It may seem strange to consider, but have you ever considered getting your dog a life jacket for boat rides and water sports? Why is my dog wearing a life jacket when they can swim?
Although we would like to believe it, our pets do not still possess all of their wild instincts. In fact, many dogs wouldn’t be any more equipped than we would be to swim to safety in the event of a water-related emergency.
Therefore, it’s crucial that your dog is as prepared as possible before going out into the ocean — or even just a nearby lake, for that matter.
A dog life jacket is a wise investment if you want to keep your dog safe while boating, sailing, swimming, or playing near the water. What you should know before purchasing a life jacket for your dog is provided below.
Choosing the Right Jacket
The best advice on choosing a jacket is to try it on! Dogs come in so many shapes and sizes so it is highly recommended to try on a jacket with the features you are looking for. The following website http://dogsrecommend.com/life-jacket/ has a lot of useful information concerning sizing, functions, pricing, and safety. You will also find the best features to look for when buying a dog jacket -what type of material, ease of use, handles, a good fit, and if the jacket has buckles and straps.
By Allie Hajjar (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Can’t All Dogs Swim?
Even though you may believe that your dog is a good swimmer, there are other considerations when boating. You might encounter difficulties while boating with your dog in deep water, against strong currents, or in large waves. Even breeds with a natural ability to swim might struggle in the situation described above. For some great advice on selecting the ideal life jacket, continue reading.
Mike and I still make Django wear a canine life jacket for the majority of water activities even though he has repeatedly shown that he is competent in the water.
Frenchies and pugs are brachycephalic breeds, which have a disadvantageous anatomical structure in the water. These dogs have a much harder time keeping their nose and mouth above water due to their broad, flat faces. Because of this difficulty and their heavier bodies, such as bulldogs, some breeds are simply better off remaining on dry land.
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Since that hike at Hessian Lake, Django has swum countless times in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He has jumped off of a boat into the Mediterranean Sea, fetched sticks out of freezing cold glacier mountain streams in Oregon, and skillfully handled the choppy waters of Italys Lake Como. Despite his long dachshund body and short, stubby legs, Django is a natural at swimming.
FAQ
Does my dog need a life jacket on a boat?
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.
What do dogs need on a boat?
- Life jacket.
- Dog first aid kit.
- Water and food bowls.
- Treats.
- Toys.
- Dog sunscreen.
- Floatable leash.
- Non-slip mat (helpful on fiberglass boat)
Do dogs need flotation devices?
Although you may believe that your dog doesn’t need a life jacket because they can swim well, all dogs who spend time in or near water should always wear one.
Can dogs swim without a life vest?
Is a life jacket actually necessary for my healthy dog to swim? Dogs can swim without the aid of a life jacket; however, some are natural swimmers while others struggle more with swimming techniques.