Swimming is a fantastic, low-impact exercise for dogs, but there are so many other ways to include your dog in water activities in a safe way throughout the year if your dog is anything like my dog, Ellie. Ellie joins me whenever I go paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, or swimming during the summer. Ellie participates in each activity, but even though it differs slightly from one another, she always dons a life jacket.
If you’re considering taking your dog on any water activities, you might be wondering if life jackets for dogs are necessary. The answer is yes! Like people, even the best swimmers can become exhausted, develop hypothermia, or become entangled in a current. Additionally, a life jacket in a bold color will make it simpler for rescuers to find your dog.
Some dogs ought to always swim from the shore while wearing life jackets. Flat-faced breeds, also referred to as brachycephalic breeds, are prone to inhaling water or experiencing breathing difficulties while swimming. A life jacket will also help senior dogs, dogs with short legs and long bodies, lean dogs, and canines with any kind of mobility issue. Your dog will enjoy the water more and be safer with the right life jacket.
The key to a smooth transition when introducing a life jacket to your dog is preparation. For brief periods of time, practice donning the life jacket in various situations. Reward your dog when they can do so calmly.
This year, Mud Bay will let customers choose between the Bay Dog Monterey Bay Life Jacket and the Ruffwear Float Coat. Both options feature premium, discrete life jackets that can fit dogs of all sizes.
Bright Nautical Yellow from the Bay Dog Monterey Bay Life Jacket guarantees your dog’s high visibility. This life jacket fits based on your dog’s neck, chest, and length, and features a UV-resistant coating, full torso support, and salt-water-resistant hardware.
This life jacket from Ruffwear, which is known for its tough outdoor gear for dogs, performs admirably. It has a strategically placed handle and a telescoping neck closure to ensure your dog’s maximum safety while playing in the water. You only need to know your dog’s girth measurement to fit the Float Coat.
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Some dog breeds, such as retrievers and spaniels, are better suited to the water than others. A dog life jacket is a smart purchase if you and your dog intend to spend time in or on the water. Even experienced swimmers can become fatigued, have trouble staying buoyant, and have difficulty keeping their heads above water.
Some breeds, like Bulldogs, have body types that aren’t ideal for swimming and will require assistance to stay afloat. A personal flotation device (PFD) is necessary if your dog travels with you on a boat. We’ve put together a list of four of the top dog life jackets to help you and your dog stay safe in the water. Here are our top picks:
Most Comfortable: YOULY Dog Flotation Vest
Your dog can enjoy the water for hours on end without discomfort thanks to the Youly Beach Bum dog vest, which supports your pup’s natural swimming position. This orange-and-pink option is safe and adorable thanks to features like a top handle and a D-ring for beacons and trackers as well as a breathable mesh construction. Available in XXS—XL.
Shop now: YOULY Dog Flotation Vest, $30; petco.com
Credit: Courtesy of Chewy
How Do I Know If My Dog Needs A Life Jacket?
It is a good idea to strap your dog with a dog life vest, just like you do, if you are going boating or intend to spend a lot of time in or near water. Even the most spirited, water-loving breeds can tire, get caught in, or struggle in rushing water, making it more necessary for some animals like dachshunds, corgis, pugs, and French bulldogs whose bodies aren’t naturally suited for swimming. Before you enter the water, you should let your dog get used to the life vest, just like you would with any other item of canine clothing (treats and rewards can help with this step!).
FAQ
Do dog life jackets actually work?
Even if a dog is able to swim, life vests are still useful even though they may initially seem unnecessary as dog accessories. Wearing a life jacket could genuinely save the lives of dogs who spend time in or near water, but not all vests are created equal or fit dogs properly.
Does my Labrador need a life jacket?
When swimming in choppy currents, powerful waves, deep water, or in large lakes where they might get exhausted, water dogs may need a life jacket. Additionally, it’s recommended that all canines wear life jackets when boating. When a dog goes overboard, safety grab handles on dog life jackets can be used to help.
Do golden retrievers need life jackets?
Despite the fact that the majority of Golden Retrievers enjoy swimming and the water, a life jacket is still a crucial safety device!
Do dogs need to wear life jackets on a boat?
All dogs should wear life jackets when boating. Dogs lack sea legs and are more likely to unexpectedly fall into the water. A canine life jacket will keep your dog afloat in an incident where they “go overboard” and will enable you to quickly grab them using the “safety handle” on the back of the jacket.