Got a Pool-Loving Pup?
How to Keep Your Dog Safe Swimming in Chlorine & Salt Water Daily

Summer is made for splashes, sunshine, and good times ā€” especially with our dogs. Swimming isnā€™t just fun; itā€™s bonding, exercise, and enrichment rolled into one. But if your pup is diving into a chlorine or saltwater pool every day (like mine!), itā€™s important to protect their skin, gut, and overall health.

Daily exposure to pool chemicals can irritate your dogā€™s skin, upset digestion, and, over time, contribute to toxin buildup. The good news? You donā€™t have to choose between safety and summer fun.Ā 

Letā€™s break it all down.

Whatā€™s in the Water?

Chlorine Pools: Clean, But Tough on Dogs

Chlorine is great at sanitizing water, but itā€™s harsh on a dogā€™s skin and internal systems. It strips away natural oils and beneficial microbes, leading to:
  • Dry, flaky, or itchy skin
  • Increased risk of infections and hot spots
  • Disrupted skin pH and microbiome
Chlorine byproducts (like trichloramine) can also cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation ā€” especially in smaller pets (Borska et al., 2007).


Chlorine Ingestion Can Lead To Gut Trouble

When dogs lick their fur after swimming ā€” or drink pool water (my golden, Peter Parker, seems to think his tongue is a rudder when swimming šŸ™„) ā€” they ingest chlorine.
This can:
  • Kill off beneficial gut bacteria
  • Cause vomiting, loose stools, or gas
  • Trigger systemic inflammation
  • Disrupt the gutā€“skin axis, where internal imbalances show up as external skin problems
Over time, this can create a loop of irritation and weakened immunity ā€” especially with daily exposure.


What to Watch For:

  • Itchy or inflamed skin
  • Excessive scratching or licking
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Vomiting or diarrhea after swimming

Saltwater Pools: Milder, But Still Risky

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Saltwater systems generate chlorine more gradually, making them less irritating. Thatā€™s why we chose it for our own pool however, theyā€™re not chlorine-free. And the salt adds its own set of challenges.

Pros:

  • Lower, steadier chlorine levels
  • More stable pH
  • Fewer issues for dogs with sensitive skin

Risks:

  • Salt can dry out skin and coat
  • Paws, noses, and eyes may get irritated
  • Dogs may drink the water ā€” risking dehydration or even sodium toxicity

Even controlled salt levels (3,000ā€“5,000 ppm) can upset hydration and electrolyte balance in dogs, especially small breeds or those with health conditions (Woolf, 2013).

How to Keep Your Dog Safe ā€” Without Skipping the Pool

1. Rinse After Every Swim

Use lukewarm, fresh water to rinse off chlorine and salt. I rinse after every swim and bathe with shampoo and conditioner once a week during summer.

My Go-To Products:

These help rebalance skin pH, reduce irritation, and support healthy skin flora.

2. Dry Thoroughly

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Moisture trapped in thick fur = breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, which can lead to hot spots. Check out myĀ blog on hot spots for more info.

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Focus on:

  • Armpits
  • Groin
  • Behind ears
  • Under the collar

Drying your dog after swimming is key to avoiding skin infections and itchiness.

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3. Care for Ears

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Swimming doesnā€™t directly cause ear infections, but trapped moisture, allergies, or poor airflow can.

Here areĀ a few of my favoriteĀ natural cleaning agents you can use as preventatives

  • Witch hazel-Ā has antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and irritation.
  • Organic apple cider vinegarĀ (helps maintain the pH balance in your dogā€™s ear canal)Ā mixed with an equal amount of filtered water.
  • Equal parts witch hazel and apple cider vinegar.
  • Green tea (using cooled tea) ā€“Boil 8 oz of water and add two green tea bags. Let the tea steep for a few minutes and cool to lukewarm temperature. Use a dropper or syringe some of the solution into the ear canal.
  • Calendula infusion- Calendula can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It also has antimicrobial properties to help prevent infection. To use calendula, buy herbal calendula in tincture form.Ā  Add 5 to 10 drops of calendula tincture to 1 cup of lukewarm filtered water. Then use a dropper to place some into the ears.

4. Rebuild the Skin Microbiome

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  • Microbiome-Safe Shampoo:Ā Choose products with mild, pH-balanced, organic ingredients. I love 4-legger oatmeal.
  • ACV Conditioner:Ā Soothes skin, deters yeast, and restores pH. I love 4- legger conditioner.
  • Topical probiotic spraysĀ (e.g., Skoutā€™s Honor Probiotic Itch Relief Spray) can directly restore good bacteria.
  • Topical Calendula or Chamomile Hydrosol: Calms inflammation.
  • Coconut OilĀ (Cocotherapy is my fav): Moisturizing and antimicrobial.

  • Provide Omega-3 Fatty Acids.Ā EPA and DHA reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function. Check out my blog onĀ omega 3s.

  • Ā Gut Support:Ā Healthy skin starts in the gut. Feed a nutrient-rich fresh diet, rotate probiotics, and add omega-3 rich foods (e.g., sardines, eggs).

Natural Detox from the Inside Out

Daily swimmers are exposed to low levels of chemicals ā€” every day. Detox support helps the liver, gut, and immune system do their job.

Ā Natural Detox Support for Dogs After Swimming

  • šŸŒæ Chlorella
    Binds chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals

    šŸŒæ Bentonite Clay (food-grade)
    Contains more than 70 essential trace minerals. Known for its amazing drawing properties, it will safely detoxify your dog of heavy metals and chemicals naturally. It has many uses and can be used internally and externally.Use sparingly to avoid nutrient loss. See below about using this externally.

    • Dose: Ā¼ tsp per 20 lbs of body weight, no more than 2ā€“3x per week

    • Product: https://www.theholistichorse.com. Always confirm itā€™s lead-free and food-grade

    šŸŒæ Milk Thistle
    Supports liver repair and regeneration

    šŸŒæ Dandelion Root
    Full-body detoxifier, especially for liver and kidneys

    šŸ¦  Probiotics
    Restores microbiome balance post-chemical exposure

    šŸ„„ Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
    Supports skin, gut, and liver health

    • Dose: Ā¼ tsp per 10 lbs body weight, mixed into food

    • Product: Any unrefined, cold-pressed organic brand (e.g., Cocotherapy)

These work together to keep your dog resilient during swim season.

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How to Use Bentonite Clay Externally for Dogs After Swimming

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Clay Detox Paste

  1. Mix 1ā€“2 tablespoons of food-grade calcium bentonite clay with filtered water to create a smooth paste (pudding-like texture).

  2. Apply a thin layer to your dogā€™s:

    • Belly

    • Paws (especially between the toes)

    • Armpits

    • Groin or any area that looks irritated

  3. Let it sit for 5ā€“10 minutes (distract with a treat or belly rub).

  4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Towel dry. Force dry on low heat.

Pro Tip:
Do not let the clay dry completelyā€”it can pull too much moisture from the skin. Keep it slightly damp or rinse off once it starts to set.

How often?

  • Use 1ā€“2 times per week, especially after high chemical exposure (pools, lakes, etc.)

Hydration Habits Matter

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Keeping your dog hydrated while they enjoy warm weather in the pool is essential to prevent dehydration from swallowing pool water and overheating.

How to Prevent It:

  • Keep fresh, cold, filtered water nearby in a shaded bowl
  • Train with commands like ā€œLeave itā€ to prevent drinking the chlorinated or salt water
  • Give hydrating treats (frozen bone broth cubes, watermelon)
  • Enforce breaks inside the air conditioning if your pup appears to be over exerted.

Warning Signs to Watch For

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Symptoms:

  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Excessive scratching
  • Red, flaky patches
  • Dull or brittle coat
If any of these show up, take a break from swimming and check in with your vet. Follow my detox protocol below and take a break from the pool until symptoms resolve.

Pool Time Safety Checklist

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āœ”ļø Rinse after every swim
āœ”ļø Use organic shampoo + conditioner weekly
āœ”ļø Keep fresh water poolside
āœ”ļø Discourage drinking pool water
āœ”ļø Add detox support
āœ”ļø Monitor skin, coat, and GI tract health
āœ”ļø Schedule vet check-ins during swim season when needed

Common Pool Safety Q&A

Final Thoughts: Swim Smart, Not Scared

Swimming is amazing for your dogā€™s health and happiness. You donā€™t have to give it up ā€” just approach it with the same care you would grooming or nutrition.

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Rinse. Dry. Detox. Repeat.

Itā€™s a simple routine with big rewards ā€” for a happy, healthy, pool-loving pup. šŸ¶šŸ’¦
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