Summer means swimming for many pet owners and their adventurous pups, but unless you have access to a freshwater lake or stream, you’re most likely going to be swimming in a pool. While pools are generally free of the bacteria and diseases that could be lurking in natural bodies of water, they do play host to a number of chemicals, including chlorine.
Chlorine is important in keeping residential pools free of microorganisms like bacteria and algae. Without it, pools can get dirty and unsafe quite quickly. Although there are other methods for keeping pools safe and clean, chlorine is the most abundant and usually quite cost-effective.
But is chlorine really safe for pets? Can it result in skin or coat problems due to its harshness after a summer full of swimming? Here’s what you should know.
Chlorine’s effect on skin and fur
Some dog’s skin can be sensitive to harsh chemicals, meaning continued access to chlorinated pools may cause minor irritation. This generally happens when dogs have been swimming in chlorinated water for extended periods of time or if they have very sensitive skin. Skin irritation could lead to dryness and itchiness that persists for a short while after getting out of the pool.
Chlorine may also dry out your dog’s coat after prolonged exposure, stripping it of its natural oils. This can make the fur more brittle and dull looking.
Dry skin and fur could cause your dog to scratch or over-groom to relieve itchiness, potentially leading to hair loss, skin infections or hot spots. However, these side effects aren’t a major threat.
In fact, protecting your dog’s skin and coat is quite easy. First, limit the amount of time your dog swims in chlorinated water each day to prevent its skin from becoming irritated from prolonged chlorine exposure.
Once your pup gets out of the pool, give it a thorough rinse down with fresh water. This will rinse the chlorine from its skin and hair, helping to maintain its quality and keep it free of irritants.
If your dog’s fur is susceptible to drying out, you can even condition it deeply every so often throughout the summer to ensure it maintains good moisture in the face of drying chlorine. Additionally, providing your dog with lots of vitamins and minerals, including skin- and hair-boosting omega-3 fatty acids, can help keep your dog’s skin and coat looking and feeling healthy.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also useful in alleviating itchiness caused by irritated or dry skin, in case your dog does spend a little too much time in the pool this summer.
Are there other health risks of chlorine?
Because chlorine can be a potent chemical, many pet owners also worry about the risks chlorine can pose to their dog’s health. Is chlorine very toxic? Can it cause chemical poisoning?
Swimming in a pool with chlorine should be generally safe for dogs, as long as the chemicals in the pool have been properly balanced. During pool maintenance, owners should carefully measure and apply chlorine and other pool chemicals according to the instructions to prevent improper dilution.
When these instructions are followed, chlorine is usually diluted to safe levels for both people and pets, and it should not cause toxic poisoning in your dog.
If pool chemicals are not measured appropriately, they could cause irritation to the dog’s skin, eyes and airways. Chlorinated pools can release chlorine gas if the dilution is not appropriate, which can affect your dog’s ability to breathe easily.
However, even though pool water is generally safe, you should not allow your dog to lap up tons of water when it is thirsty. Always encourage your dog to drink clean, fresh water from a bowl instead of pool water. The chemicals in the pool could make your dog sick to its stomach if enough water is ingested.
Additionally, dogs that swim often are more likely to develop ear infections. Some people believe this is caused by chlorine; however, this is often due to the continuous presence of moisture in the ear. Make sure to clean your dog’s ears with a cotton ball after swimming to prevent ear infections.
Ultimately, the biggest threat to dogs when it comes to swimming in chlorinated pools is a lack of pool safety. Undiluted chemicals should always be locked away where pets can’t reach them. Safety covers should be in place when the pool is not in use. And, when swimming, your pup should always be supervised to prevent drowning or injury in the water.
By following general pool safety tips and properly maintaining your pool’s chemical balance, your chlorinated pool should be a source of fun—not safety risks—for you and your pup.
FAQs
Dogs who take frequent dips in the family pool may suffer from dry, itchy skin and a dry, dull coat because the chemicals in pool water strip the skin and coat of their natural oils. Chlorinated water may also have a slight bleaching effect on dark coats, and could even turn lighter coats (gasp!)
Do I need to bathe my dog after swimming in a pool? ›
“After swimming—whether in a pool, river, lake, or ocean—rinse off your dog with clean water to remove chlorine, other chemicals, and any debris,” Teller said. “Dry your dog well, especially any skin folds and the ears, to avoid inflammation or infection.
Is it okay for dogs to swim in chlorine pools? ›
But is it safe to let your dog join you? Well, the short answer is: Yes, with supervision, it is typically safe for a dog to swim in a well-balanced chlorinated or saltwater swimming pool. Of course, do not let your dog drink from the pool, but otherwise, yes, overall, it is safe.
How much chlorine is bad for dogs? ›
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.
Is it bad for a dog to swim every day? ›
It can be OK for dogs to swim every day as long as they are comfortable in the water and have no health or medical issues that may be made worse by swimming. Always keep safety in mind when taking your dog swimming, whether it's at the beach, river, or pool.
What does chlorine do to dogs' skin? ›
Chlorine dries out human hair and skin, and dogs aren't immune either. Dogs who take frequent dips in the family pool may suffer from dry, itchy skin and a dry, dull coat because the chemicals in pool water strip the skin and coat of their natural oils.
How do I know if my dog has swimmer's itch? ›
The initial symptoms are: Itchy skin. Rash or lesions.
What is the safest pool water for dogs? ›
Making Chlorine Safer for Dogs
Some canine owners choose to apply non-chlorine chemicals like Bromine (which is safer for pets) to their pools.
Is it sanitary for dogs to swim in the pool? ›
Like many things in life, there is some degree of risk associated with letting the pooch go for a dip in the pool, but you have to consider the risks and benefits together. The overall risk of infection from swimming with a pet in a well-maintained pool is quite low.
Is saltwater or chlorine better for dogs? ›
So, in the end, it's definitely unwise to assume that a chlorine pool will be better for your pup than a salty one. Overall, many vets would instead say that saltwater pools are slightly safer. Both types have their risks, but saltwater pools are at least more natural and gentler to a dog's skin and eyes.
While it is not common for your dog to drink enough chlorinated water to get sick, dog owners should know the symptoms of this condition. Early recognition of toxicity in dogs can make all the difference in providing them with the proper care. The common symptoms of chlorine poisoning in dogs are: Vomiting.
Why do dogs drink pool water? ›
Everyone who swims ingests some amount of water. Kids and animals tend to swallow more than adult humans. Dogs simply do not know any better and may actively lap up the pool water. They think it's a giant drinking bowl.
Does chlorine hurt dogs' paws? ›
Check your dog's paws and ears.
Chlorinated water is safe for your dog to swim in, but too much of a good thing can take its toll. As with humans, too much exposure to chlorine can cause dry skin, and if you notice your dog licking their paws after being in the pool, their pads could be irritated.
Why dogs should not swim in pools? ›
Dirty pool water can cause skin irritation, sore eyes, gastrointestinal upsets or worse. Look at it this way: if the water's not fit for humans, it's not fit for dogs. Make sure all the chemical levels are balanced before you let your fur baby into the pool.
What breed of dog cannot swim? ›
Many dog breeds cannot swim. These include pugs, French bulldogs, dachshunds, greyhounds, hairless Chinese crested, Shih Tzu, and basset hounds. Their inability to swim depends on various factors. In some cases, these dogs cannot swim because they are too heavy.
Should I bathe 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.
Is it sanitary for dogs to swim in pool? ›
Like many things in life, there is some degree of risk associated with letting the pooch go for a dip in the pool, but you have to consider the risks and benefits together. The overall risk of infection from swimming with a pet in a well-maintained pool is quite low.
What to do after your dog goes swimming? ›
Rinse your pet after water play.
Pool chemicals, salt water, and other toxins can collect on your pet's skin and cause irritation or make them sick if they lick themselves clean. Rinse your pet or bathe them with fresh, clean water after any water play or swimming.
Should you bathe after swimming in a pool? ›
Removing Chlorine and Other Chemicals from Your Body: Post-swim showers help to rinse off chlorine and other pool chemicals, reducing their impact on your skin and hair. Preventing Skin Irritation and Dryness: Regular post-swim showers can help in maintaining skin and hair health.
What to do after dog falls in pool? ›
Treatment of Drowning (Near Drowning) in Dogs
Immediately after removing your dog from the water, you should attempt to clear the airways. Perform CPR and mouth to nose resuscitation if he is not breathing. Wrap your dog in a blanket to keep him warm, but don't constrict his movement or cover the mouth or nose.
