During the hot summer months, you might have noticed your dog lapping up some pool water and wondered: Can dogs drink pool water — and is it safe for them to do so?
To find the answer, we spoke to Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, medical director of Behavior Vets NYC in New York City about what pet parents should know about dogs and chlorine.
Can dogs drink pool water safely?
Luckily, if your dog is drinking minimal amounts of pool water — just like humans accidentally do when they swim — you don’t have anything to worry about.
“In general, ingesting a small amount of pool water is not a concern,” Dr. Tu told.
According to Dr. Tu, most of the chemicals found in both regular and saltwater pools shouldn’t be a concern and “are safe if the amount swallowed is minimal and part of the regular swimming activity.”
That being said, there are times where you should intervene — like if your dog is gulping down pool water like it’s his only source of hydration.
“You should discourage your dog from drinking large amounts of pool water, as this could cause vomiting and diarrhea, or even electrolyte imbalances that could result in serious conditions including hyponatremia (low systemic sodium levels),” Dr. Tu said.
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