Updated 18/02/2023
Will Chlorine In Swimming Pools Hurt My Dog? Find out in this article we have all the answers.
The quick answer is no.
It is not likely that the pool water intake from a regular swimming pool is going to harm your dog. There are fewer pungent chemicals for your pool with fewer bleaching side effects. one brand is called Bromine.
A common question most dog owners wonder about is if it is safe for their lovely pets to take a dip with them in the swimming pool.
For one, most pools are sanitized with chlorine which although a benign chemical, for the most part, can cause irritation in skin and eyes if exposed for long periods.
So it is quite understandable to be concerned if it will have the same (or worse) effects on your pet.
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The short answer to this question is NO
But the facts require some understanding. Most people will tell you that chlorine levels that are used in pools are generally safe for dogs and other pets, and they are right.
Although a dog’s eyes, nose and ears are more sensitive than a human’s and as such may be a tad more susceptible to the effects of chlorine, it is nothing dangerous.
But there is another very important aspect to it that most people overlook.
Humans when swimming would often ingest some pool water that has a concentration of chlorine, and although ingesting small amounts of chlorine usually doesn’t cause much harm, there is no way to monitor how much water your dog is ingesting when he’s enjoying in the pool with you.
So can my dog get sick from drinking the water?
The problem is, some dogs think of the pool as a big bowl for them to lap up from and in the process drink a little too much water for their own good.
Such behaviour should be discouraged. Other than that, there is no real harm that can be caused by chlorine. As for the ear and other infections, they have little to do with chemicals and everything to do with water and dampness.
Chances of infection can be reduced by rinsing off the dog when you come out of the pool so as to wash away any remaining chemicals from his skin and to give his ears a dab with a dry towel or use a blow dryer to keep them moisture-free.
Just like humans, swimming is good for your dog. Despite your concerns about how a pool may antagonistically influence your canine’s wellbeing, rest assured that his health will be better by and large!
A pool gives a protected and enclosed space for puppies to get all the activity they need with a special impact on their joints (an incredible perspective to consider for older canines who may experience the ill effects of some joint pain and arthritis).
Additionally, a couple of laps around the pool and relaxing on the top step is a definitive vacation for your pooch. Ultimately, a pool is your ticket to unwinding and exercise for your puppy that you can administer as you float comfortably by, taking in the sun.
Are there any chlorine alternatives?
Keeping pet owners’ concerns in mind, a lot of pools have moved on to Bromine, a less pungent chemical with fewer bleaching side effects.
While the milder properties of bromine mean little to no irritation of skin or eyes, it is also more expensive and becomes less stable when exposed to sunlight thus making it unsuitable for outdoor pools.
My favourite chlorine-free products are
- Swim Chlorine-Free Pool Swimming Pool Shock from Amazon find the latest price here.
- BioGuard Bromine Tablets. Find on Amazon here.
But what if my dog can’t swim?
That is a very common question. Most dogs are born swimmers, although some breeds do better than others. Here is a list of the best swimming breeds:
| Standard Poodle | Irish Water Spaniel |
| Portuguese Water Dog | Irish Setter |
| Labrador | Golden Retriever |
| Newfoundland | Chesapeake Bay Retriever |
| English Setter | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
Dogs that generally struggle with swimming are few and include English Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs. Generally, breeds with shorter legs and a short snout tend to have difficulties swimming.
But that should not be misinterpreted as they are not swimmers. With proper training and encouragement, these breeds learn to swim and have a good time in the pool.
What age do dogs swim?
Training your dog on how to swim
Probably the most important step while integrating your dog into your pool circle is to first teach him how to swim.
Your pup might be excited to join you as you splash around but first, you must build confidence in your dog around the pool.
Dogs, in general, are fearful the first time they are in the vicinity of a water body so you must be careful and take it slow as you teach your lovely little pup to take the baby steps to enter the water.
Praise your dog to build his confidence and once he is suitably deep into the pool, guide him through as he starts paddling with his feet.
Most dogs don’t need to be taught how to swim since they are born swimmers and they should be swimming confidently with you in no time.
However, dogs panic when it is time to exit the pool for the first time. Since they are not familiar with human tools such as the ladder, they need to be patiently taught how to use one before they can do it on their own.
Most dog accidents in the pool occur because the dogs panic and thrash around after which they get tired and lose all energy to pull themselves up.
To prevent any untoward incident, do not leave your dog unsupervised at any time when in the pool. They may need your assistance if they are in trouble and cannot bark to grab your attention.
With dogs and pools, guidance is key. Taking it slow and familiarizing your dog with the pool will do a great deal towards bolstering his confidence around water and ensuring that both of you have a gala time splashing around.
Should I worry if my dog consumes some water from the pool?
It is not likely that pool water intake from a regular swimming pool is going to seriously harm your dog. But you must stay cautious and take note of any erratic behaviour that he might show. If there is something unusual, be sure to consult with a vet.
Also, do take care to notice if there are any signs of chlorine damage to their eyes. If the eyes are reddened, hose him down to remove any extra chemicals that he might still be carrying on his skin.
The reddening of the eye is nothing to be worried about and is at par with the reddening of the eye in humans when we spend too much time in the pool.
Can my dog’s fur suffer from discolouration from chlorine?
Although it is rare, cases have been documented wherein dogs with light-coloured furs have suffered discolourations and their furs have turned golden green or blonde. But these discolourations are often temporary and colour restoration occurs naturally within a week.
Can my dog get infections from chlorine?
Not really. While it is true that dogs do often get infections from being in the water, it is more because of the moisture that hadn’t been dried properly that is the root cause of it.
It is generally advised to pat your dog down with a dried towel once you come out of the pool taking special care to dry behind his ears and between joints.
If your dog gets an infection, take him to the vet for a prescription of moisture control gel that would prevent it from happening again.
FAQ Will Chlorine In Swimming Pools Hurt My Dog
Can chlorine in swimming pools hurt my dog?
Yes, exposure to excessive levels of chlorine in swimming pools can be harmful to dogs.
What are the symptoms of chlorine toxicity in dogs?
Symptoms of chlorine toxicity in dogs may include coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin irritation, Eye irritation, and respiratory distress.
Can dogs swim in chlorinated pools?
Yes, dogs can swim in chlorinated pools, but it is important to ensure that the chlorine levels are within safe limits.
How can I tell if the chlorine levels in the pool are safe for my dog?
You can use a pool test kit to measure the chlorine levels in the pool water. The ideal range for chlorine levels is between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm).
Can dogs drink pool water?
It is not recommended for dogs to drink pool water as it can contain harmful chemicals, including chlorine.
What should I do if my dog drinks pool water?
If your dog drinks pool water, monitor them for any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms.
Should I rinse my dog off after they swim in a chlorinated pool?
Yes, it is a good idea to rinse your dog off with fresh water after they swim in a chlorinated pool to remove any residual chemicals from their skin and coat.
Can dogs be allergic to chlorine?
Yes, some dogs may be allergic to chlorine, and exposure to high levels of the chemical
can exacerbate symptoms.
Can chlorine in pools cause skin irritation in dogs?
Yes, exposure to high levels of chlorine can cause skin irritation in dogs, leading to redness, itching, and discomfort.
Can chlorine in pools cause eye irritation in dogs?
Yes, exposure to high levels of chlorine can cause eye irritation in dogs, leading to redness, discharge, and discomfort.
How can I protect my dog from chlorine in pools?
You can protect your dog from chlorine in pools by ensuring that the chlorine levels are within safe limits, rinsing them off with fresh water after swimming, and monitoring them for any signs of illness.
Should I let my dog swim in a saltwater pool instead of a chlorinated pool?
While saltwater pools contain lower levels of chlorine, they can still be harmful to dogs if the salt levels are too high. It is important to test the salt levels in saltwater pools and ensure they are within safe limits.
Can chlorine in pools affect a dog’s coat?
Exposure to high levels of chlorine can dry out a dog’s coat, making it brittle and prone to breaking. It is important to rinse your dog off with fresh water after swimming in chlorinated pools
to remove any residual chemicals.
Is it safe for puppies to swim in chlorinated pools?
Puppies can swim in chlorinated pools, but it is important to monitor them closely and ensure that the chlorine levels are within safe limits.
Should I avoid taking my dog to public pools?
It is recommended to avoid taking your dog to public pools as the chlorine levels may not be regulated, and other dogs in the area may not be well-behaved or socialized.
