WHEN it’s hot outside there’s nothing nicer for your dog than a cool dip in a crystal clear pool – and the best paddling pools for dogs make this an easy and affordable summer treat.
When the weather is hot, dogs are prone to overheating and this can escalate to heatstroke (with in rare cases, can be fatal). Alongside walking your dog at the coolest times of day, keeping your dog hydrated and well-groomed, laying them on a cooling mat, and never leaving them in a car, a paddling pool is one way to keep your dog safe in the heat. And when it’s too hot for your pup to play with their favourite toys, splashing around in a paddling pool is an alternative way to entertain them.
When shopping for a dog paddling pool, there are a few things to consider — from size to material. For example, if you’ve got a puppy and not much outdoor space at home, you may only need the smallest paddling pool. But, if you buy a bigger model for your dog, the kids can even play in there too (though of course, it’s not likely to stay crystal clear for long!).
Ready to invest in a pool but not sure which to buy? Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the 11 best dog paddling pools on the market.
Best dog paddling pools at a glance:
Pecute Paddling Pool
- Pecute Paddling Pool for Pets, from £24.99 at Amazon – buy here
Described by fans as “by far the best I have owned” when it comes to doggy pools, Pecute’s design is a versatile choice that doubles as a kids’ bath, paddling pool and storage basket.
It opens easily to assemble in minutes (with no inflating required), folds down for storage and even includes a handy storage bag for travelling. Just make sure it dries before you pack it away.
The sturdy PVC design won’t collapse thanks to wooden fibreboards, which ensure the dog paddling pool stays secure.
The non-slip interior keeps it pet and child-safe, and the quick-drain plug allows for easy emptying of the pool.
Choose from blue or green colour options and M, L, XL or XXL sizes. It also includes a pet massage brush, for good measure.
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 30 cm; Material: PVC and Fibreboard; Design: Foldable
Yaheetec PVC Foldable Pet Pool
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- Yaheetec PVC Foldable Dog Paddling Pool, from £32.89 on Amazon – buy here
Measuring 160cm x 30cm, this doggie paddling pool is a smart investment for larger breeds like German Shepherds and huskies, and dog owners like that it’s spacious enough to fit two large dogs or a few giggling kids (or a mixture of both).
The PVC composite fabric is hardwearing, tear-resistant and well-made, which makes it suitable for boisterous children too. And if there are any accidents, it comes with four covers to repair damage to the bottom of the pool.
Available in L, XL and XXL, you can choose a size that perfectly fits your needs and the space you have available.
If you’ve got any summer trips planned with your dog, this pool is totally portable and idea for travelling with.
Dimensions: 160 x 160 x 30 cm; Material: PVC and MDF; Design: Foldable
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Isai Pet Swimming Tub
- Isai Pet Swimming Tub, from £21.99 at Wayfair – buy here
This well-priced paddling pool for dogs in an eye-catching red colourway covers all the bases.
It can accommodate dogs up to 25kg, and isn’t just popular as a pool – contented pups like to use it as a ball pit, too.
Made from foldable PVC, this pool can quickly and easily be folded and stored away.
According to the reviews, the pool is strong, sturdy and can withstand claws scratching its bottom. So, this one seems like a safe bet if you’re looking for something you can whip out year after year.
Not only do pups love this pool, but some shoppers have admitted to sticking their own feet in the water during a heatwave too!
Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 20 cm; Material: Plastic; Design: Foldable
Red Gorilla Large Shallow Tub 35L
- Red Gorilla Large Shallow Tub 35L, from £10.84 on VioVet – buy here
With a motto insisting we ‘use them for everything’, Red Gorilla tubs aren’t just great as dog paddling pools, but can also be used as pet beds, pet baths, sandpits and storage and flower beds, among many other possibilities.
Made from low-density polyethylene, this durable, recycled tub is food-grade and non-toxic for pets or humans, and has two-handles for easy portability. It comes in a vibrant range of colours including green, purple and red.
Reviewers like that dogs can’t puncture it, and that it’s strong yet shallow. A dog paddling pool should always be shallow enough that your dog’s head sits above the water when they are laying down, and with this pool being only 16cm tall, you don’t have to worry too much about the water being too deep.
Dimensions: 16cm x W 57cm; Material: Polyethylene; Design: Not foldable
Fuloon Dog Paddling Pool
- Fuloon Foldable Dog Paddling Pool, from £32.99 at Amazon — buy here
This foldaway doggie paddling pool is available in three different stylish colour combinations and four sizes, so offers a great selection of options, whether you’ve got a small dog or several larger ones (or have children who want to use the pool as well).
With a non-slip interior, quick drain plug and sealed corners, the design is a versatile choice that also includes a storage bag for convenience and easy transportation.
Reviewers are impressed with the design, and some have also used it as a ball pit. They like that it folds down very compactly, has ‘good solid sides’ and ‘strong, durable lining’, and one customer with six dogs insisted this dog paddling pool is a ‘godsend’.
Dimensions: 35 x 33 x 7 cm; Material: PVC; Design: Foldable
PawHut 100cm Pet Pool
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- PawHut Indoor Outdoor 100cm Pet Pool, £32.99 from Robert Dyas – buy here
This handy pet paddling pool is great for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s non-slip, making it perfect for either washing your pet during the colder months or for keeping them cool all summer long.
It’s pretty faff-free too, with a built in drainage plug and foldable design so you can quickly empty it, pack it away and store it. Or, you could even take it with you on your travels.
Made with a PVC shell, this pool is durable and easy to clean. All you need to do is simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after use. What’s not to like?
Dimensions: H 31 x W 18 x L 23cm; Material: Plank and PVC; Design: Not foldable
Bramble Dog Pool
- Bramble Dog Pool, £20.99 from Amazon- buy here
For longer-legged and taller dogs, the Bramble dog pool will be an excellent purchase. For safety reasons, you should never fill your paddling pool so high that your dog’s head sits even partially under water when they lie down. This pool has taller sides (approx 30cm), so it’s great for large dogs, or even children, to frolic and play in.
The pool is made from durable premium safe quality PVC, and has reinforced walls, which means it won’t collapse with even the jumpiest of dogs, making it safer to play in and around.
It also has a grooved surface that stops any dangerous slips or trips in the water. Outside water lounging never looked so good.
Dimensions: 80 x 30cm; Material: PVC; Design: Not foldable
Best for a splash around: Dog Fountain Splash Mat
- Dog Fountain Splash Mat, from £25.99 at Big Ralph – buy here
Not just a paddling pool but a fountain too, this is the best paddling pool for lively dogs. Simply connect your water pipe to enable the sprinkler effect and watch your dog play for hours in the cascades of water.
These are shallow paddling pools, so your dog’s body won’t be fully submerged in the water, but it will still keep them super cool with the fountain effects that can be turned on and off as desired.
Although this one looks a little more intricate than a basic paddling pool, it’s just as easy to fold up, store and transport.
Worried about your pup’s claws tearing the bottom of the pool? Don’t sweat it. The fountain mat and outer layers are made from thickened PVC, so this pool is difficult to damage.
Available in two sizes (100cm and 150cm diameter), it’s suitable for dogs of most sizes.
Dimensions: 100 x 100cm or 150 x 150cm; Material: PVC; Design: Not foldable
Best pool with leash retainer: Cool Club Dog Paddling Pool Blue
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- Cool Club Dog Paddling Pool Blue, from £25 from PetsatHome – buy here
Equipped with a galvanised spring steel frame, the Cool Club Dog Paddling Pool is a really durable find for a pooch who loves splashing around.
It’s even got a leash retainer which is ideal if you have company and want to keep your dog under control.
Because it has a waterproof PU shell, it’s really easy to clean. And even though it has a steel frame, there are no tools, sticks, poles or assembly required.
If you have a little dog, you can stick with the large version for £25. And if your dog is on the bigger side, size up and get the extra large version for £35.
Dimensions: 196 x 96 x 25cm or 122 x 122 x 30cm.; Material: PU and Polyester; Design: Foldable
Splash Sprinkler Pool
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- Splash Sprinkler Pool for Dogs and Kids, £33.25 from Amazon – buy here
Sprinkler pools for dogs are rarely as versatile as this one. It has fun sprinklers for play time, but is still deep enough to double up as a regular pool for your dog to relax in as well.
All you have to do is connect the splash pad connector to your hose, adjusting the water pressure to lower or higher the spray height. It’s foldable and easy to transport too, which is ideal if you’re bringing your dog on holiday or to someone else’s house this summer.
Although the thick (0.5mm, which is thicker than your average pool) PVC material is unlikely to tear, the manufacturers recommend trimming your dog’s nails before use.
Dimensions: 24.7 x 22.7 x 7.1 cm; Material: PVC; Design: Foldable
Rosewood Cool Down Dog Pool
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- Rosewood Cool Down Foldable Dog Pool, £28-55 from Pets at Home – buy here
This pool is one of the most convenient of the bunch. When your dog is struggling in the hot weather, you want a quick solution. This pool doesn’t need to be inflated, so you don’t have to factor in the time and energy it normally takes to blow up an inflatable pool.
It’s also great for holidays and spending time at friends’ houses this summer, since not only is it foldable, but it comes in its own bag with handles for easy transportation.
Plus, this pool comes in three sizes: small, medium and large. So, whether you’ve got multiple dogs, one large one, or one little one, you can choose a size that best fits their needs.
Dimensions: 20 x 80 x 80cm; Material: PVC; Design: Unknown
What are dog paddling pools?
It’s exactly what you think it is. A small pool to install in your garden, made for your dog to bathe, swim and play in when the weather’s warm.
Instead of the inflatable paddling pools you often find for kids, dog paddling pools are even easier to set up.
Typically made from scratch-proof PVC, the designs easily fold open and shut, can be transported with ease and don’t require an air pump to assemble.
But that’s not all. These paddling pools make excellent fun for children too, and can even double up as sandpits, ball pits and even baby baths. They also make ideal dog baths and a good place to brush your pooch down after a long walk.
Dog paddling pools aren’t the only way to help pups from overheating in the warm weather: you’ll also find cooling mats for dogs online, which are typically gel-filled and pressure-activated to start cooling your pup once they step on it.