Best Dog Life Vests

If you like to have your pet by your side on all kinds of adventures – you’re not alone. Whether they are traveling or road-tripping, hiking, or out on the sea, you can enjoy your four-legged bestie’s company. It’s a treat for both you and your energetic pooch: your dog will appreciate both the additional exercise and the time he gets to spend with you. However, in all that fun and adventuring, it’s important not to let the most important thing out of sight- safety. It’s easy to overlook safety precautions when you’re having fun with your pet, and more often than not, pet parents overestimate their pet’s abilities which could be a dangerous mistake – swimming is one of the activities that’s the most suited for misconceptions. Contrary to popular beliefs, not all dogs are proficient swimmers and there are plenty of dog breeds that can’t swim at all, or at least shouldn’t do so without proper protection, aka dog life vests. Like children or inexperienced swimmers, dogs need to be safely outfitted when spending time in the water. For some dogs, it’s because they are poor swimmers or if they can’t swim well due to their physique, and for others, it’s a precaution in case they get tired paddling around (which happens way more often than you’d think).

Dog life vests make sure that your pet is safe at all times, whether they are splashing around in a pool, or swimming in the middle of the lake. This is especially true for puppies and seniors, dog breeds that are not proficient swimmers, and small dogs that tire easily. Even adult, strong dogs shouldn’t be without protection when in the water for a longer time or on the boat. In cases where a dog is a good swimmer and has a lot of strength, a life jacket is there in a case of an accident – your pet might stray far from you or be carried by currents, get tired or get a cramp on the open water, etc. In those cases, a buoyant, brightly colored vest can be a literal lifesaver. It doesn’t hurt to be cautious, and wearing a life jacket doesn’t have to clash with your pet’s active behavior – there are sport versions of dog life vests meant to offer maximum movement and safety both.

Needless to say, there are different levels of skills and strength among dogs, and as a result – different types of dog life vests will be required for each case, to make sure that this safety aid works as intended. To help you find the right kind of life jacket for your pet, we’ve rounded up the best dog life vests on the market – alongside a short buying guide that explains what features to look for in the first place.

Features to look for in dog life vests

Each pooch is unique, and you have to consider this when choosing between different dog life vests. Is your pet big and lean, short and pudgy, or medium-sized and strong? Are they experienced swimmers or never dipped their paws in the water? Is the outing going to be in shallow waters or are you going to be on the lake or out on the sea or ocean? There’s plenty of factors that could influence your choice of dog life vests. To boot, you have to know what makes a high-quality life jacket for a dog and how to spot one that will be the safest, most cost-effective option for your needs. When choosing dog life vests, these are the things you have to pay attention to:

Size and fit

For a life vest to fulfill its purpose, it has to fit your dog properly. If the life jacket is too small for your pet, it will not be buoyant enough to keep them afloat, and if it’s too big and loose, it will be easy for them to slip out of it. In other words, a life jacket in the wrong size is the same as no jacket at all (the only difference being the money you spent). And as there dogs of all shapes and sizes out there, it can be a bit tricky finding a perfect match without properly measuring your dog first. When measuring your dog for a life vest, use a tape measure for precise results. Measure the circumference of their neck and chest and the length of their back (from shoulders to tail). Your dog’s weight can also make it easier to determine the size of the vest they need- in any case, the manufacturer will note which measurements are needed to find the right fit.

Buoyancy

The main purpose of a life vest for dogs is to make sure your pet stays afloat when in water. This means that the buoyancy is the most important feature of a personal flotation device, and there are different levels to it- from the sporty models that are good for proficient swimmers and swimming in shallow waters or near the coast, to those that are fully inflated for maximum potency- even a short-legged Corgi would have no problem “swimming” in one of these. Choose the appropriate buoyancy level of your dog’s life vest according to the situation- but in most cases, the “floatier” the better.

Comfort

You don’t want the life jacket to feel uncomfortable or restraining, as the goal is to provide safety without ruining the fun and enjoyment, after all. In addition to the proper fit, the fabric will influence the comfort factor: go for lightweight, breathable options that won’t make your pet feel like he’s wearing body armor. Also, try to find an adjustable solution that won’t be too tight for your pupper – otherwise you risk chafing and irritation that can become very unpleasant in combination with water.

Special features

All dog life vests have the same role and their design is based on their ability to keep your pet afloat, but there are differences that could influence your decision. For instance, dog life vests with handles are practical because they allow you to easily pull your pet from water which is convenient when you’re on a boat- or just want to get a firm grip on your mischievous pooch. Similarly, there are dog vests with fins that both increase visibility and give a fun detail to your pooch’s personal flotation device – he’ll look like a shark or a mermaid, much to the delight of hoomans that happen to be around.

Protection from drowning

Of course, making sure that your pet doesn’t drown is your number one priority – that much is clear. Dogs with a certain build (such as Bulldogs, Corgis, Doxies, etc) are poor swimmers by design, and that’s if they can swim in the first place. The same goes for puppies and seniors, who might lack the skill and the stamina to stay afloat. Many dogs will have a natural instinct to swim when they come into contact with water. But this is just rudimentary and should not be relied upon. What is more, even dogs that are healthy, strong, and proficient swimmers can be at risk in unpredictable scenarios: strong currents, tiredness, cramps, all of these things can lead to tragic scenarios. To prevent any accidents, always make sure that your dog wears a personal flotation device when in water, and don’t leave them unattended while they are swimming – even if it’s just a kiddie pool in the backyard. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Parasite precaution

As a good rule of thumb, you should never let your pet drink the water he swims in. In pools, the water is chlorinated and drinking it could harm your pet, swallowing salty water in the oceans and seas could lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, and drinking water from streams, rivers, and lakes leaves your pet vulnerable to dangerous parasites. To boot, sweetwater bodies such as lakes can contain blue green algae which is severely toxic to dogs and can cause neurological and liver damage. With all that being said, it is always a good precaution to be mindful of the quality of water you let your pet take a dip in.

Post-swim routine

After your pet is done having fun in the water, dry him off to make sure he doesn’t catch a cold. In case they were swimming in salty or chlorinated water, it would be wise to rinse them before drying, to avoid dried skin and dull looking coat. Be sure to dry his ears, too, to prevent an ear infection. In many ways, this is a crucial time – you need to act quickly and be thorough, in order to prevent the possibility of your pupper catching cold. Even if the temperature is warm – leaving your pet to run amok while soaking wet is an open invitation for a nasty cold.

Bottom Line

In summary, dog life vests are an invaluable asset for every dog owner. We all know just how stressful certain situations with your pupper can be! Adventuring and traveling with your furry friend by your side is endless fun and a great way to build a better bond with your pet. However, in situations where swimming is involved, stress can mount up to an all time high. And that can prevent you from freely enjoying your adventure. But with a dog life vest, things are placed under control. Let your pupper enjoy the water and swim by your side – the buoyancy of the life vest is a superb safety measure.
Dogs will grow to love being in the water by your side, and swimming only takes a little practice for them. It is an ideal way for them to have fun, to stay fit, and enjoy the activities that are natural for them.