A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
Whether you're heading to the lake or the pool, water safety is a must for your pup. Here are the best dog life jacket options for your pet.
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With warm summer days just around the corner, water sports appeal to both humans and many of our dog companions, too. Several dog breeds willingly plunge into lakes, rivers, ponds or pools. Others might feel reluctant to indulge in water sports, or need encouragement. Unless you limit your dog’s water play to running through the sprinklers, you’ll need to keep them safe with a dog life jacket.
Yes, dogs instinctively know how to swim. But some breeds don’t float, and can quickly drown. For instance, bulldogs have massive bodies and aren’t able to paddle well enough to keep their heavy heads and chests afloat. Dogs with lots of fur, like Shelties and Collies, get waterlogged and also have problems staying afloat. Even Labradors, Goldens and other dogs that love to swim get tired quickly if they can’t easily climb out. A dog life jacket gives you peace of mind—and life saving insurance—if your dog falls in the water, so you can easily retrieve your …er, uhm…retriever.
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It’s important to ensure the safety of your small dog during travel with a secure carrier. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can both enjoy some water fun with the ZippyPaws Adventure Dog Life Vest. This dog life vest is available in some of the smallest sizes on the market, making it perfect for new puppies or tiny adult dogs.
With six sizes ranging from xx-small to x-large, the smallest size fits a girth of just six to 10 inches. The affordable price means you can buy the right size for your puppy without breaking the bank, and replace it as they continue to grow. The high-quality materials provide peace of mind for taking your new swimmers, reluctant floaters and clueless adult pups out for some water fun.
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When you’re packing up for vacation, be sure a dog life jacket is one of the dog-friendly car items you bring. The Outward Hound Dawson jacket—available in three designs—is one of the most versatile, highly-rated and moderately-priced picks. The Dawson style (for warmth) helps insulate pets from cool water temperatures and works well for novice swimmers. The Grandby (maximum buoyancy) supports beginners to experienced swimmers by keeping them afloat.
The Standley (a sporty style) boasts a top ring for leash attachment and a mesh belly band for quick water drainage to keep dogs comfy both in and out of the water. All styles come in five sizes—x-small to x-large—based on the girth and weight of your pup, as well as seven neon colors featuring reflective piping designed to stand out in the water for easy rescue.
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When staying at a dog-friendly hotel, it’s important to verify whether your furry companion is permitted in the pool area. If allowed, the Vivaglory New Sports dog life jacket provides an affordable choice in 12 vibrant colors and five sizes (x-small to x-large). The jacket’s neck design is enhanced for comfort, allowing dogs to swim naturally.
It boasts 50 percent more “floatation” material than many other styles, while its bright colors feature reflective trim for optimal visibility. Made from durable yet lightweight ripstop material, it offers the perfect balance of sturdiness and comfort. Reviewers note that this dog life jacket is especially well-suited for short-legged dogs like corgis, as it provides a less bulky fit.
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The Ruffwear Float Coat dog life jacket may be pricier than some alternatives, but its quality materials and excellent design are well worth it. The extra-soft padding wraps snugly around your dog’s body, providing a comfortable fit that permits a more natural swimming position. The telescoping neck closure allows for custom adjustment, and the buckles fit into sheltered pockets to prevent accidental opening during use. Unlike some other jackets, the material won’t stretch out once wet, so the fit remains true.
Nancy Snyder, Senior Shopping Editor of The Pet Collective, is a fan. She says: “I tried a few different brands before I found the perfect fit with Ruffwear. My pit bull mix, Ernie, has a broad chest that requires a larger fit, but a shorter torso resulting in most vests being too long for his body. The Ruffwear Float Coat has a shorter, more comfortable fit that does not hang off of his back or cut into his groin area.”
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Designed by a company specializing in canine outdoor adventures, the Kurgo Surf ‘n Turf dog life jacket is an excellent choice for active individuals who love exploring with their furry companions. This dog life vest features two metal D-rings for leash attachment, allowing for a seamless transition from hiking to water play. Two transverse handles on the back provide a safe and secure grip for lifting Fido out of the water if needed.
The athletic design not only looks stylish with reflective piping for added visibility, but it also provides ease of movement in and out of the water. Made from durable ripstop material and a neoprene liner, it features three points of adjustment for a secure chest, neck and belly fit. And FYI: If your active dog takes a nap on the way home, consider using a car hammock to keep your seats dry and clean from water and mud.
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The Stunt Puppy comes in four fashionable colors and eight sizes from xx-small to x-large. There’s also a “wide” size for barrel-chested pets like bulldogs that are notoriously difficult to fit (and at high risk for drowning). It is one of the few available options that fit large dogs with a girth measuring up to 47 inches and weighing up to 180 pounds.
The vest’s articulated chest and belly panel keep both your dog afloat and his heavier chest area elevated, while aiding ease of movement in the water. The jacket also features a rescue handle to bring your dog safely out of the water if needed. Plus, independent front and rear fasteners allow for an ideal fit.
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