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Best Swim Gear For Your Dog

Lori Ennis
by Lori Ennis
Published:  October 28th, 2021

Not sure what your pup will wear as he struts his stuff along the beach? No worries; we’ve found the best dog swim gear that are bound to make all the tongues wag!

You’re not the only one who’s worried about what you’ll look like in a swimsuit. Imagine how hard it must be for our furry, four-legged friends when it comes to finding that special suit that makes them look sweet as they strut on the beach!

But there’s no need to fret, as we’ve found 10 dog swim gear that are sure to fit the bill no matter the beach (or pool, or rainy puddle) your dog will be four-footing it on.

1. Editor’s Pick: Fitwarm Leopard Dog Bikini Beach Suit

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On the beach, style is everything! Your little lady pooch can now feel all the glamour with this cute and unique swimsuit designed for dogs. It is made with quality materials, consisting of 95% polyester and 5% spandex. This means that chafing and skin irritation will be non-existent. Soft and lightweight, this doggo-bikini is perfect for the summer months, especially on holidays and in outdoor activities. They come in various sizes, and can fit almost all medium and small dog breeds. Also, thanks to their size, they can be great for cats and other small pets as well – anyone can become a glamorous beach goer with one of these stylish bikinis. You get to pick from 2 styles: leopard print or rainbow.

2. Runner Up: Explawer Beach Body Hawaiian Shirt

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Your pooch will have all the bitches drooling with this hot Hawaiian shirt from Explawer. It has a velcro fastener for easy in and easy out, and it’s machine washable and quick dry so your doggo will always be ready for those hot beach dates! Thanks to its design and easy fit, this classy Hawaiian shirt is ideal for small to medium dogs, and even for cats and other small pets. What’s not to like?

3. Best Towel: Bone Dry Embroidered Microfiber Towel

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What’s the number one priority for dogs at the beach? It’s staying dry! After a quick swim, it is important that your dog doesn’t stay soaking wet for long, especially if the weather is cold. This perfect beach towel is just the thing that’s needed. Designed for pets, it is made from ultra soft microfiber which makes it extra absorbent. The towel measures 44 by 27.5 inches, and is ideal for small and medium dog breeds. Thanks to its lightweight and compact size, it is great to carry in your beach bag and always have close at hand. And it’s not just great for drying – it is ideal for keeping your furry friend warm when the sun hides behind the clouds and the temperatures drop.

4. Best Hat: Happy Hours Pet Visor Hat with Ear Holes

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Beach time is fun time – no doubt about that! But you and your pet need to be prepared in order to fully enjoy the summer time. The sharp glare of the sun can be very uncomfortable for your pupper’s eyes, and can even cause damage over time. This unique pet visor cap is great for keeping your dog’s eyes in the shade. The cap is made from durable oxford cloth and lined with soft cotton for comfort, and this combo ensures that the hat is comfy to wear and endures the elements. The cap has nifty ear holes and a sturdy visor at the front. It’s size makes it great for all small breeds – which are most vulnerable to the hot summer sun. This pet visor comes in a pretty floral design, which can help make your pet the star of the beach.

5. Best Drying Coat: Obi & Willow Dog Drying Towel Coat

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Swimming is super fun while it lasts. But what happens when your doggo is out of the water? No matter the season or the temperature, it is never a healthy option to let your dog dry out on its own. Sitting with a wet coat can quickly lead to a cold and a runny nose. This superb dog bathrobe coat is one of the essential swim gear accessories for any dog: it helps them stay dry, warm, and cozy after the swimming is done. And it gives you peace of mind. Great for when the temperatures drop, it is the perfect way to quickly dry out your dog without risking their health.

Made from super-absorbent cotton toweling it will wick away moisture and help insulate your pet while they dry- and quickly at that. Additionally, to help you speed things up, Obi & Willow Dog Drying Towel Coat comes with two drying mitts that allow you to quickly absorb any moisture, mud, or dirt from your pet’s paws.

6. Best Lifejacket: Dog Mermaid Life Jacket

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Is that a mystical mermaid in sight? No, that’s just your doggo having a good old swim! This unique and funny life jacket designed for dogs won’t fail to bring out the smiles from everyone on the beach. The faux mermaid scales make protective gear look cute and whimsical while the life jacket still does its job of keeping your dog afloat. It is made from 600D oxford nylon outer and EPE pearl cotton foam inner, and is extra durable and buoyant – but still lightweight. The design boasts a variety of handy implements, such as the quick release safety buckle, a carrying handle, and a D-hook so you can attach the leash to it. This life jacket is great to have on the beach, as it will keep your dog safe and help them in the water. Coming in a variety of sizes and two colors (pink or blue), it is great for dogs of all breeds.

7. Best Water Shoes: QUMY Waterproof Anti-Slip Dog Shoes

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Beach time can be so much fun for your dog. But not all beaches have that golden sandy surface to walk on. Some are filled with pebbles and stones, which can be tricky to navigate, sharp on the paw pads, and easy to slip on. All of this is a potential threat for your dog’s sensitive paw pads, not to mention it can lead to an injury, especially in senior dogs. However, these comfy anti-slip shoes can prevent all that. They are made from rugged and waterproof materials, and feature an elastic band for a tight fit. On the bottom are special rubber soles that will cushion any surface your pet walks on. The shoes are adjustable thanks to the two straps, which are also reflecting – meaning that you will easily spot your dog even in darkness. Now you and your four legged friend can enjoy every surface and any type of beach, with zero worries!

8. Best Googles: NVTED Dog Sunglasses Dog Goggles

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Sunglasses don’t just make your pooch look cool- they offer much-needed protection for those peepers! When you’re on the beach, there are so many things that could irritate your pet’s eyes, even if they are not sensitive by default: whether it’s sand, harmful UV rays, or salty water, none of these things feel nice when they get into your pet’s eyes. NVTED Dog Sunglasses Dog Goggles are a great choice for swimming or a day at the beach as they are comfy to wear but offer plenty of protection.

Shatterproof, waterproof, and anti-fog lenses keep UV rays at bay while ensuring great visibility on sunny days, and the frame itself is lined with cushioning for a snug but comfortable fit. These glasses are also easy to put on as they fasten with an elastic and adjustable nylon ribbon, and will fit most medium and large dog breeds. Another great design feature here is the chin strap. Designed to provide your doggo with a secure fit, it connects firmly beneath the jaws so you don’t have to worry about anything falling off during all that running around and swimming.

9. Best Sunshirt: PlayaPup SunShirt

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Yes, even dogs need to worry about SPF, and in this swim shirt from PlayaPup, they’ll be covered…literally. It offers SPF 50 and blocks 98% of harmful UVA/UVB rays that can take their toll on your doggo too! And your pet is bound to love this comfy shirt, as well. It is made from a high quality 4-way stretch fabric, which means that it will fit easily and snugly regardless of your pet’s body shape. The shirt is made with flat lock stitching, ensuring superior quality, and it is also soft and very comfortable to wear – not to mention that it makes perfect beach clothes too, as it’s quick drying. This shirt comes in all sorts of unique colors, allowing you to match your dog’s style, and you can also choose from plenty of size options to make sure any pooch has a proper fit.

10. Honorable Mention: Queenmore Dog Life Jacket

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Sometimes we have to forsake fashion for functionality, and when it comes to safety, that happens. But it doesn’t have to with this shark dog life jacket from Queenmore–function, form and FUN all in one great life-jacket for your dog! No holding them back from the surf now!

What are the benefits of swim gears for dogs?

Not all doggos are natural born swimmers! While most of them will be able to handle the shallows, some will need guidance and a bit of assistance. That’s where swim gear comes in handy! Accessories such as life vests or inflatables can greatly benefit your pupper and improve their abilities in the water. Of course, they’ll enhance the safety as well. Other tidbits, such as sunglasses, waterproof shoes, shirts, bikinis, and towels, will also be so valuable on the beach. Some dogs can really feel the effects of the heat and direct sunlight. And swim gear will be a great boon in these times. Both in the water – and on the beach.

What to consider when choosing swim gears for my dog?

When choosing the right swim gear for your pupper you will need to consider mostly their size, breed, and their abilities in the water. Smaller dogs can be more vulnerable to heat from the sand and the pebbles, and might have difficulties outside the shallowest portions of the water. They’ll be the first to benefit from swim gear. Some breeds will be natural born swimmers, but the tiniest ones – especially if they have short stubby legs – will need a lot of assistance. Of course, take into account the location you’re visiting. Seas can be warm and enjoyable, or cool and gloomy. Make sure your dog will be warmed up, dry, and safe in every environment.

How to measure the size of my dog for swim suits?

When measuring your dog for any type of apparel, there are a few points you can’t overlook. Firstly, you want to measure their top line, especially if a shirt is in question. This is their general length, and is measured from the base of the neck, down to the start of their tail. Next up, it’s important to measure their girth, or the circumference of their chest. Combine these measurements with their height, their neck girth, and their breed, and you will be able to pinpoint the size your pupper will need, based on the charts that the manufacturer provides.

How can I make my dog more comfortable with swimming

Most dogs will have that natural instinct to swim as soon as they are near water. You’ll know it by the cute little leg kicks they make. But that won’t make them comfortable in the water or excellent swimmers – your help might be needed! One of the great steps you can take is make sure your dog has a life vest on. This gives them a needed sense of security, and allows you to hold them on the water’s surface, making things easier. The boost of confidence might serve your dog well. Also, make sure you are not in a crowded spot that could make them anxious. And always start in the shallows. As your pet gets more comfortable, you can progress to a slightly deeper part of the water.

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Lori Ennis
Lori Ennis

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The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

Vet School Aims to Dispel Misinformation About Mysterious Illness

News about a mysterious illness has been making dog parents across the country nervous as they seek out available information. While there have been reported advances made in understanding the cause of the illness, many of the details are still vague, and a lot of “data” being shared by the mainstream media seems to be contradicting. How do you know what to believe?To help clarify the sea of information, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has published an educational hub on their website with information about the illness, Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC).This hub is divided into several categories: Prevalence, Clinical Signs, Pathogenesis, Screening, Treatment, Prevention, Travel, and News. The goal is to share reliable and actionable information for pet parents that will help them make smart, knowledge-driven decisions about their pet’s health, especially as we head into a busy time of travel during the holiday season.Reported Cases of IllnessAccording to the hub, there are currently reported cases of “a chronic respiratory disease with characteristics of aCIRDC” in 16 different states, including:CaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireNevadaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne of the most important things to note is the wording used by LSU Vet Med. This list is based on reported respiratory illnesses that have characteristics of the mystery illness, but it does not mean that the disease itself has been confirmed. Many respiratory infections and ailments present with very similar symptoms, including Canine Influenza and Bordatella.How to Prevent Illness in Your Dog This Holiday SeasonWhile there is no guarantee that the above states pose a higher risk of aCIRDC, veterinarians and other professionals recommend that pet parents take precautions to keep their pets safe. This is especially important as many of us plan to travel and visit family for the holidays. The following recommendations (as outlined by LSU Vet Med) will help to prevent your dog(s) from getting sick from any respiratory ailment, not just aCIRDC.Ensure Vaccinations are Up to DateWe currently don’t have enough understanding of aCIRDC for a preventative vaccination, but there are vaccinations for some respiratory illnesses. Check with your veterinarian that your dog is current on all routine vaccinations.Limit Exposure (Where Possible)If possible, avoid or limit bringing your dog to areas that put them at a higher risk of contracting a respiratory illness. This includes dog parks or shelter environments. Have a conversation with boarding and training facilities where dogs socialize to better understand their preventative measures, including cleaning and sanitization efforts. You should also ask about the vaccine requirements for dogs in their care and their plan for handling animals that show signs of being ill.Isolate Dogs with Signs of IllnessIs your dog showing signs that they may be ill? If so, isolation is critical. Don’t bring a potentially sick dog to public spaces, and do your best to keep them safely isolated from any other unaffected dogs in your home.

Holiday Gifts for Dogs to Include Them in the Fun

It’s the gift giving season, and you’re thinking about all of the people you’ll buy presents for, but why not also add your canine companion to the list? With so many great products on the market, you can find the ideal gift for your dog so they can participate in the opening of presents with everyone they love. Here are some tips to help you find something that your pooch will get excited over.

Expats May Need to Leave their Pets Behind as Travel Costs Skyrocket

Animal travel has always been expensive, but it’s about to become unaffordable for many pet lovers. Pet owners moving abroad may be forced to leave their pets behind after animal travel costs have gone up by as much as 400 percent!IAG Cargo, a sister company to British Airways, Vueling, and Aer Lingus, has recently announced that it was raising travel prices along some routes beginning March 1. This unexpected move shocked pet owners with relocation plans, particularly those moving to and from Britain and the United States. “To reflect the complexities of this bespoke service and the cost of providing the very best care for pets traveling as cargo, we have made some amendments to our prices,” a spokesperson for IAG Cargo said in a statement. This shipping company is mostly used by military personnel to move their pets abroad while deployed. After three years at their duty station in the UK, Sara and her family are moving back to the U.S. The family’s two dogs, Bentley and Ghost, are booked on a British Airways flight on 1 March.Under the current policy, IAG Cargo only accepts a booking for a pet transfer up to six weeks before the flight. The company then confirms the space has been requested. Two weeks before the flight, once the planes have been scheduled on that route, the IAG Cargo confirms the booking, locking in the price.Initially, Sara’s family was quoted $1,450 for a flight from London to Baltimore for both dogs. However, due to the recent price hike, the travel price for the dogs has jumped to $6,500! And that’s without the administration fees and the cost of the agency the family is using to arrange the cargo shipment. “We are paying out of our own pocket for this, and we just bought a house in our new location,” said Sara to BBC. “Our dogs are like our children, we would do anything for them but that doesn’t mean it’s not devastating for our finances.”The family’s shipping agent found another airline that could ship their dogs at a lower price. The catch - they would have to make a seven-hour round trip to collect the dogs from another airport. Sara explained that her dogs are small in size and that she believes people shipping large-size dogs could face shipping costs over $10,000.“I already know a number of people who did not bring their pets [to the UK] because of the costs to bring them one way… People are going to be shocked,” she added.Details about the new pricing and affected routes are still unclear, but some companies that work with IAG Cargo are already seeing the effects. Kimberly Cirone, a director at Pets Abroad UK, a pet relocation company that assists pet owners with travel arrangements and works with airlines, said that the costs of pet transport between Britain and the United States have increased by 400 percent without warning, consideration, or explanation.The unexpected price hike has left many military families in turmoil as they are unable to gather the necessary funds in time to have their pets shipped back home. “It’s a huge amount to organize, and within days or weeks of arriving one of those family members may be sent on to areas of conflict. The dog or cat is hugely important, it is the family’s companion when one partner is away fighting and this will be hugely distressing for them.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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