Is the weather just too hot for your German Shepherd? Does your dog love to cool off with a swim? A lot of dogs enjoy playing around in the water, especially on hot summer days.
However, not everyone has a pool in their backyard or has access to a pool nearby. Fortunately, many dog owners found the perfect solution by getting above-ground pools for German Shepherds.
In today’s article, you’ll learn everything about dog pools, and which one would suit your German Shepherd. So, let’s dive into the details.
Why You Should Get an Above-Ground Pool for Your German Shepherd
Most dogs love water so much, especially in the summer months. Your German shepherd is no exception. German Shepherd dogs have long, thick coats, which can make your poor dog overheat easily.
So, swimming in the pool is the best way for your dog to cool off, even after getting out of the pool. The water on your dog’s body evaporates, which lowers the temperature of your dog.
Swimming is also a great exercise for humans and dogs. When you swim, you move a lot of muscles and burn a lot of calories. This also applies to your dog, which makes swimming a perfect exercise for energetic dog breeds, such as German Shepherds.
If you don’t have time to walk your dog or play with them, the above-ground pool is one of the best alternatives that your dog will enjoy. Swimming is a very fun activity for dogs, especially when you throw some toys in the pool.
Which Above-Ground Pools Would Suit Your German Shepherd?
The choices are plenty when it comes to above-ground pools, especially for a large dog breed such as the German Shepherd. That’s because you’ll need a pool that’s large enough, durable, and not too deep, so your pup can safely swim.
For those reasons, an inflatable kiddie pool wouldn’t be a good choice. Instead, you’ll need to get a dog pool.
There are mainly three things to consider when getting an above-ground pool for dogs. These are:
Size
Naturally, since German Shepherds are a large dog breed, they’ll need a large enough pool! Thankfully though, dog pools come in various sizes that can accommodate any dog breed, from a small chihuahua to a large German Shepherd.
So, an XL dog pool with dimensions of 63 x 12 inches would be a great fit for most German Shepherds. This size can hold another person as well, meaning that you can splash around with your companion.
Depth
You should also consider if the pool’s depth will suit your dog. Sure, most dogs can swim easily, yet it’s still important that they’re able to reach the pool’s floor while they’re swimming.
Most dog pools are about four feet deep. This is sufficient for most dogs. However, you can also add steps or a small stool in your dog’s pool. This way, your dog can easily get in and out of the pool. Additionally, if your pup gets tired, it’ll have a spot to rest.
Material
For material, you need something that’s durable, so it wouldn’t get punctured by your dog’s nails or teeth. In this case, a heavy-duty PVC material would be best.
What’s more, is that many dog pools don’t require inflating. All you have to do is fill it up with water, thus adding to its strength.
Additionally, you should opt for dog pools with rigid sides. This way, your German Shepherd can play freely without the pool completely falling apart.
As for the floor, dog pools can come with thick, textured flooring to keep your dog from slipping in the water.
Important Things to Know About Above-Ground Pools for Dogs
Dogs are natural swimmers. They can float perfectly and paddle their legs to swim. In fact, the most simple swimming style, called dog paddle, is inspired by how dogs swim easily in water.
However, you shouldn’t leave your dog unattended at the pool. It’s still best if you keep an eye on your dog while swimming, just to be safe.
Also, it might be a good idea to limit the dog’s access to the pool, so that they don’t jump in the pool when you’re not around.
Additionally, you should teach your dog not to damage the above-ground pool with their nails.
Just like humans, dogs can get tired of swimming. So, if you spot your dog trying to reach the side of the pool, that’s likely because they feel tired. It’s best if you give your dog a place to rest like pool ladders or steps.
Wrap Up
Are above-ground pools for German shepherds a good idea?
The answer is yes! Above-ground pools can help your dog cool off in hot weather. Additionally, swimming is a great exercise for your dogs.
However, you need to make sure to get an above-ground pool with a suitable size and depth. More importantly, you need an above-ground pool made of suitable material, so it wouldn’t get punctured by your dog’s nails or teeth.
It’s crucial that you place steps or ladders for your dog to rest on while swimming, and you should never leave your dog unsupervised.
FAQs
Can you make your above-ground pool dog-friendly?
If you have a normal kiddie pool, you can easily make some adjustments, so it’ll suit your pup. To start, you can place a non-slip mat on the floor of the pool.
If your pool is too deep and your dog hasn’t learned to swim yet, your pup can greatly benefit from a dog life jacket. You also shouldn’t fill the pool all the way up.
Is pool chlorine safe for dogs?
Chlorine is a safe antiseptic that’s essential for pool water. However, your dog may drink excess amounts of pool water to cool off. In this case, chlorine might harm your pup. As it can cause irritation to the digestive system.
Additionally, if your dog has sensitive skin, you’ll need to keep an eye out for any signs of inflammation or dry spots. So, you should always make sure that your pool is properly maintained. In that way, chlorine levels will remain low and harmless.
