If you have a dog who loves water, good luck keeping them out of a swimming pool. But should you let them go for a swim? You might wonder how safe your pool is for your dog, especially if they like to sneak a drink on a hot day. Can dogs drink pool water, or will the chlorine harm them? Keep reading for the answers, as well as the lowdown on salt water pools and dogs.

Black lab swimming in a pool with a tennis ball in mouth.

Can Dogs Drink Pool Water?

It's inevitable that your dog will swallow some water while swimming and playing in the pool. If your pool is treated properly, the chlorine levels should be low enough that swallowing a little water here and there won't harm your pooch. The problems start when a dog decides that the pool is a giant drinking bowl.

If your pup starts lapping up chlorine pool water to quench their thirst, it can irritate their gastrointestinal tract and cause stomach discomfort and vomiting, as well as esophageal irritation and erosion, says The Spruce Pets. While this sounds bad, it's not as dangerous as what might happen if your dog were to swallow improperly treated water that's loaded with algae, bacteria, parasites and other illness-inducing microorganisms.

Be sure to keep plenty of fresh drinking water nearby for your pup, and redirect them if you notice them drinking from the pool. And if you chemically shock your pool, keep your dog away from it completely until all the chemical levels return to normal.

What About Salt Water Pools and Dogs?

While salt water pools contain lower levels of chlorine than fresh water pools, some chlorine is typically still present and can still upset your dog's gastrointestinal tract if consumed in large amounts. But what's more dangerous is the amount of sodium your dog might ingest. While salt water pools contain less sodium than ocean water, too much of it can still be bad for your dog (and potentially give them salt water poisoning). As with chlorinated pools, swallowing a little while swimming won't hurt your pup, but they shouldn't be allowed to drink it. Whether you're at the pool or the beach, you should keep fresh drinking water on hand for when your dog gets thirsty.

Jack Russell terrier swimming in shallow ocean waters with a red flying disc in mouth.

If your dog consumes just a few mouthfuls of salt water, it's likely that the worst they'll experience is diarrhea, says American Kennel Club. However, ingesting much more than that could lead to serious complications and salt water toxicity, which could prove fatal. Drinking too much salt water can seriously dehydrate your dog and cause electrolyte imbalances that can result in vomiting, seizures, brain damage and kidney damage. Besides vomiting, diarrhea and seizures, other visible signs of salt water poisoning may include:

  • Muscle tremors
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Confusion
  • Odd behavior
  • Unresponsiveness

What to Do if Your Dog Drinks Too Much Pool or Sea Water

Keep a close eye on your dog if you suspect that they've consumed an unhealthy amount of pool or sea water. Generally, it's a good idea to contact your veterinarian as soon as you notice your pet showing signs or behaving abnormally. If your pooch is vomiting or showing signs of GI upset after drinking salt water they should be evaluated by your veterinarian to assess for any other signs of illness. If the signs appear to be limited to GI upset, your veterinarian may recommend transitioning them to a gut-friendly, highly-digestible commercial dog food for a few days as part of their treatment plan.

It's fine to allow your dog to enjoy your pool or to splash around in the waves at the beach, but do everything you can to prevent them from drinking more than a few swallows of the water. And remember that it's always best to contact your vet any time your dog shows signs of illness or starts acting strangely.

Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.

Related articles

How to Ride a Bike With Your Dog: Tips for Success

Discover tips for enjoying a bike ride with your dog: How to decide if your dog is a good fit, planning the first ride, items to bring along & safety tips.

Risks of Overfeeding Your Dog

Learn how overfeeding your dog can lead to dangerous consequences for his health. Keep your dog happy and healthy with a balanced nutrition.

How to Tell if You Have an Overweight Dog

Learn how to tell if your dog is getting to be overweight and discover helpful advice on how to help him get down to a manageable, healthier weight.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

You know that bathing your dog is important, but how often should you do it? Learn the right dog bath frequency, based on their breed, lifestyle & health.

What Is Laser Therapy for Dogs?

Discover the benefits of cold laser therapy for dogs, including how it works, conditions it's typically used for, and any safety concerns you might have.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

Is turkey meat safe for dogs? Learn whether it's OK to feed your dog turkey and important info about certain spices, turkey skin & turkey bones.

Heartworms in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Learn the facts about what heartworms really are, symptoms & signs he might exhibit if he's infected, and treatment options to help him get rid of them.

The Science Behind Your Dog and His Behavior

Discover how the field of dog science is giving us more and more insights into the inner workings of our furry best friends.

Options for Boarding Your Dog When You Go Out of Town

Explore your options for boarding or kenneling your puppy when you travel. Learn what you should and should not do here.

What is My Dog Thinking About?

Wonder what your dog is thinking about? Learn about the way your dog's brain processes information compared to a human & what your intonation means to him.

How to Recognize and Ease Stress in Dogs

Learn the physical signs that your dog is stressed, such as changes in appetite or increased urination, common causes of stress and tips for stress relief.

Can Dogs Catch a Cold or Get the Flu?

Discover if your dog can catch the common cold or flu virus, either from humans or other dogs, and what to do to help him feel better when he is sick.

Dog Bitten by a Snake? Clinical Symptoms & What You Should Do

Learn about snake bites on dogs, including clinical symptoms to look for, what to do if you think your dog was bitten, and treatment & prevention options.

Understanding & Caring For Your Miniature-Breed Dog

Learn how the needs of small breed dogs are different than other dogs, and get helpful tips on how you can provide for their needs.

Heart Disease and Conditions in Dogs: Causes & Facts

Learn what heart disease and heart conditions are for dogs, their causes, how to spot the symptoms, and what to do if you suspect it in your dog.

First Aid Tips for Your Dog

Get advice on how to provide your dog with proper first aid for a variety of injuries including burns, cuts, bites, heatstroke, and more.

Exercise Ideas for Your Large-Breed Dog

Discover creative ways you can provide your large breed dog with the exercise he needs to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

Helping Your Dog Deal With Allergic Dermatitis & Skin Irritants

Discover seven common dog skin diseases — including causes, symptoms, and treatment — to stay educated about your dog's health.

Do Dogs Have Periods?

Learn more about if female dogs can have periods, when they can happen and a lot more about their estrus cycle.

My Dog Is Bullying Other Dogs: What Should I Do?

Learn how to spot bullying behavior in dogs, including signs like being pushy, aggressive and stealing other dogs' food, and tips for putting a stop to it.