Can Dogs Go in Hot Tubs ? But did you know that your pet might not be a good fit for the hot tub? While some dogs enjoy running around on the beach during the beautiful warm weather submerging themselves in hot water can be extremely dangerous. Nothing sounds better than spending time in the hot tub on a cool summer night. Also checkout our article on Dog With Braces | Dogs With Braces
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It’s now appropriate for you to unwind and relish your time with loved ones. Dogs are valuable family members for a lot of us and we make an effort to involve them in as many events as we can. Has the thought of allowing your dog to join you in the hot tub crossed your mind? Can a Dog Go in Hot Tubs ?
Although it may seem like harmless fun, the hot tub or spa is not the ideal place to spend time with your dog despite its allure. This post will reveal the risks that come with giving your dog a spa day as well as the evidence-based safety advice from veterinary nurses!
The Greatest Dangers of Dogs in Hot Tubs
Overheating Can Occur Due to Heated Spa Water
When heated all the way hot tubs can hit 40 degrees Celsius which is 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Dogs normal body temperatures only vary from 38 to 39 degrees Celsius (101 to 102. 5 degrees Fahrenheit) so temperatures this high can be extremely harmful to them. It is a common misconception among dog enthusiasts and owners that dogs, particularly small breeds and those with thick fur coats can overheat and become hypothermic in hot tubs.
Hot tubs pose a very serious risk to your dog because these issues can frequently result in physiological shock and harm to their essential organs. Dogs who lack sweat glands like humans do must breathe through their mouths and sip water to control their body temperature. Unfortunately dogs who suffer from heat exhaustion can develop severe health problems like dehydration, heat stroke organ failure or even death quite quickly.
For the most part dogs pant to help themselves cool. A standard temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit is reached by most hot tubs. Your dog would probably exhaust themselves rather than cool down if they were panting in a situation like this. Your dog may experience heat stroke if they are unable to control their body temperature. A trip to the vet is definitely the perfect way to cap off a restful evening!
Damage to Spa
Can Dogs Go in Hot Tubs ?Although hot tubs are wonderful for soothing soaks, some people don’t think about the possible harm that their pets could do. In case your dog is accustomed to accompanying you everywhere don’t forget to keep them outside of the hot tub.
A dog’s fur may clog the jets and filters in addition to scratching and discoloring the tub’s surface which will probably result in additional hot tub maintenance costs for you. Many dog breeds also have a propensity to shed which can lead to a variety of other issues with the internal plumbing. You can maintain the happiness and health of your pet and your hot tub by being aware of these possible risks.
It’s likely that your dog will move around the spa swim and lounge on the seats. If they don’t like swimming they might even try to jump out. All of this raises the possibility of harming your spas lining. Though some may have a vinyl liner most spas nowadays are constructed of acrylic. Even with proper trimming a dog’s nails have the potential to cause significant harm.
Dog Hair May Clog Your Filters
Dogs have a lot of hair and dander which can easily clog up the hot tub filters that work to keep the water clear and sanitized. But hot tubbing with your dog can also put your hot tub’s filtration system in danger. This may result in the filters having to work harder which could harm the system and reduce energy efficiency.
More frequent cleanings will be needed to remove dog hair from your spa filter and improper cleaning could even cause issues. You run the risk of permanently harming your hot tub when your filter is operating harder or less efficiently. This can result in soiled water, more debris in your spa and eventually malfunctioning mechanical components.
It may end up costing you far more money than you think to bring your dog into your spa. Dogs can also bring bacteria and other impurities into the water which can affect the water’s overall quality and require you to empty your hot tub more frequently than is advised. It’s best to allow your furry friends to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and appropriate way rather than letting them soak in the hot tub.
Cleaning Chemicals May Irritate Your Dog
Even though taking a soothing bath in a hot tub might seem harmless it’s crucial to understand the risks that some hot tub cleaning solutions may present to your pets. In hot tub cleaners and hot tub shocks harsh and irritating chemicals like chlorine bromine or other chemicals can cause discomfort including itching redness and vomiting especially in dogs.
Furthermore the chemicals used to maintain the cleanliness of your hot tub may irritate your dogs skin, eyes, nose and ears. For this reason we strongly advise all pet and hot tub owners to keep their dogs outside of their hot tubs in order to prevent an adverse reaction or unwelcome emergency treatments.
However, merely lounging in the spa water can cause irritation to your dogs ears, eyes and skin. Your dog is more sensitive in those areas and prolonged exposure to chemicals like chlorine can irritate their ears, cause red eyes and cause dry skin. Prevent your dog from experiencing sore eyes, ears and skin irritation!
Discomfort for Your Dog
Which of those things, the warmth of the water or reclining and letting the bubbles envelop you, do you think your dog would enjoy more when sitting in a hot tub? Sitting back and relaxing in the bubbling water is not how your dog naturally behaves.
It is something I am certain my dogs would not like. The majority of dogs probably would try to swim which would be exhausting particularly in warm water. Consider why you would like your dogs to participate in spa treatments before deciding to include them. What would they actually learn from the encounter?
Maintaining Cleanliness
It is important to think about cleanliness before letting your dog use the hot tub. Even with frequent washings and indoor confinement dogs nevertheless accumulate dust and debris particles in their coats throughout the day. There’s a significant probability that any dirt, grime or debris in your dog’s coat in addition to shed hair will end up in the water when it gets wet in the hot tub.
This may put strain on the hot tubs filters or lessen your and the other family members’ enjoyment of the tub. It is crucial that you give Fido a thorough rinse with a garden hose before entering the water even if we strongly discourage you from doing so.
This will remove as much dust and debris as possible along with any loose fur and dander. Interestingly, giving your hot tub a thorough rinse before using it with people is also advised but you don’t have to use the garden hose for this. Better results are obtained from taking a shower. Also you should be mindful of any shampoos or sprays that you may use on your pet to get rid of fleas or ticks.
These may come away from the dog’s coat and combine with the water in your hot tub. After your dog swims it may take some time for the water to be completely cleaned and circulated and you might need to use a defoaming agent to remove any remaining soap and shampoo residue. However your filtration system will remove these things.
Alternatives For Dogs Who Love Swimming
There are other options if your dog enjoys swimming but hot tubs are unsafe for them. If your dog is comfortable swimming and playing in salt water that won’t irritate their skin, think about taking them to a dog-friendly beach, shallow river or serene lake. Alternatively you could purchase a dog-friendly pet pool or just give your dog a refreshing hose down on an extremely hot day.
So, Can Dogs Go in Hot Tubs?
Although using a hot tub may initially seem like a fun activity for your dog we’ve learned that there are serious risks to their health and safety. We advise owners of hot tubs and dogs to avoid bringing their pets inside the tub.
To guarantee your dogs safety and allow you to unwind without concern it is imperative that you take the required safety measures and adhere to the advice in this article. If you have any additional questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Always remember to watch over your dog in any type of water and make sure the temperature is safe.
Make Your Own Dog-Safe Hot Tub
Building a dog-only hot tub is an option if you don’t want your dog to share your human hot tub. For doggie spa relaxation this is most likely the best plan. A nice warm soak is enjoyable even for dogs who aren’t big water lovers.
To help dogs overcome their fear of jumping in this is actually a great way to introduce them to water. Just fill a tub or container with fresh water that is slightly warmer than room temperature to create a dog hot tub. There won’t be any sensitive surfaces, chemicals or filters to be concerned about.
Your puppy will quickly come to adore having their very own dog-safe hot tub if you introduce them to it gradually. You and your hot tub will remain safe, content and relaxed if your dog has their own private hot tub.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, the answer to a question, Can Dogs Go in Hot Tubs? There’s no denying that almost everyone finds hot tubs to be enjoyable and calming. Nevertheless even though you might want to spend some time in the hot tub with your dog its not a smart idea.
It is always your choice of course as a responsible pet owner and hot tub owner whether or not a dog is allowed to use the tub. But after taking everything into account we believe it is best to keep your hot tub a pet-free area.
