Many dogs love to lie in the summer at their own pool in the garden. What would be more natural than to make the lovable four-legged friends happy with a dog pool? Here you can find out everything about the perfect dog pool and what to consider when choosing one.
The dog pool as a play paradise
For us humans, temperatures of around 30 degrees are often almost too much to bear. There is nothing better than to cool down and relax.
Imagine how much more intense the heat sensation of your dog is. After all, he has a warming coat that protects him from the cold in winter. In summer, however, it can be a real burden for him.
A hot summer is a real ordeal for most dogs if humans do not protect them optimally from the high outside temperatures and sunlight.
Therefore, it is recommended that you put a dog paddling pool in the garden for your dear companion, so that he can cool off and play in it as he pleases.
This is why a dog swimming pool is so important
Dogs don't sweat as humans do. Therefore, on hot days, the risk of them overheating is particularly high. Of course, dogs should never be left alone in the car while you quickly do some shopping.
This can have serious health consequences for the animals or even lead to death. In addition, when you go for a walk, make sure that your dog is not too exposed to the sun. This exerts him and is very stressful not only for dogs with sensitive hearts.
Riding a bike in the summer while your dog is running alongside is also extremely dangerous and real pain for the animal! The comparatively high running speed and also the hot road asphalt make the "sporty" walking highly dangerous.
The paws of a dog are highly sensitive. That's why the asphalt on sidewalks or streets can become extremely hot when the sun shines on it for many hours.
Tip: To test whether walking might be too hot for your dog, all you need to do is place your palm on the ground. If you have to pull your hand back after a few seconds because it is too hot, then it is too hot for your dog's paws.
In general, you should avoid long walks in the summer with your dog and prefer regions, such as forests or meadows, if possible. Or take your dog for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening. Then it is usually cooler and more pleasant.
A trip to the lake or a river is a pure pleasure for dogs. However, such an opportunity to cool down is not always in the immediate neighborhood. Sometimes longer car journeys have to be accepted to be able to offer the dog a splashing bathing pleasure.
Risks when swimming in the lake
As exciting and fun as it is for Fiffi, Bello and Gustav to plunge into the cool water, it is important that you pay attention to the following:
Sometimes the water quality leaves something to be desired or there are tiny animals in it, which settle in your dog's fur while playing in the water.
In general, you should wash your dog's coat thoroughly after a swim in the lake or a visit to the beach. If this is too much work for you, give your dog a great present: a dog swimming pool! The advantages speak for themselves:
Pleasure without end - the dog pool XXL
- Your dog will love the dog swimming pool because he can cool off in it to his heart's content in the summer.
- A dog swimming pool is perfect for playing and relaxing.
- While playing and splashing around, you can playfully develop your dog's skills with dog intelligence toys.
- If a dog paddling pool is available, you actively support the health and well-being of your dog.
- For masters and mistresses, it is pure pleasure to watch their four-legged darling having fun.
- You do not need to bathe the dog afterward, as would be the case after a trip to the forest lake. Because with a high-quality dog pool, the water can be changed as needed, so it's always clean.
Whether mini dog swimming pool or dog pool XXL - they are easy to set up and convenient to handle.
Dog splash pools come in different sizes. For small and medium-sized dogs there are suitable dog paddling pools, and also for large dogs you can discover great models, such as a dog pool XXL. There are even dog paddling pools in bone shape.
What is actually a dog paddling pool?
A dog paddling pool is comparable to a paddling pool for humans. Whether they're round, oval, or square, they come in all imaginable sizes and materials. Some are made of special rubber materials that you can inflate with a pump to get them in shape.
In addition, there are dog pools made of solid plastic that consist of several panels and connectors that need to be assembled. Foldable pools are especially popular. You only need to take them out of their packaging and unfold them.
Do not buy just any dog pool, but approach the search for a suitable model with caution. Because some things must be considered, to exclude all possible risks. Only then is 100% bathing pleasure guaranteed for your darling.
In addition to the dog pool, order the intelligence toy for the dog at the same time. This way, you can give your animal friend an extra treat and at the same time support the activity of his "grey cells". More about the ideal intelligence toy for the dog you will learn in the further course of this guide.
The right site selection
No matter whether you want to buy a small or medium-sized dog pool or a dog pool XXL - the choice of the optimal location should not fall into the background.
It is best to choose a shady spot in the garden or backyard. This way, the sun's rays can't harm your pelt-nose.
If it gets too hot while romping around in the dog pool, you don't have to worry that your dog will suffer from heatstroke. Apart from that, the risk of algae formation is high when the sun shines on the water in the pool all day long.
It is recommended to keep about 3 to 4 meters of free space around the pool so that your dog can romp around without any restrictions.
At the same time, you prevent in this way that terrace entrances, windows, flower beds, or objects in the proximity become wet because this can happen with the jumping around quiet.
This is what distinguishes the perfect dog pool
A dog splash pool is something wonderful for small, medium, and large dogs. They can play in it, have fun with other dogs or lie down in the cool water to relax and rest.
Most often, on hot days, animals simply feel the need to retreat and enjoy the pleasant coolness of the water. They usually perceive the heat particularly intensely and feel stressed, tired, and insecure as a result.
So it is good that their master or mistress provides a dog swimming pool where the water rats can enjoy themselves all around.
Ideal material properties
Ideal material properties
The higher the material quality of a dog pool, the longer your pelt will enjoy it. And the more boisterous the splashing can be.
Renowned dog pool manufacturers prefer to use robust polyethylene plastic. Materials of this type are resistant to scratches and bites and are also absolutely harmless to health. Another relevant factor is environmental compatibility.
PET plastic can be recycled 100 percent and has an average thickness of 4 to 5 millimeters, depending on the model of the swimming pool.
Many quality paddling pools are made of a sturdy MDF wall construction and are equipped with a PVC material. These pools are very easy to unfold and move into position.
They remain stable even during turbulent dog play and have a distinctly high-quality appearance. In comparison, classic rubber pools are becoming more and more out of fashion.
To ensure adequate robustness and durability, some additives have to be added to the rubber material in the course of production. This increases the dead weight of the pools, so they are sometimes difficult to transport and set up.
Rubber pools for dogs must be inflated and shaped with the help of a pump. The procedure is often very laborious and time-consuming.
A pump or bellows are often not included. However, if you have an electric pump in your garage or basement, the setup can be done in no time. Dismantling, on the other hand, takes quite a long time because the air has to be let out again. The best way to do this is to press and squeeze hard.
If a dog pool XXL has a finely structured inside, the risk of slipping is reduced. As experience shows, splashing and romping can be quite turbulent. Especially if other dogs are also in the dog paddling pool.
That's why a ribbed or relief-like designed interior structure makes sense because it prevents the small and large paws from slipping so easily. Last but not least, anxious dogs also benefit from this. Pools of this type simply give them more security, making it easier for them to get used to the water.
For which dogs is a dog paddling pool suitable?
There is hardly any dog for which a dog pool would not be suitable. Intelligence toys for the dog also belong to make the everyday life of the beloved fur noses exciting and thrilling. With suitable intelligence toys for the dog, you can promote the motor skills specifically, and also the thinking ability is stimulated. More about this in a moment.
Any dog that loves to play and enjoys something special will feel at home in the dog swimming pool, which is equipped with intelligence toys for the dog.
Certainly, some dogs are cautious and reserved by nature. But after a certain period of acclimatization, you will certainly not be able to get them out of their new "water paradise" so quickly.
The professional everyday life of master and mistress is often stressful so that sometimes there is not enough time for playing and walking. In this respect, a dog pool is a perfect way to create a balance and encourage the animals' urge to move.
In addition, the purchase of a dog pool is also recommended for dogs with health problems. It doesn't matter if they are physically impaired or have psychological problems, for example, due to abuse or an accident trauma - spending time in a dog pool will help them distract themselves.
Many dog therapists and veterinarians advise their patients to buy a dog paddling pool, because in it - with specific exercises and movement therapies - the joints and muscles of sick animals can relax.
Movement in water simply does you good. This is not only true for humans, but also dogs appreciate a few therapy sessions in the dog pool XXL.
How to get your dog used to a dog pool
Fearful or traumatized dogs must first be accustomed to their new summer play oasis. Some dogs are afraid of water or feel uncomfortable in it.
If this is also the case with your pet, you can get him excited about swimming in the dog pool with the following steps:
- Set up the dog pool and let your pet sniff it at his leisure. Already during the construction or when pumping up the wall segments you should make it possible for the dog to familiarize himself with the unknown objects.
- Once the dog pool is set up, place a few treats inside. Before you fill the pool with water, let your dog jump in and have a look at the pool.
- 3) While the dog is still in the empty pool, add a cup of water. Then another. And one more.
- 4) Give your pet time and allow him to jump out of the bowl again. In that case, put some of his favorite snacks back in.
- 5) Dogs with physical handicaps have difficulties going into the pool by themselves. Therefore, you should use a dog staircase or slide so that they can run in.
- 6) To help your dog overcome his fear of the water, you could go in first. Your four-legged friend will want to come to you. Such a moment is perfect to playfully discover the many benefits of water. Just give it a try.
Tip: Sometimes you don't succeed in getting your dog excited about the dog swimming pool right away. If you use intelligence toys for the dog, the acclimatization process can be shortened playfully and the bath in the pool can become wonderfully exciting.
How to find the right size dog pool
When buying a dog pool, one of the most important factors is the size. It is important that your four-legged friend could get in and out as easily as possible. He should also be able to play comfortably in it.
If the dog pool is too small, your furry friend may feel uncomfortable. He may find it difficult to sit or lie down properly. A pool that is too large, on the other hand, could cause insecurity.
However, if you have several dogs bathing in the pool, then the dog paddling pool should be large enough and also equipped with appropriate aids to make it easier for them to get in and out.
A small rule of thumb
French Bulldog, Pug, Dachshund, Jack Russell, Chihuahua, and other small dog species are very well served in a dog pool with a diameter of about eighty to 1 meter.
Podencos, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, or medium-sized mixed breeds feel comfortable in a dog paddling pool that has a diameter of about 1 to 1.5 meters.
For greyhounds, German shepherds, Labradors, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, or Golden Retrievers, a dog pool XXL with a diameter of over 1.50 meters is particularly suitable.
Not only for cooling down and playing
A dog pool is perfect for the summer. On rainy days or in the winter season, it is naturally less interesting for dogs.
But that doesn't mean you have to store it in the garage or basement during those times.
Instead, it is a good idea to set up the XXL dog pool in the living room or conservatory. As a ball pool or equipped with intelligence toys for the dog, the dog pool makes a good figure throughout the year.
In addition, you can line it with soft blankets, so that your four-legged friend gets an additional cozy snuggle corner. A dog pool is therefore a real all-rounder and offers dog owners many possible uses.
Play it safe
Anti-slip mats or a relief-like structure of the interior provide your dog with safety and protect him from injuries caused by slipping.
You can also do your four-legged friend a favor with a practical boarding aid. Especially dogs with physical impairments simply feel safer if they can get in and out of the pool carefully in this way.
A garden swimming pool for us humans is enriched with different chemicals for reasons of hygiene. To prevent the development of germs and bacteria, one generally adds chlorine. This is a very aggressive substance that ensures that the water remains as clean as possible for a long time.
Think not only about the well-being and safety of your dog but also the view "over the edge of the pool" is necessary: If your pet is not using the dog pool once, it is important to cover the pool.
Whether walking, overnight or whenever the dog pool is unattended, protect others from possible injury or accident as well.
Small pools in front of which entryways are placed can be an "invitation" for hedgehogs or other animals. Assuming there is no cover on the dog pool, these unexpected visitors would drown.
Even small children from the neighborhood can have an accident if they fall into the dog pool XXL while playing. Usually, the worst accidents happen when nobody is looking. A safety net or cover is, therefore, a must-have.
The ideal accessories
With the right accessories and with the right intelligent toys for the dog, a dog pool becomes even more exciting.
Many retailers offer their customers a dog brush or hand strainer when they purchase a dog pool to fish leaves or insects out of the water when needed.
Placing an entry and exit aid is also an important accessory. This allows dogs that are initially