased in mesh or a solid material depending on your preference.
Keeping them afloat
Don’t depend on his favorite raft to keep him safe while he’s in the pool because accidents happen in an instant. consider getting your dog a doggie life jacket. Your pet will grow accustomed to wearing it quickly.
Manufacturers gauge the jackets according to size and weight.
Performing CPR—on your pet
Our pets are part of the family and when an emergency arises, it can be hard to stay focused. If the unthinkable happens and your dog needs CPR, will you know what to do?
Being prepared allows you to react with confidence rather than wringing your hands and falling into a state of panic. The Red Cross offers an actual class to teach you how to do CPR on your pet.
They also list the following steps to perform CPR on your dog or cat on their website.
- Check for breathing and a heartbeat. If you don’t see your pet’s chest moving and can’t find a pulse, begin CPR chest compressions.
- Begin chest compressions. Place your hands on your pet as follows:
- For cats, small dogs, and deep-chested dogs, place the heel of one of your hands directly over the pet’s heart and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
- If you have a deep-chested dog, place the heel of one hand over the widest part of the chest and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
- For barrel-chested dogs, place the dog on its back, place one hand over the widest part of the sternum, and place your other hand directly over the first hand. Lock your elbows and make sure your shoulders are directly above your hands.Then, push hard and push fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, compressing 1/3 to 1/2 the width of your pet’s chest. Make sure the chest comes back fully (recoils) before compressing again. Perform 30 chest compressions.
- Give rescue breaths. To give rescue breaths, gently close the pet’s mouth and extend his neck to open the airway. Cover your pet’s nose with your mouth and exhale until you see the pet’s chest rise. Give a second rescue breath.
- Continue the CPR cycle, 30 compressions and, then, 2 rescue breaths, until your pet begins breathing again on its own.
- Check for breathing and pulse every 2 minutes.
- Continue CPR until you reach a veterinary hospital.
Wrapping it up
Having a backyard pool is an amenity that more and more homeowners decide is a worthy investment.
And, they’re right!
Swimming pools are the perfect gathering spot for family and friends. They’re a huge responsibility too. Make sure that you have your pool safety precautions in place before anyone ever sticks a toe in the water.
It’s the best way to ensure a happy, healthy summer for the entire family… pets included!
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