Massachusetts Environmental Police were surprised to find three coyote pups at the bottom of an empty swimming pool Monday morning.

The pups were more than a little wet, but the trio was otherwise in good health when an officer rescued them from the bottom of the pool. The police were then able to release the pups back into the wild where, hopefully, their mother was waiting.

It isn’t known how the pups became trapped down there, but it isn’t uncommon for mammals to leave their offspring in safe locations while they hunt and care for them.

Though you may not find coyote pups in your pool, you might be shocked to find your own pet in danger because of this backyard feature.

Swimming is the fourth most popular sports activity performed throughout the United States. This easy recreational activity is fun for family members of all ages, making it a common home feature across the country. Many pools are even abandoning plaster, which only lasts up to 25 years. To make their backyard more pet-friendly, some homeowners have opted for strong glass tiles in their pools, which can last almost indefinitely.

For your pets, however, swimming in the pool could be incredibly dangerous.

Even though your dog needs between 30 minutes and two hours of exercise each day, some breeds should be taken for walks instead of a dip in the pool.

It’s tempting to take your pooch into the pool when the weather gets hot, but some dog breeds don’t perform well in the water. Here are some of the top ways you can keep your furry friend safe in the water when Memorial Day rolls around.

Know if your dog can swim

Most dogs love to take a dip in your local watering hole, but that doesn’t mean their breed is suited to swimming. Dogs can face a slew of problems in the water that could put their health at risk.

For example, breeds with particularly short snouts, like the Pug and the Shih Tzu, are at a heightened risk for drowning. In fact, smaller dogs have the tendency to get nervous in large bodies of water in general. Always test the ability of your pet by starting with a kiddie pool before moving to a larger body of water. For small breeds, ensure that the water level remains under their shoulders to ensure their snouts can stay above the water.

Dogs that have short legs are also more likely to falter in the water since they will get tired easily. This includes the Dachshund and the Corgi. However, even larger dogs can have trouble swimming. Particularly dense breeds, like the Bull Terrier, will struggle to swim. Breeds with barrel-like chests, including the Chow and the English Bulldog, are also poor candidates to rest poolside.

Install a latched gate

Installing a fence or gate around your pool is the best way to keep your furry friends out of the water. This is essential if you ever let your dog into the backyard without supervision. After all, an excited dog might jump into an empty pool putting their health at risk. An injured dog might also face dangerous conditions if they swim without their owner present.

Unfortunately, electric fences don’t always get the job done. This is why you should always keep a physical gate closed and latched, even when the pool is in use. That way, you can monitor who goes in and out of the pool, including pets and small children. If your dog is unable to stem its curiosity for the pool, you might have to resort to tying them up in the backyard, well away from the pool.

Use the proper chlorine level

Always confer with your veterinarian to establish safe levels of chlorine in your pool water. Chlorine is designed to kill bacteria and other harmful substances that could make your family sick. Even if you’re hyper-vigilant and you never allow your dog to drink the pool water, there is always a chance that your pooch could ingest this potentially harmful chemical. Be sure to provide fresh water outside of the pool and always be sure to rinse your dog off after going for a dip. Otherwise, the chemicals might irritate their skin and they might consume the chlorine from licking themselves.

You should also ensure the chlorine levels won’t damage your home’s pipes. Even though galvanized steel pipes have a lifespan of up to 50 years, frequent exposure to chlorine and other chemicals could contribute to faster erosion over time.

Swimming in your pool is one of the best parts of summer. Make sure your entire household enjoys this home feature by following these pet-friendly pool tips.