Family time at the pool often means allowing for the playful fun of our four-legged friends. However, we can’t always assume that our dogs are strong swimmers – or that they are entirely clear of their own limitations in the water. There are even some breeds that struggle in water due to their short muzzles and brachycephaly. Other dogs may have problems because of their short legs or their weight.
That is where our pet dogs can benefit from a dog life vest.
A life vest can act as the perfect buoyancy aid for our dogs. It can keep them afloat and safe around water so that we don’t have to have our eyes on them every single second. It lets them come into the water with us if we’re in the pool or at the beach. It is also protection in case they fall into the water or get out of their depth. In the best case scenario, a life jacket for dogs is nothing more than a precaution. But, it really is better to be safe than sorry.
Choosing a Good Pet Life Jacket for Your Dog
There are different features to look out for when choosing the best doggy life vest. They include:
Buoyancy
Above all else, this product needs to be a reliable dog floatation vest. This means enough foam padding around the body to keep them afloat when their legs begin to tire. Some brands will also add a neck rest. Some owners see this as an inconvenience. However, it could make all the difference in an emergency.
The Fit
These canine life jackets need to have a good fit in order to offer the right amount of comfort and protection. You don’t want your pet squirming out of a leg hole while in the water. Check the sizing charts and measure your dog carefully. Also look for products with adjustable straps.
Ease of Use
Strong straps and simple buckles also make things a lot easier for owners. If you have a dog that doesn’t really like wearing jackets, you need something that is quick and painless.
Other Safety Features
Then there are the additional features that can add to the safety of the product. A good dog buoyancy aid will have a bright color and/or reflective elements for visibility in the water. Carry handles on the top of the jacket mean that you can pull them out when they are struggling.
1. Outward Hound Kyjen Life Jacket
This first model is a great choice for dog owners that want their dog life jacket to tick all the right boxes. The benefits start with all of the safety considerations. In addition to the buoyant foam panels, there is a neck rest, a bright orange or red fabric and handles on the top. This means that owners can help struggling pets in an instant. But, there might be too much going on for small dogs These dual handles are strong and should be easy to use.
This jacket also has a secure fit with the adjustable straps around the stomach and chest with sizes from XS up to XL. However, the sizes aren’t always accurate. At the same time, the clasps are easy to use so it shouldn’t be too difficult to get this on and off.
2. Outward Hound Dawson Dog Life Jacket
This next option might be a little more appealing for dog owners with smaller animals because there is isn’t so much bulk and weight to this product. Again, there are sizes from XS to XL, but the panels on the side are a little more discrete and the straps are a little smaller.
This bright red jacket has a lot of similarities to the Outward Hound pet life jacket above. There is a similar style with the panels the adjustments and the strap under the chin. This version is also said to offer more insulation on colder days. When users find a model that is the correct fit, it tends to be pretty helpful. However, there are some sizing issues. Also, you may need to trim the straps because the excess material can get in the way.
3. Queenmore Adjustable Fish Dog Life Jacket
This next version is a lot cuter with the two different fishy-themed designs. There is a pink fish option as well as a grey shark. The fins on the back make your dog look more comical when swimming in the water. The downside to this design is that there isn’t the same brightly colored, visible fabric with the shark. Also, that mermaid tail might not last forever. This is a product that tries to balance safety with fun and won’t suit everyone.
However, there are still plenty of helpful aids and safety features on this canine life jacket. There is an adjustable fit with the straps and buckles, plenty of floatation in the padding, a D-ring for a leash and a carry handle.
4. Vivaglory New Sports Ripstop Dog Life Jacket
The shape and design of this doggy life vest are different from the models at the start of this guide. First of all, there is a strong adjustable strap under the neck and no neck rest. This is either a pro or a con depending on your breed of dog and their abilities in the water. There is also a two-tone design with a lot more color choices. This means that you can have a visible jacket that is more fashionable. There are oranges and picks but also camo patterns and greens.
The product comes with promises of superior buoyancy, great stitching and comfort for the animal. Most users seem to agree that it offers all of this and can keep pets safe. However, there are some users that wonder about the durability of the finer mesh underneath. This is, at least, light and cool for the animal.
5. Ruffwear k-9 Float Coat Life Jacket
The product comes with promises of superior buoyancy, great stitching and comfort for the animal. Most users seem to agree that it offers all of this and can keep pets safe. However, there are some users that wonder about the durability of the finer mesh underneath. This is, at least, light and cool for the animal.
Any product called the Float Coat is sure to catch the eye of dog owners in the market for a canine life jacket. This product appears to cover all the requirements mentioned above. There is a bright, visible material in different colors with reflective elements. There is a combination of floatation padding and webbing for protection and ease of movement. There are also extra features like the carry handle and the light loop on the back.
6. EzyDog Premium Doggy Flotation Device
The design of this dog floatation vest does scream safety first. The bright red color and the thick padding suggest that this would be ideal in an emergency. In fact, there is said to be 50% more floatation material now – which suggests even more security for large dogs. There is also a reflective trim around the edge, strong adjustable straps around the middle and padding around the neck.
One of the biggest issues here is with the carry handle on the top. This isn’t as big and strong as it should be for a piece of safety equipment. Some won’t trust it again after their experiences. There are also some dog owners that struggled to find the right fit for their dog.
7. Swimways Sea Squirts Dog Life Vest
Finally, we have another product where the designers have gone for style over substance. It is easy to see why these products are so popular for small dogs that need a little help in the water. This is a full-body jacket that helps to keep small or medium sized dogs afloat. There is a familiar design here with the bright blue material, the thick adjustable fit on the chest and the shark’s fin at the back.
Finally, we have another product where the designers have gone for style over substance. It is easy to see why these products are so popular for small dogs that need a little help in the water. This is a full-body jacket that helps to keep small or medium sized dogs afloat. There is a familiar design here with the bright blue material, the thick adjustable fit on the chest and the shark’s fin at the back.
Leave a Reply