Be it swimming, a ride in the boat, or a fun visit to the beach, dog life vests can prove to be a useful addition to your trip. We know that pets, especially dogs, do not like to be left out on the fun. This also goes for the summer seasons when we would all just like a quick soak in the water.
Then the question arises, is it okay to put your pet in all the straps? The answer is yes; however, you cannot put just any life vest on your pet and expect him to be safe and comfy. This is where dog life vests come in.
These jackets, just like their name tells, are made especially for canines and are adjustable for different sizes. With increased comfort and protection, you can relax on your day out, knowing your dog is safe. This industry is growing, and it can be challenging. Here are five of the best dog life vests on the market:
- EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device: With its adjustable straps and ergonomic design, this life vest is comfortable and easy to use.
- Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat: This high-quality, durable life vest is perfect for all types of water activities and comes in a range of sizes.
- Vivaglory Ripstop Life Jacket: Made from ripstop material, this vest is both durable and lightweight, making it perfect for dogs of all sizes.
- Outward Hound Granby Splash Jacket: This affordable option features a bright color and reflective accents for added visibility in the water.
- Kurgo Surf N Turf Jacket: This versatile vest doubles as a raincoat and comes with a front floatation layer for added buoyancy in the water.
Why Should You Need to Buy a Dog Life Vest?
The main reason for using these life vests is for safety purposes. We use life vests when we go swimming, whether it is for fun or for actual exercise. Dogs also like to tag along. Exercise is fun, and your pets need their part of physical activity, and swimming is one of them.
It is a common known fact that not all dogs are excellent swimmers. Introducing a dog life vest can help them swim, and you can relax knowing your canine is safe. This goes for both cases when you are teaching your dog to swim and when they are joining you in the water just to enjoy.
Swimming is not the only time you’d want to use these jackets. Boating is also one activity that requires proper safety measures. If your canine is a chaotic one, it is best to put on a life vest. These pet life vests also improve your pet’s visibility and are ideal for breeds that have naturally low levels of fat.
The improved buoyancy helps the dog paddle without using too much energy. This does not mean that these vests are only required for certain breeds. It is recommended to use life jackets whenever your pet is near a large water body.
What Situations Are Dog Life Vests Useful?
Swimming: Whether your dog is swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, a life vest can provide an extra level of safety. This is particularly important for dogs that are not confident swimmers or those with physical limitations.
Boating: If you’re taking your dog on a boat, a life vest is essential. Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, they may become tired or disoriented in rough water.
Aging or Disabled Dogs: Older or disabled dogs may struggle with mobility, making it difficult for them to swim or stay afloat. A life vest can provide extra buoyancy and support, making it easier for them to enjoy the water.
Water Sports: If you enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, or windsurfing a life vest can help keep your dog safe in case of an accident or unexpected fall.
For Buoyancy: We also know that even the most skilled swimmers can have a bad day when they are sick. The same goes for dogs, especially older dogs. When they are feeling joint pains. Dogs with shorter legs and lower body fat sometimes struggle to stay afloat. Using a life preserver can help your pet in swimming.
Emergency Situations: In the event of a flood or other natural disaster, a dog life vest can help keep your pet safe if they become trapped or swept away by the water.
How to Measure the Proper Size of the Dog Life Vest?
When measuring your pooch for a life vest, take the following measurements:
- Neck Girth: Usually, this is the size of your pet’s regular collar, and most vests have a slot for the collar. Ideally, the neck girth shouldn’t be too tight; however, it should be a good fit.
- Body Girth: A life vest is usually adjustable and has straps for properly securing and closing. Dogs vary in size, and the body girth is measured by the broader part of your pet’s body, this area is near the chest. You can follow the two-finger rule here. The jacket should fit nicely but not too tight and should have space for two fingers to slide in.
- Length: This is the length between your canine’s neck and the beginning of the tail. The ideal length will end just before the tail, so it does not bother the dog.
- Weight: This is the additional measurement for dog life vests as weight determines the buoyancy. Usually, life vest manufacturers mention the weight range on different vest sizes, and you can consider these before making the final purchase.
How to Train a Dog to Accept the Life Vest?
Training a dog to accept a life vest is an important safety measure for dogs who enjoy swimming, boating, or any water activity. Here are some steps to follow to train your dog to accept and wear a life vest:
Introduce the life vest gradually: Start by showing the life vest to your dog and allowing them to sniff it. You can also hold the life vest near your dog and praise them when they sniff or show interest in it.
Reward your dog for positive behavior: When your dog shows interest in the life vest, give them a treat and praise them. This will create a positive association between the life vest and good behavior.
Put the life vest on your dog: Once your dog is comfortable with the life vest, put it on them. Start by putting it on for a few seconds at a time, and gradually increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Practice in a safe environment: Start practicing with the life vest in a safe and controlled environment, such as a pool or calm body of water. Make sure to stay close to your dog and keep them on a leash until you are confident in their swimming ability.
Reinforce positive behavior: When your dog is wearing the life vest, continue to reward them for positive behavior. This will reinforce the behavior and make your dog more comfortable wearing the life vest.
Gradually remove rewards: Once your dog is comfortable wearing the life vest, gradually remove the treats and praise. Your dog should eventually become comfortable wearing the life vest without the need for rewards.
Dog Life Vests vs. Dog Anxiety Vests
When looking for pet vests, you may come across two different types called life vests and dog anxiety vests. Depending on the situation, these vests differ in their main function, and this is where you will need to find the one your pet needs.
Dog Life Vest
Usually, a dog life vest is recommended for safety purposes when your pet accompanies you to the beach for a swim.
Even if your canine is an excellent swimmer, sometimes exhaustion can make it difficult to swim and keep warm in the water. A life vest helps your pet in the following ways:
- Supports weight and makes swimming easier.
- Improves visibility so you can easily find your dog.
- It is also useful for pets with water anxiety.
- Protects your pet from getting cold even when in the water.
However, that said, these vests are to be used as life preservers only.
Anxiety Vests
On the other hand, if your pet experiences any form of anxiety other than water, then you may need to go for a dog anxiety vest. These jackets aren’t built for water and instead work for psychological fears.
- This jacket works to calm your pet, whether it is for separation anxiety or overall aging.
If you are unsure about which one to purchase, look for signs of anxiety if your pet shows any.
Types of Dog Life Vests
Dog life vests are all made to serve one purpose, to prevent your pet from drowning. Even the most excellent swimmers can benefit from these.
Not all life jackets are created equal, and this is where you will need to look for the most suitable one. While there are no separate types of dog vests, the following features can make a difference:
Jackets With and Without Handles
Canines can turn out to be quite feisty when it comes to pulling them out of the water. Some get anxious and are unable to cooperate, other dogs just love the water so much they can’t get enough of it. This is where jackets with handles come in. The additional features make it super easy to haul your pet back to land and safety.
Covering Back – Covering Neck and Body
Depending on the covering, life vests are of two types, ones that cover the back with strap closure and ones that also surround the neck. The latter is ideal for dogs with shorter legs as it keeps them afloat to easily breathe. However, in this case, the right size is extremely important.
Life Vests With or Without D-Ring
The addition of a D-ring or a loop can be really helpful as it allows easy and secure leash attachment. This is important for pets who are natural explorers and love to wander around. You can find pet vests both with and without the D-rings; however, it is recommended to go with one that has leash attachment.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Dog Life Vests
Size
A dog life vest should fit nicely to properly support your pet in water. Usually, the size is mentioned in the product’s description. it is recommended to properly measure your dog before purchasing a jacket.
The ideal fit will be relaxed around the neck and cover the body securely without being too tight. If your pet is between two sizes, go with a larger, adjustable one.
Materials
The material of a life jacket can affect its buoyancy and durability. It should also be chew-proof for people who have aggressive pets. Dog vests are made from neoprene, which is a form-fitting lightweight material.
It also keeps your pet warm in the water. Some jackets are also made from ripstop fabric, and like the name tells, this is a fabric resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for pups who love to chew their belongings.
Both these materials are a good choice. It is recommended to choose neoprene as it can also keep your pooch warm.
Effectiveness
A life jacket should be easy to use and do its job. If the pet vest hinders movement, that kills the whole point of being an aid in swimming. Therefore, choose one that is comfy and durable.
Fit
As previously stated, an ideal fit in a life jacket is really important to properly support the canine’s weight. Once you have measured your pet, choose a comfortable size. It should not be too tight; however, a size bigger will also not be useful. If you are unsure about the size, consult the manufacturer’s description.
Comfort
Dog life vests should also be comfy to make it easy for your pet to swim. Ideally, a good fit jacket made from neoprene is ideal for most pets. Make sure that the vest does not reach your pet’s tail and is not restricted around the neck area.
Visibility
These jackets come in a variety of bright colors and improve visibility. Ideally, look for a bright color that makes it easier for you to spot your pet in a crowd.
Leash Attachment – With or Without D-Rings
Other than visibility, leash attachment can greatly reduce the chances of your pup getting lost. Therefore it is recommended to choose one that has a slot or a D-ring through which your canine’s regular collar can pass through.
Reflective
Dogs usually use these life vests on hot summer days when they accompany you to the beach. Many pet life vests are made from reflective materials that prevent your pet from overheating to avoid heatstroke. If you live in a place with a warmer climate, it is recommended to go for a life vest with a reflective material.
With or Without Handles
Last but not least, the life vest should have handles as they make it easy to haul your pet out of the water either in case of emergency or when your pet is being a little aggressive. While there are both types available in the market, getting one with a handle is safer as compared to a jacket without one.
Benefits of Using Dog Life Vests
- Suitable for Teaching Your Pup Swimming: We know that some pets are excellent swimmers; however, they are all not born that way and have to learn the skill at some point in their life. If your pup is new to this, a life jacket will not only prove to be safer, it can also help your pet learn swimming quicker.
- Safer for Swimming: The most obvious benefit of a life jacket is that it can save your precious pet friend’s life. We know that some pets are not great swimmers. If they are proper protection is necessary. By using a pet life vest, you can relax knowing that your canine will not get tired so easily.
- Helps Older Pets: Older dogs sometimes experience fatigue and joint pains, which can make it harder to stay afloat and keep warm in the water at the same time. Life vests can help by support their body weight due to the grip and buoyancy.
- Improves Visibility: Losing sight of your dog on the waters can be dangerous. However, pet life jackets feature many bright colors that you can easily spot even in a crowd. That way, your pet does not get separated, and you can easily haul him out of the water.
Important Safety Tips
- Measure your dog’s chest and neck girth accurately for a snug fit.
- Check for adjustable straps to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for your dog.
- Opt for a life vest with a handle on top for easy lifting and rescue.
- Select a vest with reflective strips for increased visibility in low-light conditions.
- Choose a life vest with bright colors for better spotting in water.
- Look for a vest with multiple buckles or closures for added security.
- Ensure the vest has a flotation foam or buoyant material for optimal support.
- Test the vest in shallow water before taking your dog on a boat or swimming adventure.
- Regularly inspect the vest for any damage or wear and tear.
- Rinse the vest with fresh water after use in saltwater or chlorinated pools.
Conclusion
Pets love activities, including swimming, and if your pet loves water, you are going to need a dog life vest. These keep your canine safe and afloat in the water, and you can relax on your vacation.
Before purchasing one, make sure the size fits nicely, and the strap-closure works properly. Ideally, the right pet life vest will make it easy for older pets to swim without struggling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dog life vest?
A dog life vest is just what its name describes it to be, it is a special dog vest to help your pet swim and be safe in the water.
Available in different sizes, these jackets improve buoyancy and are useful for all dogs, including breeds that have low body fat. By using one, you can relax knowing your pet is safe and can swim more comfortably.
How do dog life vests work?
A Dog life vest is made from soft, neoprene, or ripstop material and helps your canine stay afloat by its buoyant material. You can secure the jacket around by using the closure straps.
Does my dog need a life vest to be on a boat?
Yes. It is recommended to use a dog life preserver whenever your pet is near water, and that includes boating. We know how exciting pups can get when they want activity, and it is useful to use a vest just to be on the safe side.
How much do dog life vests cost?
Despite their various benefits and safety, you would be surprised to know that you can get a good dog life vest without having to compromise on durability and quality. Usually, these jackets cost between $20 to 50$. There are expensive options available, but you can find a decent jacket for a reasonable price.
Which dogs are most likely to need a life jacket?
Dogs will shorter legs, and lesser body fat need more buoyancy to swim comfortably. If your pet counts in that category, then it is recommended to get a life jacket.
Will the life vest keep my dog safe if they can’t swim?
Ideally, a dog vest can help keep your pet afloat in the water even if they cannot swim. It is recommended to always keep an eye on your pet and avoid big water bodies.
Will the life vest keep my dog’s head above water?
Yes. A dog vest helps your pet stay in a comfortable swimming position. So even if your dog has short legs, he will be able to keep his head above the water.
