Rafts for Swimming Dogs

Published On: Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Yes, just like humans, many dogs love to lounge around on a dog raft in the family swimming pool. It may sound funny, but a dog pool raft is the perfect way for a dog to relax and keep cool on a warm day. Most regular pool rafts are not made to withstand the sharp nails and teeth of dogs and are not a good idea for your pet. There are now a variety of dog pool rafts available that are made specifically with swimming dogs in mind.

A dog pool raft differs from a standard pool raft primarily in the materials used to manufacture the raft. Dog pool rafts need to be constructed from durable materials that will not pop when the dog jumps on or off the dog raft. Dog pool rafts need to be sturdy and secure and made of materials that will not harm the dog or encourage them to chew on the ends. Other than that, the design of a dog pool raft can be similar to that of any regular pool raft.

Dog pool rafts should only be used with swimming dogs. You should not put a dog on a raft if they are not comfortable in the water. Dogs can easily fall off a raft, even if it is made specifically for a dog, or get startled or splashed, and for that reason, only swimming dogs should be allowed on a dog raft. If a dog cannot easily get on or off the raft, or cannot swim to the side of the pool if they fall off the dog raft, then they should not be allowed on. The same rules that apply for children that cannot swim well should be applied to non swimming dogs, too. Dogs should also never be left unsupervised while lying in the family pool lounging on a dog raft.

One way to make sure that your dog remains cool while lounging on a dog pool raft is to periodically splash some water on the dog and on the dog raft. Dog rafts can dry out in the heat of the sun and become rather hot if they are not periodically cooled with water. When a person lies on a raft for an extended period of time, they will usually dip their feet or hands in the water on occasion and get themselves and the raft wet to keep cool. A dog will not do this while lying on a pool raft.

They will most likely lay down on the dog raft and try to take a short snooze, so if it is very hot or the dog is on the raft for awhile, it is up to the people in the pool with the dog to occasionally spritz some water on the dog and the raft to keep them cool. Just make sure not to startle the dog with a big splash, or most likely the dog will wind up in the pool!

For additional information on dog pools or dog topics please visit our dog pool article center.