Dog Safety Vests: Tips & Top Picks
There are certain breeds that naturally take to the water, and others that don’t. And although most dogs have a natural instinct and know how to swim, this isn’t always the case. As well, just like humans, a dog that is scared or tired can start to struggle when in the water. There could also be something stopping them from staying afloat, like, for example, a wake from a passing boat. For the safety of your dog, it’s important to think about using a safety vest or jacket, also known as a doggy life jacket.
Life vests may seem like an unnecessary thing for a dog, but they can often be extremely important, especially for dogs that spend a lot of time in or near water. Be it a lake at the cottage, a dog park along the Lakeshore or a backyard swimming pool, in some situations a life vest could literally save your dog’s life. But choosing the right life jacket for you furry family member is important.
How to choose the right doggy life vest
There are so many dog life vests on the market that it can be a bit overwhelming. On top of that, not all dog life jackets are created equal or are made to fit your dog correctly.
Before purchasing a life vest for your dog be sure to check that it has the following features:
D Ring
A D-ring allows you to attach a leash to your dog’s life jacket. This ensures that your dog stays close, even if on a long 50’ long leash. It also makes things easy, as there is no need to take the life vest off when using a leash.
Handles
If your dog falls into the water or is having problems in the water, a handle or handles will allow you to lift your pooch out of the water. Making sure the handles are sturdy and easy to grab is important when choosing the right doggy life vest. A handle will also help you to teach your dog to swim, as you can hold on to it until he/she is a more confident swimmer.
Colour
Being able to see your furry loved one while in the water is important. The colour of the vest or jacket will help you to do this. Opt for a bright colour, like orange, red, yellow or pink. A reflective strip is also a great idea, especially if your dog will be near water at night.
Balanced Flotation
This is often overlooked, but is very important. If there is too much buoyancy the life vest can actually flip your dog and make it unable for him/her to swim. Flotation should be in the belly, sides and back, so be sure to look for this. A neck float is also important, especially for dog’s that aren’t strong swimmers. This will support your pooch’s head and keep it above the water.
Life Vest or Jacket?
If your dog is a casual swimmer that swims in a pool or at the beach, then a vest should be sufficient. It’s lighter and easier to move around in. If you need more buoyancy, a jacket is the way to go. This is also the better choice for boating and water activities.
Size
Making sure the life jacket is the proper fit is extremely important. Your dog should be comfortable in it, have the ability to easily go to the bathroom, be able to sit and lie down in it, and be able to walk, run and jump in it. Most have measuring guidelines, but the best thing to do to be able to find the perfect fit is to measure your dog’s chest, neck and length. The weight of your dog is probably the most important thing. Your dog may be smaller in size, but larger in weight. Or vice versa. Like human life jackets, your dog’s life jacket should be adequate for his/her weight.
Top picks for the best dog safety vests and jackets
Of all the life vests and jackets out there, these are the top five of the bunch. They all have the must-haves mentioned above, and range in price to suit different budgets.
1.
Outward Hound Granby Life Jacket
This is the best overall life jacket for all breeds. It was designed with four things in mind; buoyancy, flotation, visibility and handles. It also has quick release buckles, making it easy to take on and off, and chest straps to ensure your pooch is secure. On top of all of that, it also has a great neck float.
The Outward Hound Granby Life Jacket comes in a variety of bright colours, all of which have reflective piping. It’s offered from XS to XL, with adjustable straps to ensure the perfect fit. Some customers have complained that the life jacket runs a bit small, but other than that it has excellent reviews.
2.
Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket
If budget is a concern, the Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket is the best budget option around and proves that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep your dog safe. It’s available in five sizes (XS to XL) and comes in eight bright colours. Plus, it has three adjustable straps and buckles, making it easy to find the right fit and to take the jacket on and off. The extra padding around the belly and neck ensure that your furry friend stays afloat with his/her head above the water. Other must-have features include a handle and a D-ring.
In addition to being budget-friendly, this life jacket is also very highly rated. Customers say it’s easy to take on and off, it’s design makes it easy for their dog to run around and swim in, and that Vivaglory has excellent customer service.
3.
Kurgo Surf n Turf Dog Life Vest
This is an all-in-one life vest, as it not only serves as a life vest, but also a raincoat and a personal flotation device. Use it as-is on your dog for safety while in the water, or take the shell off for the perfect doggy rain vest. With the shell off, the Kurgo Surf n Turf Dog Life Vest becomes a flotation device. Plus, on top of all of this, Kurgo will give you a life time warranty!
The bright red life vest comes in five sizes and has a reflective trim for nighttime visibility. The D-Ring makes it easy to attach a leash, while the handle makes for easy lifting. The only con with this life vest is that it can only be used in shallow water, not for boating or water activities.
4.
Ruffwear K9 Float Coat Dog Life Jacket
The Ruffwear K9 Float Coat is one of the highest rated life jackets on the market, as well as being one of the priciest. It definitely doesn’t lack in quality, with its strategically-placed closed cell foam panels, adjustable telescoping neck closure and tucked away straps. It was designed with the active dog in mind. The one that goes kayaking, canoeing and boating. It will keep your pooch safe without restricting any movement in the water.
This doggy life jacket comes with an additional flotation under the belly, a reflective trim, and a place to add on a Ruffwear light if you and your dog tend to go out a lot at night. Customers say that it’s worth spending the extra money.
5.
EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device Dog Life Vest Jacket
This is a great choice for large dogs, as it can safely keep pups over 90lbs above the water. Plus, its ultra buoyancy means that it will keep your pooch in an easy swimming position. It features a grab handle, reflective bands and a D-ring. It even has zipped storage pockets where you can hide treats or poop bags.
The EzyDog Doggy Life Vest comes in red, yellow and camo, and is great for dogs as small as 15lbs and as large as 100lbs. The only complaint that customers had was that it doesn’t fit so great on dogs with thick chests, like Boxers, Rottweilers or Bulldogs.
How to measure your dog for a life vest
As mentioned above, the size of your dog’s life vest is very important. Remember that different manufacturers use different sizing, so the best thing to do it to take three important measurements to ensure that, no matter which life jacket you choose, it’s the proper fit.
Chest circumference
Wrap a tape measure around your dog’s rib cage to get his/her chest circumference. Make sure that you measure at the largest part of your dog’s chest, which is typically behind the front legs.
Neck circumference
Most life vests rest at the lower part of the neck. Wrap the tape measure around the lower portion of your dog’s neck, close to the shoulders, to get the neck circumference.
Length
Measure your dog from the lower part of his/her neck to around two inches above the base of the tail. This will give you your dog’s back length.
