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Taking your pup for a dip can be one of the most enjoyable activities you can do together. Whether it’s a quick swim at the beach or a kayaking adventure, keeping your dog safe in the water is essential. A good life jacket is one of the best ways to keep your pup safe and secure when they are out on the water. Read on to learn about some of the best dog life jackets available on the market today.
What are the best dog life jackets?
Best overall – Outward Hound Granby RipStop
Outward Hound Granby RipStop Features
Best for active dogs – Ruffwear Float Coat
Ruffwear Float Coat Features
Best for small dogs – Outward Hound Neoprene Dawson Swimmer
Outward Hound Neoprene Dawson Swimmer Features
Best for spreading smiles – Frisco Shark Fin
Frisco Shark Fin Features
What to look out for when picking the best dog life jacket
Depending on the activity your dog will be doing will depend on the best life jacket for them but there are a few key features to look out for when purchasing a dog life jacket:
- Mobility
- Color
- Size
- Buoyancy
- Handles
Where should your dog wear a life jacket?
Trips in open water
If you’re taking your dog on a kayaking adventure or showing them the sights whilst stand-up paddle boarding, then you will want to put them in a life jacket, regardless of how good a swimmer they are. If your dog goes overboard then a dog life jacket will help you see them, grab them and pull them back on board.
Swimming in lakes
If you are taking your dog to a lake where they can run in and out of the water at their own leisure and are experienced swimmers then they likely won’t need a life jacket when they are swimming in a lake.
However, if your dog is not a good swimmer and is likely to tire easily whilst swimming in the lake then a dog life jacket will be good to have on them.
Around swimming pools
In some cases, a dog may also require a life jacket when in or around a swimming pool. These dogs include dogs with less body fat and therefore less natural buoyancy (Greyhounds), senior dogs who will tire easily or brachycephalic breeds who struggle to breathe. Dogs who are also poor swimmers will require a life jacket when around a swimming pool. Especially if they are too small to climb out of the pool by themselves.
Can all dogs swim?
Not all dogs can swim but most dogs, like Labradors and Retrievers, tend to be naturally good swimmers; however, it’s important to keep in mind that no dog can paddle for hours on end. Additionally, dogs face the same – if not greater – perils of drowning as humans when out at sea, so equipping them with a life jacket is important especially if your dog is a poor swimmer.
Can a dog drown whilst wearing a life jacket?
Yes, they can. Although life jackets are designed to provide additional buoyancy and keep dogs afloat, they can still drown in rough waters or become entangled in debris. That’s why it is paramount that they wear a well-fitted life jacket as one that doesn’t fit properly may make things worse.
What color life jacket should you choose?
When it comes to color, it is best to choose a life jacket that is bright, and eye-catching such as red or orange. Especially if on a lake or at sea. This will make it easier for you to spot your pup while they’re out swimming, and also increase their visibility to other boats and people on the water.
If your dog is around a swimming pool where they won’t get lost, then a novelty life vest can be used such as a shark fin or a mermaid tail. Because who doesn’t love seeing a pup in a cute shark fin?
Conclusion
In conclusion, a good-fitting life jacket is an essential piece of equipment for any dog heading out on the water. Although some dogs may be natural swimmers, a life vest can provide extra safety, increase visibility and improve their ability to swim in open waters.
No matter how strong a swimmer your dog is, they can still drown with a life jacket on so should never be left unsupervised in the water. With the right life vest on their back, you can rest assured that your pup will be safe whilst splashing around.
