DOG POOLS: WHAT TO CONSIDER

Both humans and dogs enjoy a day in the sun, swimming in a pool, and relieving the summer heat.

The family dog also has all that right, especially when temperatures are high and these cause discomfort to their skin, so a nice day in the water is the best for them.

Although swimming pools are one of the best distractions, it is important to know that not all options are good for your health.

The ideal is to have a specific dog pool for him, where only water is added and never chlorine and other chemical treatments.

Types of pools for dogs

Although there are certainly many models, some are the ones that make the difference when it comes to acquiring a product that your dog can use to relax while playing with the water.

Some of the most popular dog pools are:

• Folding pools:

Folding pools are the quintessential dog pools. Its price is economical and it is very light to transport.

They are made of resistant materials to prevent breakage. Even with the roughest dogs!

They allow you to take the pool wherever you want: to the beach, a terrace, a balcony or a garden.

There are different sizes, different colors and they are one of the most used by adopters due to their quality.

• Basin type:

As such, they are not a type of pool as we all know, but they are also a feasible option to be able to place in smaller houses.

There are large and small bowls.

In that sense, if you have a dog with a medium to small size, it may be perfect for you if a collapsible pool does not fit.

• Rigid pools:

They are the pools that are exclusively for humans and that we often mistakenly share with our dogs.

Rigid pools are usually made up of a single piece, they are integrated into the ground (although there are some on the ground) and they need chemical products to keep the water free of bacteria and dirt.

Only recommended for dogs that do not drink the pool water and in pools with low levels of chlorine and other maintenance chemicals.

A recommendation that I usually make to prevent your dog from coming into contact with the chlorine in your pool is to buy a dog mat .

This solution will allow your dog to be fresh in its own water without chlorine and, at the same time, sharing a pool with you.

• Inflatable pools:

Inflatable pools for dogs do not exist.

There are people who usually buy inflatable children's pools and they do not last at all.

The nails of our dogs, some of them very rough, end up puncturing the material and, in the end, their purchase is not profitable.

Benefits of dog pools

Dog pools can provide multiple benefits for pets.

Above all, when the hottest times of the year are found and the little life partner suffers from constant suffocation.

If you have a dog and you still have doubts about whether or not to buy a pool for them, these are some of the main benefits so you don't regret buying one.

• They help moisturize the dog's coat.

• They help you control your anxiety.

• It allows you to enjoy a free play area where you can enjoy the water without any problem.

• Helps groom the dog, which means you'll save money on groomers or a dirty bathroom.

Dangers of a swimming pool for dogs at home

Are you lucky enough to have a swimming pool at home? Well, let me warn you that it is not without its dangers.

Chlorine can have multiple effects on pets, depending on whether they drink it or just swim in it.

When the water is combined with chlorine, the dog can suffer an exposure that will cause irritation to his fur, even more so when it is a prolonged exposure.

In addition to that it can irritate your eyes and cause loss of shine in your fur.

However, if the dog were to consume the pool water, which is combined with different chemicals, bacteria and parasites, it is most likely that he could suffer a serious infection in his stomach.

There are dogs that have even died from chlorine poisoning.

When a dog has been overexposed to chlorine , the symptoms can be easily noticed.

For this reason adopters should be alert to the following.

• The dog will begin to scratch more than normal, because when the dog is exposed to chlorine excessively, its fur will show symptoms of redness from contact with the chemical substances.

• Your eyes can be irritated and remain watery, although the nose can be affected in the same way in contact with chlorine and the nostrils. Your eyes may be lost or have difficulty seeing due to the effects caused by chlorine.

• Another of the most common symptoms is the lack of shine in the dog's coat, since the nutrients in the skin are excluded and end up mistreating the coat.

However, one of the most common symptoms are:

• vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Ulcers in the mouth.

• Digestive problems.

When it is determined that the dog has consumed chlorine water, it is essential that it stays out of the pool.

For cases where consumption may be presenting discomfort, the treatment should be as follows:

• Rinse his fur and face with clean water to prevent irritation from starting.

• Keep him out of the pool for a while.

• Observe the dog's behavior.

Dangers of swimming pools that are not for dogs

We have a pool at home but Uma has never jumped in it.

However, there are dogs that love to jump into the pool without being aware of the danger of these.

If you finally decide that your dog takes advantage of your pool, he should always bathe under your supervision or that of an adult.

Unfortunately, there are many dogs that have drowned inside it due to the difficulty in getting out of it.

Also, be aware of other dangers around the pool:

• We have already mentioned the ingestion of chlorine.

• Beware of insects that tend to swarm around like wasps.

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure for your dog.

Water parks for dogs in Spain

There are currently water parks in different regions of Spain that take into account the pH of the dogs' skin.

In these places, the health and fun of the dog are guaranteed, in addition to providing a new experience with the water.

In these centers you can find a wide variety of amenities that will provide a cool day, with shallow water environments, even those that have games and slides available.

It is important that, although they are leisure centers, all adopters must comply with the regulations indicated on their website, which is why it is important to read the regulations before purchasing a ticket.

Consider that in these places the spread of bacteria is controlled and, for this important reason, your dog must be completely healthy to attend and enjoy a different day without any obstacles.

Dog in the water (Barcelona)

It is the first water park that was made for dogs and has a wide variety of pools.

It was inaugurated in 2018 and today you can enjoy pleasant sessions, such as surfing, swimming in large sheets, playing on its slides and much more.

In addition, your adopter will be able to enjoy it as much as your pet, because it has more than 5,000 meters of green areas where you can rest while your dog runs and has a great time.

Trust Resort (Alicante)

With a pool of almost 1,000 square meters, it is one of the centers that provides the best attractions, you can enjoy lights at night and access to the beach.

In addition, they handle one of the best cleanings, since the water is always kept in excellent condition.

It is a facility with more than 63,000 square meters of green land, space for both humans and dogs to enjoy.

The value of the ticket is set at 15 euros and can be booked directly at the box office or by calling.

Gos Aventura (Castellón)

It is a center that has restaurants and a large residential area where adopters and their dogs can spend half a day or a full day, enjoying the water facilities and delicious food.

Your pool can be used by both the adopters and their pets.

The cost of admission is set at 10 euros for half a day and 15 euros for the whole day, which are totally worth it.

The adopter and his adventure partner will be able to enjoy a different day.

Braco's House (Madrid)

This facility is a residence for dogs, where you can find different waterfalls and a large entrance to the artificial beach.

Adopters can bathe with their pets without problems on the terrace and enjoy a different and very pleasant day together.

It has extensive hours depending on the time of year.

Although, it is important that you take precautions, because it is a place where reservations and their respective confirmation must be made.

Vive Pet Resort (Madrid)

This club and resort is a place where both adopters and their furry best friend can have a new experience on the water.

If what you are looking for is to escape from the typical summer or routine, this one has a pool with salt water, which is a great advantage over the typical chlorine ones.

Its maximum depth is 80 cm, so its adopter can enter it with no problem.

After the bath, you can enjoy a shower with clean water to return home feeling new.

In this resort you will find a dog bar, which has a large and extensive terrace where you can relax to eat a delicious dish.

Things you should know before taking your dog to a pool

It will depend on the type of pool you choose to go with your pet to be able to bathe, there are some cases where you can enter and bathe with it, although it is important that you know the regulations of the enclosures before you launch into the new adventure.

The adopters will always be the main responsible for ensuring the welfare of their pet, since many enclosures are not responsible for the damage received and even caused.

For this reason, remember that it is essential that you always be aware of your dog, to avoid any type of inconvenience.

In accordance with some regulations that are followed in each place, we have selected some so that you can use all the necessary tools to keep your four-legged companion safe.

• Deworming: It is essential that the dog visits the pool completely dewormed. In addition, you must compulsorily have each of your vaccinations and it is important that you have the microchip.

• Bags to collect excrement: All adopters are obliged to collect the excrement that the dog leaves on the ground. For this reason, the use of bags is so important.

• Information from the veterinarian: In multiple swimming pools, the information from the veterinarian is requested, therefore, it is important to go with a photocopy of the card with everything up to date, where the information of the adopter is also included, in case it is necessary.

• Places where the dog can bathe: There are some places where they have exclusive points for some types of dogs, which are categorized according to weight and mobility, therefore, you have to observe the place and, if possible, talk to the person in charge. to know the measurements and adequate weight for each pool.

• Number of dogs per adopter: There are other regulations, such as, for example, the number of dogs that each adopter can have with them, so find out before arriving at the place.

• Types of depths: Take note of all the depths that can be found in the pool, this way you will have everything under control and you will know where the water covers more or less to determine if it is suitable or not for your dog.

• Consumption of food: In general, it is totally forbidden to consume food in the pool areas, for this there are some designated areas where it can be done. Remember that you must carry enough water to hydrate your pet and her favorite food. You can store all this in a backpack and provide it when you want to rest.

• If you have female dogs: Consider that if you have an unspayed female dog, she should not be in heat. Therefore, it is essential that you consult a veterinarian beforehand and, if possible, have a certificate confirm that the dog is in optimal condition to enter the pool to swim without affecting the water and other dogs.

And enjoy the summer!