Puppy Pools!

So the summer is hot and so are the people and pets. Many humans will be retreating to their favorite pool to cool off and escape the summer heat but unless you own your own pool, chances are you best-four-legged-friend isn't exactly welcome to swim with you.

Now what?

My first general suggestion is this... if it looks like a squeaky toy it IS a squeaky toy, so all those fluffy cute inflatable ones? Skip it. Dogs have teeth and toenails and will need to get in and out, the chances of a puncture (or shredding) is HIGH.

That being said, go for a hard plastic one.

3ft Wading pool

Next thing is Size which is based on Size. Strange concept? nah. Pool size = dog size. So if you have a Dane, a 9x7x2 inch pool, is NOT going to work. Good news? you have options!

There is the 3ft wading pool at Toys r us  - It's a whopping $7 but be sure the plastic is smooth at the edge or that you protect any sharp edges (line it with duct-tape or file it smooth)

8ft vinyl

Next up Intex Ocean Reef Snapset Kiddie Pool  (about $28 at toys-r-us, also available at Target)- This is NOT hard plastic, it is vinyl which means it's not as sturdy as the first but it is bigger, 8 ft across by 18inches tall. Remember that vinyl means nails might go through and it might become a chew toy, especially for teething puppies. PLEASE make sure your dog can climb over something 18 inches tall before plopping them in.

LxW = 55x33inches and holds 13 gallons for about $91

If none of these seems like it'd work for you, consider going to your local hardware store, and checking out the preformed ponds to see if they are durable/big enough for your pup. They are more expensive than standard kiddie pools but can go up to 7.5 ft by 5 ft (but that's quite a bit more expensive.)

Examples: The Home Depot,  Lowes, or other hardware/gardening stores          

72x72" round