Anasazi Animal Clinic
Swimming Pool Safety For Pets


Watch your kids around water!


Many dogs drown each month in Arizona. One Emergency Clinic in north Scottsdale sees four to twelve swimming pool deaths each month. Not all adult dogs can swim. Small dogs that can swim may not be able to get out of the water. They tire quickly and go under the water.

Most drowning occur in four groups of dogs:
  • Pups that are less than six months.
  • Elderly dogs especially those with poor vision.
  • Dogs visiting unfamiliar houses.
  • Dogs with history of seizures. (These dogs should never have access to a pool without supervision.)
Prevention of drowning is the same as for children. You need a separate fence around the pool (be sure small pups can't squeeze through the bars) and constant supervision when around the pool. Introducing pups to the pool and training them to use the steps is also wise. Depending on the breed, small pups can swim and should be shown where the steps are.

Tips for training include:
  • Gradually introduce your pup to the pool, sit on the steps with your pup at first. If they want to get in the water place them on the steps. Don't force the issue. When they feel comfortable let them swim beside you, eventually leading them back to the steps and out of the pool. Repeat this behavior until they are comfortable.
  • Leash your dog and after placing them in the pool, walk around the pool leading them to the steps. A visual aid left at the end of the pool where the steps are, helps dogs get oriented. A colorful lawn chair or B-B-Q grill placed at the end of the steps can be great aids.
  • Work with a family member. Place the pup in the pool on one side and have a family member call the pup to the steps. Reinforce this until your pup can find the steps on it's own.
Keep this experience fun knowing that several training sessions will be needed depending on the size and temperament of your dog. If your dog does fall in the pool and appears unconscious, the same type of CPR that is used on humans may be helpful. If the dog is not breathing, mouth to mouth or mouth to nose resuscitation (pet CPR) can be done with the head extended upwards. You may have to pull the tongue to the side or forward to clear the airway. Rapid chest compressions over the widest part of the chest (with the dog lying on it's side) can be done in addition to the breathing if there is no heartbeat. CPR should be continued en route to the closest veterinarian or until the dog is breathing well.

Pet CPR
Pet First Aid
Pet Health Checklist & When Is It An Emergency
Emergency Clinics