Is it OK for dogs to drink pool water?

Is Pool Water Safe for Dogs to Drink? If your dog drinks a small amount of pool water, don't panic. Chances are your pup will be perfectly fine, especially if your pool's chlorine levels are at a safe balance. Most swimming pools have a low chlorine level and are therefore not usually harmful to dogs in small amounts.

Can drinking pool water hurt a dog?

The most common problem that is associated with drinking pool water is an upset stomach. Dogs or even cats who rapidly drink pool water are at a higher risk of developing stomach upset, the signs of which include vomiting, regurgitation, and discomfort.

Will my dog get sick if he drinks pool water?

Drinking excess amounts of chlorinated pool water can irritate a dog's gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea, vomiting, and erosion of the esophagus. The risks are significantly higher if the chlorine level in a pool is too high.

What happens when a dog drinks too much pool water?

Water intoxication is when a dog swallows too much water and the sodium levels in the blood become too diluted. While this is rare, it does happen and if not promptly treated, it can be fatal. For saltwater pools, there is also an increased risk of salt poisoning if your pet drinks a large amount of the water.

Will chlorine water hurt my dog?

According to the CDC, chlorinated water is safe for both humans and dogs to drink in concentrations up to 4 milligrams per liter. The recommended level of chlorine in pools and tubs is 1-3 milligrams per liter, so your dog should be fine if they ingest some of the pool water.

Can Dogs Drink Pool Water? Whether A Salt Water Pool Or Chlorine Pool, Too Much Can Be Bad For Them

What should I do if my dog drinks pool water?

The bottom line: do not let your dogs drink directly from swimming pools, beaches, ponds, or lakes. If you suspect your dog has had a drink from toxic water, rinse them off, give them plenty of fresh water, call your vet, and monitor them for any changes.

Should I wash my dog after swimming in the pool?

Bathing After Swimming

Dogs should be bathed after going for a swim in order to protect their skin and coat. Swimming pools: Baths help rinse off chlorine from swimming pools, so it won't irritate sensitive skin. If your dogs have white coats, pool chemicals can also give them a greenish tint.

Can animals drink pool water?

Even though chlorine is safe at normal levels, the pool should never be your pets' only source of water. Pets should be prevented from drinking from pools immediately following “shock” application and whenever additional chemicals like algaecide are in use.

How quickly does water intoxication happen in dogs?

Water intoxication can happen quickly in dogs – sometimes even less than 30 minutes. However, the symptoms usually don't show up for the next few hours. Intoxication progresses even more rapidly after visible symptoms, especially in small dogs. This is why dog owners need to be vigilant around their mutts.

What kind of pool water is best for dogs?

Saltwater pools use salt, as opposed to chlorine, to cleanse and sanitize pool water. Much less corrosive than mass amounts of chlorine, saltwater pools are safer for your pets than traditional chlorinated pools, if well-maintained of course.

Can drinking pool water give dogs diarrhea?

Whether you're at the pool or the beach, you should keep fresh drinking water on hand for when your dog gets thirsty. If your dog consumes just a few mouthfuls of salt water, it's likely that the worst they'll experience is diarrhea, says American Kennel Club.

What if my dog eats chlorine?

Rapid and shallow breathing, depression, mild dehydration, drooling and coughing were observed in all dogs. This slowly led to kidney and liver damage, and eventual death. If your dog accidentally ingests this chemical, be sure to seek veterinary help as soon as possible.

How do I know if my dog has water intoxication?

What does water intoxication look like in dogs?

Symptoms of water intoxication in dogs include lack of coordination, lethargy, nausea, bloating, vomiting, dilated pupils, glazed eyes, light gum color, and excessive salivation. Advanced symptoms include difficulty breathing, collapsing, loss of consciousness, and seizures.

Can a dog recover from water intoxication?

With treatment, your dog can expect to recover from mild water intoxication in 3 to 4 hours. More severe cases may persist for 2 to 5 days. Water intoxication in dogs can be fatal without treatment.

Can my dog swim every day?

How Often Can My Dog Go Swimming? You can take your dog swimming once each week to start with (if they are not used to it). Once their stamina builds up, you can take your dog swimming three to four times each week. Once your dog becomes a pro swimmer, you can take your pet swimming every day.

Why does my dog stink after swimming in a pool?

Some dogs will have a musty or sour odor after they get wet. This odor is similar to the smell of laundry that did not fully dry after getting washed. You may find that the odor lessens once your dog dries but quickly returns after your dog gets wet again. The stench can be even worse in dogs with thick coats.

How often should you wash your dog?

While the frequency of bathing may be different for each dog, Wendy Weinand, manager, pet services grooming education for Petco, says that a good rule to follow is to wash your dog every four weeks. “This will help to keep their skin and coat clean and keep their natural oils spread out to help condition,” she says.

Can pool water cause seizures in dogs?

Your dog can encounter many dangers around the pool that can cause him to drown, even if he knows how to swim. Examples include seizures, falling into the water, and not being able to get out of the pool after a swim.

How do you reverse water intoxication?

What are the signs of a dog dying?

Can dogs get pneumonia from pool water?

Your pet has likely inhaled water into its lungs, and even after coughing it up or after observing water draining from the nose or mouth, there could be residual water remaining in the lungs. This could lead to pneumonia. Secondary drowning has been known to occur, even up to three days after the initial near-drowning.

Can swimming cause UTI in dogs?

Common Causes of Bladder Infections in Dogs

Typically, they're a result of bacteria traveling up the urethra and into the bladder. Dogs can pick up bacteria from the environment, swimming, or even spread from their own rectal or genital areas.

How long can a dog swim?

A healthy adult dog can probably swim 20 minutes before drowning but the real number greatly depends on your dog's fitness level, breed, and age.

Is saltwater or chlorine pool better for dogs?

When it comes to how pool water impacts your pets skin and fur, saltwater pools are generally safer than conventionally chlorinated pools because it's missing all of the added chemical byproducts that make the water have more caustic qualities².