If you’re a hot tub owner, it’s essential you’re aware of the safety recommendations surrounding who tubs are and aren’t safe for, and this extends to your beloved four-legged friends as well. So, it’s with this in mind that we’ve pulled together a guide on the topic of hot tubs and dog safety.

Below, we’ll outline the biggest risks associated with allowing your dog into your tub, as well as the necessary precautions you’ll need to follow to keep your pets (and your hot tub) out of harm’s way when they want to join you for a soak.

We spoke with two dog behaviour experts, who have shared guidance and best practices around dog safety around hot tubs.

Can dogs go in hot tubs with their owners?

So, you’re enjoying a dip in your tub, and your dog is sitting patiently nearby waiting for the go-ahead to jump in. But are hot tubs safe for dogs? Well, the short answer is, no, and there are actually various safety concerns associated with dogs and warm water.

Karin Larsson-Bradshaw, trainer and animal behaviourist at The Dog Behaviourist said,

“Well, the short answer is no, and there are actually various safety concerns associated with dogs and warm water: from overheating to chemical exposure.”

Dr Jacqueline Boyd, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, Nottingham Trent University, and Canine Scientist adds,

“Dogs shouldn’t be in hot tubs for numerous reasons. It’s not just the direct effect of the hot tub itself, but the environment surrounding it too. Hot tubs are often used during social occasions where people are relaxed, distracted, and sometimes drinking, which increases the likelihood of accidents. In these settings, dogs can quickly become overstimulated, anxious, or distressed, particularly when there’s noise, unfamiliar guests, and heightened activity.

“Ultimately, the same common-sense rules applied to children should apply to dogs: they should never be left unsupervised around an uncovered hot tub, and their safety and wellbeing should always come first.”

Dogs in hot tubs: what are the risks?

Soaking in heated water can pose serious health risks to your pet, and below we’ll dive into the specific dangers associated with dogs and hot tub use:

1. Overheating

A dog in a hot tub carries various risks, the first being the issue of overheating. While the ideal hot tub temperature for a relaxing soak for adults sits somewhere between 37.8 – 40℃, this would be far too hot for your furry friend.

Karin said,

“Many dogs (especially smaller breeds and those with thicker coats) are prone to overheating. So, exposing them to water at such temperatures can actually be detrimental to their health. Unlike humans, dogs don’t have sweat glands, meaning they rely solely on panting or drinking cool water to regulate their body temperature.

Being submerged in warm water can therefore cause them to quickly overheat, leading to serious health complications like heatstroke and organ damage. Plus, if your dog falls ill and you can’t seek medical attention in time, overheating can even lead to death.”

2. Chemical exposure

Karin continues,

“Another risk associated with dogs and hot tubs is chemical exposure. While chemicals such as chlorine and bromine are an essential part of hot tub maintenance (killing off harmful bacteria and ensuring your tub is safe for use) they can negatively impact your pet’s health.

Firstly, chemicals may irritate your dog’s skin, eyes, and ears, causing discomfort, itching, and redness. Your dog may also be tempted to drink the water, something that you’ll certainly want to avoid.”

3. Accidents and injuries

Dr Jacqueline adds,

“There are also important physical safety concerns. Getting in and out of a hot tub can be difficult for dogs, with slippery surfaces and steps posing a real risk of injury. What might seem minor in the moment can lead to longer-term joint issues, particularly for puppies, older dogs, or those with existing mobility concerns. 

“Not all dogs are strong swimmers either: flat-faced breeds and overweight dogs are especially vulnerable due to breathing difficulties in water.”

Can dogs damage hot tubs?

Equally, it’s important to think about the flip side of dogs entering hot tubs, for instance, damage to the tub itself. Your dog’s fur could easily shed in the water, therefore causing blockages in the filtration and piping systems. We’ve got a guide on cleaning your hot tub filter if you’re interested in learning more.

Additionally, any bacteria your dog is carrying will pollute the water, meaning you’ll be required to clean out your tub more frequently than you’d otherwise have to. Dogs pick up plenty of dust and debris (which often hides in their coat), not to mention the dirt on their paws after a day of walks and exploring!

There’s also the risk that their claws could damage the surface of your tub, so, all in all, it’s best to keep them as far away as possible.

How to dog-proof your hot tub

Now that you’re aware of all the risks, you’re probably wondering how you can enjoy your tub whilst still keeping your dog happy and safe. Well, here are a couple of quick tips you can try:

1. Ensure your hot tub cover is secure: fitting your cover safely and securely will ensure your dog doesn’t hop into your tub when you’re not looking.If your pup is particularly eager, you could also consider putting up a temporary guard to keep them at a distance.
2. Keep food away from your tub: it’s essential to keep food away from the area surrounding your hot tub too, so dogs aren’t tempted to near the water.

What to do if your dog is showing interest in the hot tub?

Adding a new hot tub to your garden is exciting and dogs can also become interested. So it’s important to get off on the right foot. 

Karin advises,

“When introducing a hot tub into your garden, it’s important to stay calm and act almost disinterested in it at first. This helps prevent your dog from seeing it as something exciting. Allow them to be curious, but if they become overly interested or excited, calmly lead them away and praise them once they move away or lose interest. This teaches them that the hot tub isn’t the most exciting thing in the garden.

“Using a long lead attached to a harness can also help, as it allows you to calmly guide your dog away without turning it into a game of chase. Try not to stare at your dog or repeatedly tell them ‘no’: instead, ignore any focus on the hot tub and quietly praise them when they choose to walk away or pay attention to something else.

“The next step is getting into the hot tub yourself. If your dog becomes excited or tries to join you, calmly remove them from the area and give them some time away from the garden, such as indoors, where they can still see you but can’t reach you. If they bark or scratch, wait until they settle before letting them back out. Repeat the process consistently so they learn that calm behaviour gets attention, while excitement gets ignored.

“A few other practical tips: If possible, have at least two people when you start this training – one near the hot tub and the other managing the dog. It also helps if your dog has had a busy day, been exercised and had their dinner before you use the hot tub, as they’ll be more likely to relax and lose interest. If there’s going to be a lot of noise or activity around the hot tub, especially in the early days, it’s best to keep your dog indoors and carry on without them.”

“This training usually doesn’t take long, but consistency and staying calm are key. Over time, your dog will realise the hot tub isn’t something they need to focus on, and it will simply become part of the garden environment.”

What are the alternatives?

So, if you’ve got a furry friend who absolutely loves to swim, let’s take a moment to think about some alternative options. Karin suggests,

“There are various dog-friendly beaches dotted along the coasts, providing your pet with plenty of open space to run around and splash in the water. Also, there are shallow rivers and lakes where you’ll be confident that your dog can play safely.

“Or, in the summer months, why not pick up a dog-friendly pool, or simply have a play around with the hose to keep them entertained and cool? And if you’re looking to truly pamper your pup, you could fill up a shallow pool with some lukewarm water and bubbles, allowing them to reap the benefits of warm water relaxation without the risks.

“Always remember to supervise your dog in any kind of water, and if you have concerns or questions, simply bring them up with your veterinarian.”

Find your dream hot tub today with Platinum Spas

So, there we have it: our top tips and insights on how you can ensure hot tub safety with your dog. To summarise, we’d recommend that you refrain from allowing your dog into your hot tub, prioritising both their safety and your tub’s longevity.

And while your dog might not be joining you, there’s no reason you can’t shop for a new tub for yourself. So, why not get in touch with the Platinum Spas team today to find out more?

Alternatively, you can book a visit to your nearest showroom to browse all of our products in person. With an impressive range of hot tubs and swim spas available, you’ll have a wide variety to choose from.

Finally, make sure to visit our hot tub owner’s hub for more top tips and insights on how you can ensure safe and enjoyable use of your tub. You can dive into our guides on children and hot tubs, as well as hot tub chemicals for beginners.