Shop Dog Life Vests
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Float Coat Dog Life Vest
Confidence-inspiring dog life jacket built with time-proven, abrasion-resistant materialsRegular price $89.95Regular priceUnit price perregular price:Sale priceour price: $89.95
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DFD X2 Boost Life Vest
Ultra bouyant and streamlined ergonomic fitRegular price $85.00Regular priceUnit price perregular price:Sale priceour price: $85.00
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BayDog Monterey Bay Life Jacket Offshore Edition
Ultimate safety for offshore adventures with added float stability pontoons.Regular price $69.00Regular priceUnit price perregular price:Sale priceour price: $69.00
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EzyDog Dog Flotation Device
Boating,kayaking,the lake,the beach... just add water!Regular price $62.00Regular priceUnit price perregular price:Sale priceour price: $62.00
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BayDog Monterey Bay Life Jacket
Supports your dog's entire body from below and lifts their head above the water line with unique front chest design.Regular price $54.00Regular priceUnit price perregular price:Sale priceour price: $54.00
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EzyDog Micro Flotation Vest
A micro version of the EzyDog floatation vest. Perfect for the little guys.Regular price $43.00Regular priceUnit price perregular price:Sale priceour price: $43.00
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Zeta Waterproof Dog Leashes
Same waterproof,resilient material as Zeta dog collars. Made in USARegular price $23.95Regular priceUnit price perregular price: $26.00Sale priceour price: $23.95
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Float Coat Red Sumac Med (Customer Return)
Confidence-inspiring dog life jacket built with time-proven, abrasion-resistant materialsRegular price $76.46Regular priceUnit price perregular price: $89.95Sale priceour price: $76.46
Why use a dog life jacket?
There are several reasons why a dog might need to wear a life jacket while in the water. Firstly, not all dogs are strong swimmers, and some may struggle to keep their heads above water, especially in rough sea conditions. Additionally, dogs with short legs, such as bulldogs or dachshunds, may find it challenging to stay afloat in deep water. Older dogs or dogs with mobility issues may also benefit from a life jacket to help them stay buoyant and comfortable while swimming.
When shopping for a dog's life vest, it is essential to consider the size and weight of your dog. The vest should fit snugly but not be too tight, as this can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Look for a vest with adjustable straps and buckles to ensure a secure fit. The jacket should also be made from durable, water-resistant materials that can withstand exposure to saltwater and sunlight over extended use.</p>
Whether it's a swimming pool, lake, river, or ocean, even dogs who are strong swimmers can become tired or disoriented in the water, making a life jacket an essential safety measure. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so it's recommended to have a life jacket on hand whenever your dog is near water and especially while boating.
The safest dog life jacket should have enhanced chest flotation and torso support to ensure that your dog's head stays above the waterline. A rescue handle is also a crucial feature, making it easier to lift your dog out of the water if necessary. Bright colors and reflective trim will also make it easier to spot your dog in the water, even in low-light conditions.
Some customers find it is easier to teach their dog to swim with a dog life jacket; it's important to start slowly and gradually introduce them to the water. For timid dogs, begin in a shallow pool or calm body of water and allow your dog to get comfortable wearing the jacket on land before taking them into the water. Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to swim and make sure to supervise them at all times. With patience and practice, your dog will learn to enjoy swimming with their life jacket and have a great time in the water while staying safe.
Kayaking with your dog using a dog life jacket
Kayaking with your dog can be a fun and enjoyable activity, but it's important to ensure their safety while on the water. Dogs can be excellent swimmers, but even the most skilled swimmers can tire quickly, especially in open water or rough conditions. A life jacket can provide additional support and buoyancy, making it easier for your dog to swim for extended periods and stay safe in the water.
When kayaking with your dog, it's also important to consider how to get them back in the kayak. A grab handle on the back of the life jacket makes it easier to lift your dog out of the water and back into the kayak. This is especially important in open water, where the current can carry your dog away from the kayak, making it difficult to retrieve them. Many dog life jackets come with a strong d-ring to attach to a leash. With a long leash you can let your dog swim next to your kayak to get great exercise.
Boating with your dog using a dog life jacket
If you're planning to take your best buddy on your next boating adventure we highly recommend investing in a dog life jacket. Here's why:
First and foremost, a life jacket can save your dog's life in the event of an accident. Even dogs who are strong swimmers can tire easily or become disoriented in open waters, and a life jacket provides added buoyancy to help keep them afloat until help arrives. This is especially important if you're boating in waters with strong currents.
A life jacket can also make your dog more visible to other boaters, which is important for safety. Brightly colored jackets with reflective trim can help other boaters spot your dog in the water, even from a distance and many life jackets have reflective trim for visibility in low light situations. You can even attach a waterproof safety light for extra safety during low light or night boating.
Shopping for the best dog life jacket
When shopping for the best dog life jacket, there are a few key features to look out for. First and foremost, make sure the jacket fits your dog well. An ill-fitting life jacket can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, as it can cause chafing or ride up and hinder the dog's movement. Look for dog life jackets with adjustable straps and a variety of sizes to ensure the best fit for your pup. All the dog life vests listed above are highly adjustable and have been tested for comfort. Also check out our guide to the best dog life jackets
The buoyancy of the life jacket is another factor to consider. The life jacket should have enough flotation to keep your dog afloat without hindering their movement. You want your dog to still be able to enjoy active play in their life jacket. A good rule of thumb is to look for a dog life jacket with at least 10% of the dog's body weight in buoyancy. All options listed above exceed this threshold.
Other features to look for include reflective material for visibility, handles to help lift the dog out of the water, and durable, waterproof materials that will hold up well over time. Some brands offer additional features, such as a harness built-in leash attachment points, to make the life jacket even more versatile and useful.
Overall, the best dog life jacket for your dog will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We have attempted to curate the best options on the market for you in the list above. Read reviews, and consider your dog's size, swimming ability, and the types of activities you plan to do together on the water. Click the links for each dog life jacket to watch videos and find detailed information. Have fun out there!