Pools are a big part of the dog days of summer. But before your pooch takes the plunge, make safety a top priority.

Just like people, dogs should be water-wise for their own safety. First, teach your pooch to “wait” and “come” around the pool. Then slowly let your curious canine get his paws wet. Some dogs aren’t good swimmers, namely short-nosed breeds, chubsters, or the heavy-bodied, short-legged varieties. These guys should wear a life jacket in the pool — as should any dog in open water.

If your dog gets in over his head, he’s likely to panic and struggle against a rescuer. Make sure you have a flotation device nearby that can be used as a lifeline.

Finally, don’t use a soft cover on your pool when an unsupervised dog is nearby. Soft covers can collapse with weight and trap a dog under water.

Don’t be all wet. Stay water-wise.