Puppies in a Swimming Pool: Is it a Good Idea?

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Puppies in a swimming pool: is it allowed?

Many dogs love to spend time in the water with their families. However, many owners may wonder if they should let their puppies in a swimming pool.

The most dangerous age for a puppy to be in a pool is during the first few months of life. In this article, you’ll find out if it’s possible for your puppy to enjoy being in a swimming pool and stay healthy.

Can all dogs enjoy a swimming pool?

In general, all dogs can enjoy the pool with their families. It’s just as nice and enjoyable for them as it is for humans. However, it’s important that your dog’s health is good enough in order to go into the water.

Just like people, dogs have different preferences, personalities, and abilities. The breed is also an important factor when considering whether they’ll like the water.

Some breeds, like the Labrador, Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, and Water Dogs, have a natural ability for water activities. These dogs swim perfectly as their bodies have historically and biologically adapted to being in the water.

However, for brachycephalic breeds, for example, swimming is quite a challenge. Their snouts are very flat which makes breathing much harder for them and reduces their lung capacity. This is why these dogs tend not to do much intense exercise.

The most important thing is not the breed, size, or age or your dog, but rather their personality, health, and training. All dogs can enjoy the pool as long as they’re physically and mentally prepared for this new experience.

Can puppies go into a pool?

A newborn puppy is not even able to move independently, on land or in the water. They will gradually develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, socially, and begin to gain more independence.

However, your little canine friend will only be able to walk outside or gradually adapt to the water after their first round of vaccinations and deworming has been complete. This way, you’ll be sure that their immune system is strong enough for these new experiences.

Likewise, before taking your puppy into a pool, you should check with your vet. At the veterinary clinic, a professional will be able to establish your dog’s state of health and give you the best advice for taking your puppy in the water.

Tips for enjoying the pool with your puppy

As well as checking with your vet, it’s also a good idea to take certain precautions to keep your dog safe. Below, is a list of tips that can help you enjoy splashing around in a swimming pool with your dog.

Never leave your dog alone in a swimming pool

Even if you have a pool that’s suitable for dogs, you should never leave your dog alone in the water. Dogs can suffer from cramps or numbness which can stop them from being able to move properly or get out of the pool. This is obviously a very serious situation.

Therefore, the best thing you can do is to always keep a leash on your dog when they’re playing in a swimming pool. This way you can move him easily and quickly get him out of the pool in case of an emergency.

Hydration and protection from the sun

Overexposure to the sun does not only cause sunburn but other serious conditions, such as skin cancer. You’ll find special sun protection for dogs in most pet shops. It’s important to apply them all over your dog’s skin, being careful not to get them in their eyes or mucous membranes.

It’s also really important to keep your dog hydrated and provide them with some shade on the hottest days. Intense heat can cause dehydration or even heat strokes.

Remember to wash and dry your dog well

After enjoying a day at the swimming pool with your dog, it’s really important to wash them with clean water in order to rinse off the chlorine. Then, you need to make sure that their fur and skin are completely dry, especially their ears. A build-up of moisture can cause the appearance of fungus, bacteria, mites, and other harmful microorganisms.

Provide them with the right preventative medicine

If you want to enjoy the a day at the swimming pool with your puppy, it’s important to give your dog the right anti-parasite treatment. All dogs need proper preventative medicine throughout their lives.

Take care of hygiene

When sharing the pool with your dog, you will also need to take care of the pool water and keep it hygienic. It’s generally recommended that you clean it on a regular basis, every two or three days, to avoid a build up of dirt and hairs. You will also need to brush your dog’s fur on daily basis to avoid it from building up in the pool filter.