Pet Sitter Warns of Pools and Pups

With the weather warming up and lots of us having pools in our backyard it sure is tempting to take a dip in the pool with our pups.  It's not such a bad idea on a hot summer day, especially if you have a water dog, or dog that loves water.  As a pet sitter in Arizona I talk to lots of pet parents who allow their dogs to stay outside all summer long with the thought, "we have a pool, he'll just jump in if he gets hot."  While that may be the case with some pups there is some danger involved with that thought process.

When I think of dogs enjoying the pool in warm weather, this is what comes to mind:

Wouldn't it be funny to come home and see this scene in your pool?  Fido, relaxing with a fruity drink in paw, stretched out with belly exposed, sun bathing all day long.  If you saw this you would KNOW that Fido had a great day!  No need for doggie day care or mid day visits from the pet sitter!

What if you came home and saw your fur kid floating in the pool?  That would probably be one of the worst feelings ever!

Even if your dog is a great swimmer here are some things you need to keep in mind:

• Dogs get cramps too!  If your dog happened to fall in the pool he could get disoriented and not realize how to get out of the pool.  He would be stuck there to tread water until help arrived.  Or hold on for dear life to the edge of the pool.
• Elderly dogs with dim eyesight will need special consideration with a backyard pool.  It may become difficult for them to find the steps.
• New pups will need to be taught how to get in and out of the pool by themselves.  Keep in mind that they need to practice this as well.  Just because they were able to do it once doesn't mean they will be able to get out on their own every time.  With any trick or command this will need to be practiced until perfect.

Pet sitting in the East Valley has brought up many requests from pet parents during the summer months.  Pet parents still want their pet to enjoy the outdoors, but are concerned with leaving their pets alone with access to a pool when no one is around.  Many pet parents have asked me to come over in the middle of the day not necessarily for the mid-day potty break, but for a mid - day swim.  What great exercise for Fido!  Not only is swimming a great exercise for humans, but it's great exercise for pets as well.

Lessons for the day:

1. Not a good idea to leave your dog outside in the heat of summer even if you have a pool.  
2. Your pet sitter can come over and let your dog take a swim, or play fetch then go for a swim to cool down.  
3. Check to make sure your pet still has the ability to get out of the swimming pool EVERY year.  Don't just assume that because he could get out last year he can do the same this year, especially with our elderly fur kids.

Prepare your pet for the summer and give us a call today to see how we can be of service!  480-292-9735