Have an Emergency?Swimming can be an extremely fun activity for many dogs and their owners. However, there are instances where you may need to have a life jacket on your dog to ensure their safety, even if they are a strong swimmer. This will likely leave many dog owners asking themselves: which dog life jacket is best for my canine?
When looking for a dog life jacket you should always find one that fits your dog well. This way you do not need to worry about your dog slipping out of it while they are swimming. In addition to this, it is helpful to find a dog life jacket that has a handle, a D Ring, and is in a bright color so that your dog can be seen easily.
In our Dallas, TX, animal hospital’s article, we’ll go into greater detail into what goes into a good life jacket for your dog.
How Are Dog Life Jackets Beneficial?
Dog life jackets are great for dogs who are not the best at swimming yet. In fact, it is recommended that you have a life jacket on your dog at all times when they are around the water if they are new to swimming.
You should always have a life jacket on your dog if you are around very deep water, even if they are a great swimmer, in order to ensure their safety. A great example of a situation like this is when you take your dog with you out on a boat.
A life jacket is also recommended for dogs who cannot swim due to their breed and body type. Many brachycephalic breeds like Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers cannot swim due to their heavy chests and short noses. As a result, a life jacket can ensure their safety when they are around swimming pools and other bodies of water.
What to Look for in a Dog Life Jacket
There are four general things that dog owners should look for in a dog life jacket.
It Has a Handle
Dog life jackets with a handle make it easier to grab your pet when they are off their leash and swimming in the water. This can make it easier to lift your pet out of the water in the case of an emergency.
You Can Attach a Leash
It is also helpful to have a D Ring on your dog’s life jacket so that you can securely attach their leash easily. This makes things like trips to the beach and other public places with bodies of water safer and much more relaxed.
It Fits Well
Possibly the most important thing in a dog life jacket is that it fits your dog well. A dog life jacket should fit your dog snugly so that they will not slip out of it while they are swimming. However, they should still be able to move around freely so your dog can swim properly and easily.
It’s a Bright Color
Although this is not necessarily as important as the previous three things to look for in a dog life jacket, it is still very useful. This is especially true if you plan on taking your dog swimming out in natural settings such as a lake or the beach. Having your dog in a life jacket that is a bright color makes it easier to see your dog when they are swimming in the water.
What is the Difference Between a Life Jacket and a Life Vest?
When looking for a dog life jacket you may be wondering what the difference is between a dog life jacket and a dog life vest. A dog life vest is better for casual swimming in a swimming pool, and it will not cover as much of your dog’s body as a dog life jacket would. For this reason, dog life jackets are a better choice than life vests for swimming in deep bodies of water.
What Are Some of the Best Life Jackets?
All of the following life jackets have the elements that we have previously mentioned that you should look for in a good dog life jacket. Here are some of the best dog life jackets out there!
Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket
This life jacket is a great choice for many different reasons. The first is that the fit of the life jacket promotes both buoyancy and mobility, which allows for your pet to be supported but still swim around freely.
The Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket also has a neck float to ensure that your pet’s head is always above water. This life jacket has both belly buckles and chest straps, so it will stay on your pup if it is the right fit. In addition, it has two handles, a D Ring, and it comes in a bright orange color for visibility.
Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jackets
This life jacket is very similar to the previous one. It has a good fit with belly and chest straps, a handle, a D Ring for attaching your leash, and even a neck float to keep your dog’s head above water while they are swimming.
The Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket comes in a variety of colors including bright pink, green, yellow, and more. Although the two dog life jackets that we have mentioned are fairly comparable in price, and it’s a bit less expensive than Outward Hound’s dog life jacket.
For More Info About Dog Life Jackets, Ask Our Veterinarians Next Time You’re In
Our Dallas TX, veterinarians are always more than happy to answer any questions you have about dog life jackets, and about dogs in general during your next vet visit! To schedule your dog’s exam, give our animal hospital a call at (214) 826-4166.