Pools & Dogs

Although most dogs know instinctively how to swim, swimming pools, or steeply banked bodies of water can be drowning hazards if a swimming dog can't get itself out and becomes exhausted. Here's how to avoid tragedy:

• Securely fence in the pool area. Never let your dog inside the fenced area unsupervised.
• Swim with your dog. Show him where the shallow-end steps are and how to use them. Most dogs, especially small ones, can't climb out of pools directly from the edge or climb up a ladder.
• Keep your dog leashed during walks and confined to your property at all times if you're in a neighborhood that has pools. Dogs running at large are swimming-pool accidents waiting to happen.

If An Accident Occurs:

• Clear the dog's throat of obstructions if it's not breathing.
• Cup both hands over the dog's closed mouth and breathe into its nostrils (30 to 40 breaths per minute).
• Continue this mouth-to-nose technique while transporting the dog to the nearest veterinarian for emergency treatment.