Can Dogs Safely Drink Pool Water? Risks, Symptoms & Prevention

Another potential concern with pool water and dogs is the chance that your dog may drink too much and get water intoxication. This is not limited to pool water and can occur when your dog swims in lakes or drinks water from the sprinklers or hose. It occurs when he drinks too much water in a short period of time and throws off the electrolyte balance in his system.

Symptoms of water intoxication include bloating, vomiting, drooling, pale gums, glazed eyes, and dilated pupils. You may also notice behavioral changes, such as lethargy, restlessness, and stumbling or falling when walking.

This condition requires immediate veterinary attention, and serious cases can be fatal. Your vet will slowly reintroduce electrolytes into your dog's system until the balance is restored.

Prevention tips and considerations

Take steps to keep your dog from drinking too much water, especially if she has had problems in the past. One option that makes pool water safer for drinking is to use bromine as an alternative chemical to chlorine. Keep a bowl of clean, fresh water nearby so that she can drink that instead. This is especially important during hot weather when your pup can easily get overheated or dehydrated and resort to drinking from the pool.

In addition, avoid leaving your dog in the yard with the pool unattended. This way, you can monitor how much she is drinking. You can take her inside for a break or call her away from the water. You can do this by teaching commands such as "come" and "leave it." Redirecting her attention with a toy or a game of fetch can also be effective.

If these methods don't work or if you aren't able to monitor her whenever she is in the yard, consider installing a fence around the pool. This way, you can keep her away from pool water except when you let her inside the fence.