Hot Tubs and Pets

According to statistics, around 62% of North Americans have a pet, and the chances of a pet owner also being a hot tub owner are high. For you cat lovers, you probably don’t have to worry about the relationship between your pet and your hot tub as it’s fairly obvious to any cat owner how incredibly hydrophobic most of them are. Dogs on the other hand love water, and if you’re a hot tub owner with a dog, no doubt there’s been a time when you’ve been relaxing in the water with friends and/or family and your dog has expressed an interest in joining you. Should you let them in? It may seem harmless enough but there are certain risks involved that you should know about before you indulge your pet. You first need to consider the health of your hot tub. How much does your dog shed? If you have a long haired breed that constantly fills up your house with hair, think of how much hair is going to get into the water, and more importantly, the hot tub drains and filters. Secondly consider your dog’s health. Dogs, unlike humans, have no way to dispel excess body heat except through panting. If you keep the water in your tub at temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or more, your dog may be in serious danger of overheating if in the tub for an extended time. Lastly think about your own health. The hot environment of your tub is a great place for bacteria to thrive, and the mixture of human germs along with dog germs may prove to be an unhealthy mix, especially if you or your children occasionally immerse your head under the waters. In conclusion, it’s probably best to err on the side of caution and keep your pets and your hot tub separate.