This is the perfect time of year to get a useful tool for any dog — a small plastic baby pool that can be used for baths, for cooling, and as a whelping spot/puppy den. WalMarts and bigbox hardware stores will be putting these on clearance to make way for seasonal goods — it is a good way to grab one for cheap!

These baby pools/waders are wonderful to use as a bathing tool in your yard as you can fill it with some water, bathe your dog or puppy, then dump it out when finished. They make baths a lot better than just washing your pal on the dirt ground that then turns muddy. They dry quickly and can be reused for many years.

Baby pools are also great if your dog is expecting. They can be offered as a whelping spot — I have had mixed results here, some dogs only want to whelp where they want to whelp. After the birthing you can move the puppies into the pool for the next 2-3 weeks. I used shredded newspaper as bedding since it is easy to keep clean, inexpensive, and it isn’t a suffocation risk to newborn puppies. When the litter has outgrown the pool it is easy to wash out and store for future use.

The baby pool can also serve as a doggie pool for hot days. Some dogs like to swim, some like to cool off by standing in it, while some will choose to “fish” in it by splashing with their fore paws to cool down. No matter how they use it most dogs like having access to water on the hotter days.

Take advantage of the summer clearances and get a baby pool for your pup today! Under $20 for years of puppy fun!

Happy Dogging!