The 8 Best Dog Pools
Special Honors
In The Company Of Dogs Portable Wading Pool Made with durable, reinforced PVC walls, this pool should never spring a leak and can hold up to sharp doggy claws. It's available in green or grey, and has multiple handles for relocating it. Capable of holding 18 gallons of water, and at two by three feet, it's a nice size for a small dog to relax in. inthecompanyofdogs.com
Editor's Notes
February 11, 2020:
Not all canines like to enjoy pools the same way, and with that in mind, we selected a good range of dog pools for nearly every type of four-legged wader and splasher.
If you have an older dog or one suffering from arthritis or hip issues, the Alcott Adventures Mariner is a thoughtful choice as its walls dip at various points, making it easy for senior pets to get in and out of. On the topic of features that make a pooch feel safe, the FrontPet Foldable has a non-skid bottom to keep canines from sliding around while enjoying the water.
Durable materials are obviously important in this type of product, so we like that the Petsfit Portable combines a wire frame with tough oxford fabric, and should hold up well after plenty of use. Conversely, we eliminated the Lalawow So Cool as its walls can start to collapse over time.
Since you may want the option to take your pool on the go, we chose the Fuloon PVC Bathtub, which packs down small for transport, as does the Petsfit Portable. The former even comes with its own carrying case, so there's no need to put it in your beach bag. We ultimately decided to remove the One Dog Bone Pool because it is very overpriced, considering all of the more affordable, equally-functional options.
Benefits Of A Dog Pool
Dogs don't live as long as we'd like them to, so every moment counts — and you'll definitely treasure every memory of splashing around with the little guy.
There's nothing that we won't do for our dogs. We let them share our houses, eat our food, and ride shotgun in our cars. It should come as no surprise, then, that we're equally fanatical about their health. Whether that means feeding them organic dog food or keeping them in great shape, we'll go to great lengths to ensure that they lead long, happy lives.
If that sounds like you, then it may be worth considering whether your pooch would enjoy splashing around in a dog pool. These tubs have a wide range of benefits for both you and your pet, including some you may not have considered.
The most obvious is keeping Fido cool during the sweltering summer heat. This is especially important if you have a dog with a thick coat, like a Siberian Husky or a Bernese Mountain Dog, as these breeds can easily overheat as the mercury climbs. Giving them a spot to cool off will help keep them happy and healthy, as well as make you feel like an all-star pet parent.
Helping them beat the heat will also give them incentive to stay active. You can throw a few toys in there to give them something to play with, and they'll be much more likely to chase a ball around the inside of a pool than they would around the sweltering yard. Not only will this help them stay fit and trim, but it will also tax them mentally — and that means they won't tear up your house when you're gone.
If the pool is deep enough (or if your dog is small enough), then swimming can be an incredible form of exercise for your pooch. Canine hydrotherapy is becoming increasingly popular, as more and more vets are recommending it for dogs with hip dysplasia and those recovering from surgery. Their buoyancy in the water takes a lot of strain off of their joints, giving them all the benefits of a long run without any of the stress or impact.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of all, though, is that it gives you another way to bond with your pet. Dogs don't live as long as we'd like them to, so every moment counts — and you'll definitely treasure every memory of splashing around with the little guy.
Choosing A Dog Pool
If you're ready to treat your dog to their own backyard swimming hole, it's worth doing a little research to make sure you get one he'll actually use. Below are a few things to look for when shopping around.
Give your pup plenty of room to play, splash around, and even lay down if that's his thing — but make sure that he can get in and out easily.
The most important thing is to get something that holds the right amount of water for your dog. A pool that's great for a Chihuahua will barely come up to a Great Dane's ankles, while his ideal pool could be a drowning hazard for a Maltese. Give your pup plenty of room to play, splash around, and even lay down if that's his thing — but make sure that he can get in and out easily.
The material is also important to consider. If it's inflatable, you'll want to make sure that he doesn't bite into it, and that his claws are kept well-trimmed. If he enjoys ripping up plastic, you'll either need to train him to stop or find an option that's made of some other material, like canvas. Otherwise, your fun will be short-lived — and this could end up being an expensive hobby.
Figure out where you'll want to put it before you buy, as well. You want something that won't dominate your entire backyard, and that you can easily move when needed. If you plan on draining it after every use, make sure that it's easy to do so, and not too expensive to refill.
Whatever you do, don't stress over this too much. There aren't a lot of wrong answers here, as it ultimately comes down to your dog's personal preference, which you undoubtedly know better than anyone.
And look on the bright side — if he ends up tearing it up seconds after you get it out of the bag, it will be extremely cute.
Keeping Your Dog Pool Clean And Safe
Dogs are not the pickiest of creatures. They'll gladly roll around in a dead skunk, so a little algae in the water won't bother them — but it should bother you.
A doggie pool should provide more health benefits than risks, so any dangers involved shouldn't give you much pause.
Algae and bacterial overgrowth in the pool can lead to serious illness in your pet, so you'll want to keep the water in his pool as clean as possible. This means changing it out regularly, and occasionally spraying the material down with an antibacterial cleaner. You can even add a tiny amount of chlorine to the water if you're so inclined, but it's not necessary.
When you're cleaning everything, don't forget about the toys. They can harbor a surprising amount of microbes, and those germs can spread incredibly quickly when introduced to the water. Designate a day to spend a few minutes cleaning everything that goes in or near the pool. Yes, it's a slight chore, but it's worth it to keep your buddy safe — and it's much cheaper than a trip to the vet.
Try to situate the pool out of the sun, if possible. The whole point is to help Scooby beat the heat, so plunking him down in the middle of the rays defeats the purpose. Also, remember that dogs can get skin cancer too, so you don't want him exposed to any more UV rays than absolutely necessary.
A doggie pool should provide more health benefits than risks, so any dangers involved shouldn't give you much pause. They're easily mitigated, and with a little preventative care every now and then, your pooch should enjoy his new backyard pond for years to come.