My Dog Drank Pool Water. Now What? Keeping Dog Pool Time Safe and Fun

Hot summer days are perfect for soaking up the sun and spending time at the pool. Many dogs enjoy cooling themselves off by splashing, swimming, or floating on a raft in pools with their pet parents.  

It’s natural to wonder, “Is chlorine safe for dogs?” because dog pool time can be a fun experience for everyone on a hot summer day. 

However, pet parents should be aware of potential hazards related to chlorine and how to ensure their pup can still have fun during the summer.  

Is Chlorine Safe for Dogs?

Chlorine contains an active ingredient called sodium hypochlorite, which is used to clean and disinfect household surfaces and pool water.   

Chlorine in treated swimming pools is generally safe for dogs to splash and swim in. This is because the chlorine has been diluted to a safe concentration and pH level.  

For this reason, drinking a small amount of pool water is unlikely to harm a dog; however, it does have the potential to cause mild stomach upset if your dog drinks too much.  

Bottles of concentrated chlorine and chlorine tablets that might be found in the pool area are especially dangerous for dogs. These products contain high levels of sodium hypochlorite, which can be irritating and corrosive, particularly to a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, skin, eyes, and lungs after exposure or ingestion.  

What Is Chlorine Toxicity in Dogs?

While drinking pool water is unlikely to be fatal, it can still cause illness in your dog.  

The chlorine in a pool is diluted and in low concentrations, but it may cause your pup to have an upset tummy in some cases. The more pool water your dog drinks, the higher the risk of your dog experiencing symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.  

If treated pool water gets into your dog’s eyes, it can also cause irritation, leading to redness or watery eye discharge.  

Undiluted chlorine, such as chlorine tablets or concentrated liquid, can be corrosive depending on the concentration of sodium hypochlorite in the product.  

When it comes to chlorine and dogs, the higher the concentration, the more dangerous the product is. Chlorine tablets contain high concentrations, which pose a significant risk to a dog’s digestive tract if they ingest these tablets.  

Dogs that have ingested chlorine tablets may experience: 

• Vomiting (which may contain blood) 

• Excessive drooling 

• Bloody diarrhea 

• Visible sores in the mouth 

If a dog inhales the dust that is typically present in chlorine tablet packaging, they can also experience serious irritation of the respiratory tract and have symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or gagging. 

My Dog Drank Pool Water. Now What?

If you see your dog drink pool water, don’t panic. Generally, drinking a small amount of pool water isn’t going to cause them harm. If you see your dog actively drinking lots of pool water, however, redirect their attention elsewhere so that it doesn’t become a habit. 

 It’s helpful to keep a gate outside or dog playpen outside so that your pup can still enjoy the outdoors with you without being tempted to drink pool water. 

If your dog drinks a small amount of pool water, monitor them for signs of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or reduced appetite.  

If you notice any of these but your dog is still energetic and otherwise behaving normally, you can offer some boiled chicken and white rice as a bland option for them to eat while their stomach recovers.  

But if your dog is having repeated bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, or refuses to eat altogether, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or your veterinarian for additional guidance.  

Sometimes, dogs will develop dry, red skin after exposure to pool water. If this occurs, gently rinse the area with clean water to remove any chlorine residue.  

If the skin irritation is mild it will generally resolve on its own within a day or two, as long as the dog is no longer exposed to the pool water.  

Pool Safety for Dogs

It’s generally safe for dogs to swim in a pool if the concentration of chlorine is at a safe level. But pet parents should ensure that any concentrated chlorine products, such as liquid or tablets, are stored safely out of their dogs’ reach.  

If your dog is spending time in or near the swimming pool, make sure fresh, clean water is outdoors and available at all times, to encourage them to drink from their bowl rather than from the pool.  

Additionally, never leave your dog outdoors alone in or around a swimming pool. Be sure to put away any pool toys, such as foam noodles, that dogs may chew on and accidentally ingest, which could lead to an intestinal blockage.  

If your dog can’t swim, use a pet gate to block off their pool area access. If this isn’t possible, keep them on a leash and supervised when around the pool or let them soak up the air conditioning indoors instead.