Is Pool Chlorine Safe for Dogs?
- Dr. Casey Smallwood
- Feb 29, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
If you let your pup go swimming with you in a pool, you might be wondering, is chlorine water safe for my dog? Here, we’ll discuss the differing levels of chlorine ingestion by dogs and what to do about them.
Because chlorine tablet manufacturers make chlorine tablets taste bad, a dog eating a full chlorine tablet is pretty uncommon. So, let’s start with things we see more often in our ER. If your dog drinks some pool water that has been chlorinated, you need to call VEG or your general practice veterinarian. Most likely, you’ll be directed to give your pup small amounts of milk for the first 15 minutes after ingestion to help neutralize any electrolyte imbalance.
If your dog eats a little bit of a chlorine tablet, the process is the same. You need to call us (we’re open 24/7) or your vet. You may need to give them milk, but talk to a professional about how much was eaten and what symptoms your dog may be showing.
SYMPTOMS OF CHLORINE INGESTION IN DOGS
Chlorine is a harsh chemical; depending on how much is ingested, symptoms will vary:
Nausea/Vomiting - if a big enough amount is ingested, GI problems are sure to follow
Redness/Soreness in mouth - chlorine tablets can cause bad oral ulcerations
Throat damage - ulcers can form, causing damage to the esophagus
Stomach damage - if an ulcer is bad enough, it can perforate the stomach lining
Just like in humans, dog electrolytes include sodium, chloride, and potassium. Among other things, electrolytes balance the body’s pH and maintain hydration. If you’re noticing that chloride might have ties to chlorine, you’re right! Chloride is formed from chlorine, and that’s why if your dog eats a chlorine tablet, chloride levels go up, causing an abnormality in electrolytes.
HOW OUR VET WILL TREAT CHLORINE INGESTION
You can expect your dog will be given IV dilution to correct the chloride imbalance. We most likely won’t induce vomiting because chlorine is corrosive to the esophagus, so once it’s down, we don’t want to bring it back up.
If damage is more severe, like if there’s a perforation in the stomach, your dog may be given sucralfate, which is like the dog version of Tums or Pepto Bismol.
Since the mouth is chock full of soft tissue, it’s easy to see why chlorine could easily cause ulcerations. For mouth ulcers, your dog will be given an injectable to control the pain.
ARE SALT WATER POOLS SAFE FOR DOGS?
Dog owners concerned about chlorine ingestion may want to enjoy a salt water pool with their dog. But is a salt water pool safe? There are some things to be aware of before taking the plunge with your doggo.
When salt is added to pool water, it runs through a chlorine generator for sanitization. So while chlorine isn't added directly into the pool water, the end result is not exactly a chlorine-free pool. A salt water pool may be more gentle on your dog's skin, but the pool's chemistry levels should be checked, just as you would with a chlorinated pool.
Additionally, salt water pools contain, well, a fair amount of salt! A little sip may not be harmful, but take caution if your dog is prone to lapping up water or taking big gulps. Salt water can lead to a number of problems if ingested by a dog, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Salt water poisoning in dogs can lead to lethargy, seizures, and can be potentially fatal.
Whether you have a chlorinated pool or a salt water, your dog needs to be monitored at all times to avoid accidental ingestion and other safety concerns.
