Most dogs love to swim, but no matter how good they are at it, it can still be a worry when they are in the water.
As dog owners with experience of dogs jumping into any body of water they see, whether it be rivers, lakes or the sea, we know the importance of keeping them safe. If they are wearing a dog life jacket, they can still swim to their heart’s content, but you have peace of mind.
Below are the best dog life jackets available to buy, from the dozens on sale.
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This floating jacket has everything you need to ensure your dog is safe as can be in the water. The bright orange colour is high visibility, and there are also reflective parts if visibility is poor.
The bands are fully adjustable, and the neoprene chest band will stay tight to their body no matter the breed. The buckles are quick release which means taking the jacket off and putting it in is simple.
There is even a D-ring on the back so you can use a lead, and two top handles make recovery and lifting easier. Every size is under £40, which is great as well, making it by far the best on our list.
Available in a few bright colours, with a strong handle and a good amount of coverage.
The vest covers them but still gives them plenty of chance of movement. The one larger handle may be easier for some to cope with than two separate ones, and there are two clip closures around the belly as well as two at the chest to tighten the part around the neck. This will make it secure enough to keep their head above water.
Reflective trims around the harness will increase visibility when it is dark, and the material is adapted from clothing worn for mountaineering so will keep them as dry and warm as possible. There is also a loop where a lead can be attached.
This is a quick and easy life jacket to put on and off which is great if you’re having a day filled with different activities.
There are adjustable straps so you can get it to the right tightness, and reflective strips will help for when darkness falls (or the sun is yet to come up), and there is also a handle so they can be lifted to safety or held when they come out.
As a bonus, it is nice and lightweight so won’t make them feel heavy when they are in the water.
EzyDog is experts in the watersports industry so the quality of this jacket is no surprise.
The material inside the dog flotation device will keep them floating, and swimming in an upright position – as EzyDog explains, some of those on sale become worn and lose their flotation over time, but not this one.
The ultra buoyancy foam is positioned especially to keep their head and body upright, and the jacket can be fastened quickly. It isn’t too tight, so they can maintain a natural swimming position at all times.
Just wash with warm soapy water, and use the stainless steel D-ring when a lead is needed.
Most jackets are available in sizes from small through to extra large. There is no one way to tell which your dog would fit, as there is no standardisation.
However, if you take measurements around your dog’s neck and body, every jacket will have a size guide. Always buy the closest size possible. If you’re on the border of a size, remember that you can loosen them, so go down – a life vest shouldn’t be too tight but also needs to be snug enough to keep them afloat.
Pretty much the main factor of a lifejacket. The best dog life vests will have buoyancy pads around the stomach as well as the sides and back. Also look for flotation around the neck, which will keep their head above water.
A dog life vest should have a handle on the back, so your dog can be lifted out of the water with ease if they are struggling otherwise. It will need to be strong and is especially important for any dogs who are hard of seeing or hearing.
Ideally, it should also be a bright colour so they can be seen – avoid any blacks, greys or dark greens, and you may also want to avoid dark blue.
You can pay anywhere between £20 and £100 for a doggy life jacket. Those at the lower end of the scale will likely not last as long but should still keep your dog floating of course.
Invest if you want something which will last for years, and look for one which can therefore be adjusted.
They can swim. In fact, most swim naturally. But they can’t always swim for long, and water can be unpredictable.
So, if you’re planning on allowing them to swim freely, or going to a body of water (such as on a boat), ensuring they have a safe life jacket is best.
Low body fat dogs such as greyhounds, senior dogs, brachycephalic breeds and those with mobility issues need particular protection.
Ideally, whenever they or you are near a body of water, not just if they will be swimming.
Thousands of dogs die every year from falling into swimming pools alone, and people also die trying to rescue their dogs. Ensure they are wearing a jacket if you are near any lake, river, sea or pool, not just if you are boating.
