How to Keep Pets Safe Around a Pool

For most pet owners, keeping their pets safe is just as important as keeping their children safe. When it comes to pool safety, are you prepared to prevent your pets from drowning?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Pool Safety for Pets

1. Install a fence. Installing a fence around the perimeter of your pool is the first step that should be taken to prevent your pets, or any other animals, from accidentally falling in a swimming pool. It may even be required by law in your area. There are fences available for both in ground and above ground pools.
2. Use a pool alarm. Many pool supply companies will have various types of alarms available for pool safety. These alarms will let you know if the water is disturbed in your pool. There are several types to choose from, such as a floating alarm or one that can be installed directly onto your swimming pool.
3. Use a collar alarm. Another type of alarm available is one that can be attached to your pet's collar. If this device becomes submerged in water, the alarm will sound.
4. Install a pool ramp. A pool ramp, such as the Skamper-Ramp, allows pets and wild animals to escape the pool if no one is around to get them out. The ramp sits at eye level and is made so all animals can see it.
5. Use a life jacket. Look for life jackets that are designed for dogs. They work just like life jackets for humans, but are made specifically to fit a dog. They also come in various sizes.
6. Remove your ladder. If you have an above ground pool, consider removing the ladder so pets will not have access to the water while you are not around.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using several different preventative measures to keep you pets safe from accidental drowning.
• Even if you have trained your dog to use the stairs in an in-ground pool, keep in mind that these steps are submerged and it will be difficult for your pet to see, especially in a stressful situation.
• Even pets that can swim, such as dogs, can drown. If they have no way to get out of the water, they will eventually get too tired to stay afloat.