Do You Need A Dog Pool This Summer? We asked an expert

Ah, summer. The season we’ve all been waiting for — the time when we can swap out our dog’s coat and shoes for bare feet and baby mice. But as temptation mounts, it can be hard to keep our dogs happy and safe in the summer heat. That’s when dog pools can come in handy, providing a great option to cool down — especially if you don’t live near a body of water.

But do you need a dedicated dog pool, or is a kid’s pool enough? And can your dog’s pool provide more than just splashing around for fun? To find out, we took a deep dive into the world of dog tanks. We also interviewed Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) Audrey Nett of Audible about the pros and cons of swimming pools for your dog.

Benefits of swimming pools for dogs

Dog Pool as a Safety Tool — More than Just a Fun Time

Dog pools aren’t just fun; they’re also surprisingly good safety tools for a variety of reasons.

First, there’s the protection they provide against dog has a cold and heat exhaustion – the dangers of the summer months are often overlooked. Our dogs can’t change their habitat, so it’s up to us as pet parents to create a cool, safe space for our kids. Going to the pool helps dogs control their body temperature on particularly hot days.

Dog pools can also be a valuable safety tool in other ways, like canine trainer Audrey Nett shown. “Many people think that dogs are good at swimming. But for some breeds it’s not,” she says. “Having a dog pool can help teach them how to get comfortable with the water.”

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Play with toys in the pool can help puppies build stamina and learn strings, opening the door to further adventures in the water. Even a basic familiarization with splashing for fun can help keep dogs calm if they fall into the water unexpectedly — something that could save a dog’s life.

Nett also recommends using the pool as a way to make it easier for the kids to put on safety gear. “Introduced a life jacket in a dog tank where they already feel safe versus introducing it when you’re somewhere new and they’re over the threshold,” she recommends.

Dog pool to bond with your students

Splashing in the pool is not only fun for your dog, but it’s also a great way to create a bond that lasts. “Overall, play is just a really good way to build a bond between dogs and their guardians,” says Nett. “As long as the dog enjoys the pool, it can really build trust in the water.”

That trust can also translate into more enjoyable bath time. “If you focus on cooperative care and make time to introduce water in a fun and positive way, bathing can start to not really feel like showering,” says Nett. “Other than forcing your dog into the tub whenever they really need it.”

But what if your dog is not an automatic water fan and is afraid to try it in the pool? If that’s the caseNett recommends introducing a waterless dog pool first. “Just have them check it out,” she said. “Throw some snacks and toys into the pool so they can jump in and out on their own. Or spread peanut butter on both sides and let them jump in to lick. Then slowly introduce the water in very small amounts at a time. ”

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On the other hand, Nett notes that dog pools can cause hyperactivity in dogs that are extremely excited about water (we see you, Labbies), but there are still ways to solve that problem. “Place the pool at a distance and practice approaching it as calmly as possible. That way, they won’t move towards it,” she said.

Do you need a dedicated dog pool?

While you can use a kid’s pool in case it’s cramped, a dog pool is just much more suitable for petting and splashing. Many are made of durable PVC material, which has better grip on the doggie slide. SLip-resistant bottoms also help keep your dog safe from injury, which is especially important for older dogs.

The edges also tend to be a bit lower than regular plastic and inflatable kiddie pools, making it easier for your dog to get in and out. Plus, there are a variety of options to suit your dog’s specific needs.

The Frisco’s dog poolFor example, providing style and stability for larger dogs. Add a splash of color with a lovely Hawaiian print, this foldable swimming pool is made from a sturdy PVC and nylon mesh core. In our test, we found that it sticks well to the dog’s claws. And it does a great job of keeping its shape even when it’s not completely filled — ideal for pet parents who want to let their squishy puppies swim with games and toys. in an empty pool. However, it is only available in larger sizes (XL & XXL), which can be inconvenient for parents with small dogs or limited space.

For a smaller and lighter design, portable pools like Alvantor dog pool is a good choice. They’re also good for pups on the go — perfect for camping and vacationing. Easy to put on and off, the Alvantor weighs just 3.7 pounds in its standard size and 8 pounds large (half the weight of its competitors). Patents are still pending for this design, which may alarm some. But the company touts a 100% satisfaction guarantee in the form of a six-month warranty.

If you are looking for some help in the shade department, Combo K&H swimming pool + roof is a good way to protect your dog from the sun’s rays. The dome shape is also helpful in removing leaves and debris, so you don’t have to keep cleaning the pool and refilling it — an added economic benefit. With its rectangular shape, the pool offers an alternative to the round, foldable form that many other dog pools offer.

For a full selection of our favorite dog pools, check out our article “The best dog pool it can hold Up to Canine Splashing. ”

Do You Need A Pool For Your Dog This Summer?

If you have the space and time for it, a dog pool is a great way to safely get water in, provide entertainment, and build a bond with your dog — not to mention. providing a safe and cool place to relax. Even if your dog really doesn’t enjoy swimming, a dog pool is durable enough to accommodate other forms of refreshment and exercise.

“One of my favorite ways to use a dog pool is to hide toys, treats and chews and let dogs sniff and find all the fun in them,” says Nett. “You can also put soil or sand in the pool and have your dog dig a designated area in the off-season.”

And with all Types of swimming pools for dogs Out there, chances are you’ll find one that suits your child’s needs.

The Roo the Rover Test Pup loves to play in the dog pool without water.

If just cooling off is your goal and you’re afraid your dog won’t put his feet in the pool, give it a try dog cooler or one cooling mat. You might also consider boosting your dog’s hydration by water fountain for dogs encourage drinking or dog water bottle for when you are on the go.

How we choose our dog pool

The dog pools here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive review of customer reviews across multiple retail platforms, and interviews with experts such as trainers. Audrey Nett’s professional trainer Audible. We rate swimming pools based on durability, convenience, versatility for different play styles, and ease of use. We are also guided by our own experience of living and playing with our own much-loved and steadfast pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

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