As the summer keeps warming up our homes and gives us the chance to spend whole days in the garden, you might have noticed your dog digging in your kids’ paddling pool. While dog owners have no reason to panic, it is crucial to understand the drivers behind this curious behavior.
A dog that keeps digging in a paddling pool might be too hot, bored, or playful. Some characteristics particular of the breed might also encourage this behavior. To stop this behavior, buy a paddling pool dedicated to your pets and ensure they have adequate stimulation.
Let’s find out why your dog loves that paddling pool so much!
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Why Your Dog is Digging in the Paddling Pool
It is not uncommon for your dog to love playing in paddling pools or other bodies of water. While only a few pets are scared of water, most of them love bathing in the sea or jumping in pools. However, if you have noticed a more possessive behavior and your dog does not stop digging, try to understand its reasons.
Their Body Temperature Is Too High
Some people might suffer from high temperatures and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. In summer, such risks are even higher, especially for older people and young children. And while our pets seem to love sunny days at the park, they are similarly not immune to the heat.
Depending on the dog breed, they might be highly at risk of a heat stroke. Dogs don’t sweat and release heat through their skins – they can only cool down through their breathing, which can take much longer.
However, dogs might use other means to cool their body temperature, such as moving into a cooler room or jumping in the water. A dog digging in a paddling pool might mean that they are too hot and trying to cool themselves down.
Something Has Caught Their Attention
If there is something in the water, your dog might try to either play with it or fight it. You might even notice a dog digging in the water bowl, and the two behaviors are not dissimilar.
If you are worried about how your dog behaves, opt to check the paddling pool for insects, leaves, or other small animals that might fall in it. Once the object of their attention has been removed, you will notice them stop digging in it.
Boredom
It is not unlikely for a dog owner to notice his or her pet digging after a long day spent indoors. If you have been at work for several hours and your dog has been just let into the garden, it is normal for them to release tension and energy by playing and digging.
While you might not be familiar with them digging in the pool, try to think about new changes you have recently implemented.
For example, you might have just put a new paddling pool in use or just took one out after the winter. For a bored dog, a new paddling pool is a toy that they can use to play and kill boredom!
Playfulness
A paddling pool is typically considered a toy, especially if you have bought one specifically for your pets. You might have even noticed your dog digging in other places before, so if he or she is doing that in the pool, it might just be a sign that they are comfortable in it.
Characteristics of the Breed
Some dog breeds are water lovers and expert swimmers. They love spending time playing in the water, whether this is the sea, a lake, or a paddling pool. Thinking about the characteristics of your dog’s breed is essential in this case.
Here are some of the breeds that you are more likely to find playing in the paddling pool:
- English and Irish Setters
- Irish Water Spaniels
- Newfoundlands
- Labrador Retrievers
- Other Retrievers – such as Golden, Nova Scotia, and the Chesapeake Bay
- Water Dogs – Portuguese and Spanish
Solutions for a Dog That Keeps Digging in Paddling Pool
Understanding the reasons behind the behavior of your dog is the first step to find a resolution.
Since a dog that is paddling in a pool might do so for several reasons, you should first proceed by identifying the cause. Then, implement one of the following solutions.
Buy a Pool Specifically for Your Dogs
Sometimes, the problem of your dog digging in a paddling pool derives from the fact that it should not be allowed in it. In this case, buying a dedicated toy could be an easy solution.
Especially if your dog belongs to one of the breeds we have seen above, you should expect them to love spending time in it.
Provide Enough Exercise and Entertainment
Dogs might look for ways to fight boredom and release excess energy if they are not provided with the necessary exercise and stimuli. Indeed, regular exercise is just as important for dogs as it is for humans.
Ensuring that your dog enjoys regular walks and playtime has a wide range of health benefits, such as:
- Promotes the health of bones and hip joints
- Reduces the risk of digestive problems, even fatal illnesses such as bloat
- Helps your dog maintain a healthy weight
- Controls problems related to behavior and anxiety
Several destructive habits such as chewing, digging, scratching can all be consequences of a poor exercise routine. If you notice your dog keeps scratching and chewing as well as digging, you should implement more regular exercise sessions.
Allow the Dog to Cool Off or Move It Onto a Cooler Room
As we have seen above, it is hazardous for a dog to be exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight. Indeed, dogs – just like humans – are prone to suffer from heatstroke and exhaustion. Since they don’t sweat like humans, their cooling down process can take longer and can be more challenging.
If your dog belongs to a type or breed that, generally, has trouble breathing or is more prone to obesity and weight gain, it might be at risk. In this case, it is essential to understand the telltale signs of a heat stroke and move your dog in a more appropriate environment.
Avoid pouring iced water over your dog to help him cool down, as this can worsen the situation. Instead, allowing them to slow down and follow their own pace can help them keep their temperature under control.
Embrace the Breed’s Characteristics
Some breeds are particularly fond of water, and some of those are natural diggers. Indeed, breeds such as terriers are naturally trained to find and unearth animal dens that are underground. Additionally, highly energetic dogs and breeds are also likely to spend more time digging.
However, digging is not always behavior that should scare or intimidate a dog owner. Your dog might just be trying to let out energy. If your pet is prone to dig or has a highly energetic personality, creating a dedicated space for their pastime is essential to preserving your garden’s health.
Conclusion
There could be several reasons behind a dog that keeps digging in a paddling pool. This behavior should not scare owners. However, it is vital to realize what is causing your dog to act in such ways. Indeed, they might need attention, exercise, or playtime – all fundamental aspects of your dog’s life.
Additionally, if the behavior is caused by rising body temperature, the dog might be at risk of heatstroke. In that case, you should remove your pet from the garden or sunny area and bring them in a cooler room.
