Swimming for Dogs: Benefits and Concerns
Puppies are lively and energetic, adult dogs have abundant vitality, and senior dogs tend to become frail. At every stage of life, dogs can benefit from exercising in the water. Swimming, highly recommended by veterinarians as an exercise for dogs, not only burns a lot of energy and helps them cool off on hot days, but also reduces the impact and damage to their joints during physical activity.
However, taking dogs to the beach frequently is not always feasible, since the high salt content of seawater can be problematic. This has led to the rise of dog swimming pools as a convenient alternative! On leisurely days, owners can bring their furry friends to spend an entire afternoon playing and swimming.
Yet, hidden within this enjoyment is an invisible concern. To keep the water clean, chlorine is commonly added to dog pools to reduce bacterial growth. Most people are well aware of the harmful effects chlorine can have on health. So, is the chlorine in swimming pools safe for dogs?
What Exactly Are the Effects of Chlorine on Dogs?
1. Chlorine Exposure and Its Effects on Dogs
When chlorine is inhaled, it releases a pungent and unpleasant odor. Dogs, having a sense of smell far more sensitive than humans, are naturally more affected by this smell. In environments with high concentrations of chlorine gas, dogs are more prone to developing allergic reactions in their upper respiratory tract, eyes, and other mucous membrane tissues.
2. Chlorine Absorption Through Skin and Its Effects
Chlorine can be absorbed through the skin: chlorine present in water is absorbed into the body when washing vegetables or taking a bath. When swimming in a pool, chlorine can also be absorbed through the skin of dogs that come into contact with the pool water.
This absorption causes the keratin in the hair to become acidic, damaging the epidermal layer. As a result, hair can break and fall out, leading to detrimental changes in the originally shiny coat and the skin's condition.
3. Chlorine Absorption Through Drinking Water
When dogs swim, it is inevitable that they may accidentally ingest chlorinated pool water. Drinking small amounts generally does not pose a risk. However, if a dog drinks a large quantity of pool water due to thirst or frequently plays in chlorinated pools, owners need to be more cautious.
Excessive chlorine can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, there is a risk of esophageal corrosion. Therefore, it is important to monitor how much chlorinated water your dog consumes and limit their exposure whenever possible to keep them safe and healthy.
How to Protect Your Dog from the Harmful Effects of Chlorine?
Such a great swimming exercise, how can you avoid the harmful effects of chlorine? Here's what you can do!
1. Creating a Personalized Pool at Home
You can easily create a pool anywhere by using a children's pool designed for play. This allows you to have a swimming area ready at any time, right at home. However, it is important to use filtered water for the pool. While tap water can be used, it contains chlorine, which poses some concerns. Fortunately, the chlorine levels in children's pools are much lower compared to those used in regular swimming pools for disinfection, making it safer to use.
Most children's pools are made of plastic, which makes them prone to damage, especially from dog claws. Therefore, if you plan to let your dog swim in the pool, it is recommended to have the dog wear paw protectors. This will help the pool last longer and keep your custom-made swimming area in good condition.
2. Choosing Chlorine-Free Dog Pools
More and more dog pools are recognizing the harmful effects of chlorine on dogs and are starting to opt for chlorine-free alternatives. These pools use "copper-silver ion sterilization filtration systems" to disinfect and keep the water clean and clear without employing chemical agents.
Pure copper and silver ions effectively sterilize the water, prevent scale buildup, and inhibit algae growth. This treatment results in water that has a light blue tint and is odorless, creating a skin-friendly environment that also enhances the softness of a dog's fur.
This method is a very safe and effective way to purify pool water, giving dog owners more peace of mind when their pets swim in such pools, like those offered at Dog Water World and similar facilities.
3. Rinsing Off Immediately After Swimming
If you have to choose a pool that uses chlorine for disinfection, try to pick an outdoor pool that gets plenty of sunlight. Chlorine evaporates when exposed to sunlight, which reduces the chlorine concentration and decreases skin irritation.
After swimming, it is important to wash your dog immediately. This helps to remove any chlorine residue left on their fur and prevents ongoing damage.
Taking Your Dog Swimming Safely
Do you want to take your dog swimming? Whether you create a pool at home or visit a pet-friendly swimming pool, you can make sure your dog has a great time without any health risks by paying close attention to chlorine levels.
Swimming is a fun and healthy activity for dogs, but chlorine in pools can sometimes cause irritation or harm if not managed properly. By monitoring and controlling the chlorine concentration, you can protect your dog's skin, eyes, and overall health while they enjoy the water.
So, go ahead and set up that backyard pool or plan a visit to a pet swimming facility! Just keep an eye on the chlorine, and your dog will be happily splashing around in no time.
