DO DOGS REALLY NEED LIFE JACKETS?
Even if your dog can swim, it doesn’t mean they will be safe in the water without a floatation device, especially if they fall overboard from a moving boat. Dogs should wear a life jacket when hanging out in and around the water. They can drown if they get trapped in water.
Below we list the reasons why you should make your dog wear a life jacket while boating and wading in a body of water.
CONDITIONS CAN BE ROUGH
The water isn’t always flat. Windy days bring higher waves and swell, when it’s more difficult to float near the surface. Currents can carry your dog far away from shore. A life jacket would help your furry friend stay afloat in any conditions.
SOME DOGS AREN’T GREAT SWIMMERS
Some dog breeds feature body shapes that are excellent for swimming; others don’t. Think of retrievers versus bulldogs. If you still want to take your dog boating or fishing, a life jacket can save their life.
DOGS GET TIRED SWIMMING
Even if your dog is used to swimming regularly, chances are they won’t be able to do it for long periods of time. In an emergency, without a life jacket, your pet could get tired long before you can rescue them. A life jacket would allow them to float on the surface while help is on its way.
SMALLER DOGS CAN EASILY DRINK SEA WATER
Dogs generally don’t have very long necks, but a small dog’s mouth is especially close to the surface. A life jacket would fit snugly around the dog’s neck, keeping their muzzle elevated from the water and preventing them from drinking or inhaling much of it.
THE BRIGHT COLOUR WILL HELP YOU SPOT YOUR DOG IN THE WATER
Should your dog fall overboard, or should you lose sight of your pet in the water, the bright colour of the life jacket will allow you to spot them easily.
THE HANDLES ARE USEFUL
Dog life jackets are useful aboard a boat. The handles on top of the jacket allow you to easily transfer your pet to and from the boat. Plus, if you’re teaching your dog how to swim, the handle will allow you to help them without getting your hand and arm in the way.
HOW TO CHOOSE A DOG LIFE JACKET OR PFD
Don’t buy it online. Make sure you try it on your dog in real life, so you can see if the fit is good. The life jacket should sit comfortably (not tightly) around the pet’s neck to keep their head out of the water.
The area below the rib cage should not be too taut or too loose - it’s best if it’s adjustable. Your dog will need to be able to swim with the life jacket on, without it getting in the way.
There should be a D-ring on the top, so you can attach a leash to the life jacket. It’s useful to be able to tie your pet off in the cockpit while the crew handles more complicated maneuvres.
Dog life jackets come in all colours and patterns nowadays. Make sure to choose one in a bright colour with a reflective strip, so it’s easier to pick out the dog in the water.
Dog life jacket vs dog life vest
When choosing, make sure you’re buying the correct floatation device. A dog life vest is lighter and smaller, making your dog less buoyant. It’s great for swimming in a pool or pond.
A life vest provides more buoyancy and visibility and should be used for boating and any other water activities, such as swimming in rivers, lakes, and the sea.
Boating is a lot more fun and relaxing when you know all your crew is safe. Invest in a dog life jacket to make sure your furry friend can float in open water for hours without getting tired in an emergency.