The Best Life Jackets For Dogs
Dogs may seem like natural swimmers, but the truth is not all of them are comfortable in the water. This is especially the case with smaller breeds, whose shorter legs and feet make it difficult for them to keep themselves afloat for extended periods of time. So if you want to make absolutely sure your furry best friend stays safe during your next aquatic adventure, get them a dog life jacket. Much like those designed for people, these flotation devices are specifically engineered to fit the canine body. Here, we present our favorites in the world of life jackets for dogs.
What to Look For
When shopping for a life jacket for your dog, it’s important to consider the fit, buoyancy, and design. Make sure to find a jacket that fits well and provides enough buoyancy for your pup based on their size. Additionally, consider the design of the jacket, as some models are better suited for swimming, while others are better for paddling. Our favorite jacket is from Outward Hound, which packs in a ton of features designed to keep your pup as safe as possible in the water. We also love the jacket from Ruffwear, which boasts a sporty design that makes it perfect for water-based adventures. Read on to discover more options like these and find one that’s right for your pup.
Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket
Plenty of support
Few K9 PDFs incorporate as many features designed to keep your dog safe while exploring bodies of water as the Outward Hound Granby Splash. For starters, whereas most models have just one handle on top of the vest, this one has two, giving you that much more leverage when you’re ready to pull your pup up and out of the water. Second, it has double the closure options of many vests, including both a velcro seam around the belly and buckled straps on the sides, ensuring a snug fit on all kinds of body types. And third, and perhaps best of all, it has a foam panel that extends off the front of the preserver and floats in the water, giving your dog added support where they need it most.
Pros:
- Supports their head and snout
- Comes in a range of sizes
- Reflective piping increases visibility
Cons:
- Restricts movement somewhat
Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket
Hang ten
The Ruffwear Float Coat is perfect for any dog that loves spending time in the water. The Float Coat is made out of a PVC–free GAIA foam panels that make it soft, comfortable, and designed to wrap around and move with your dog. At the same time, it is durable enough that it will not stretch or loosen in the water. The Float Coat has an adjustable neck closure that will fit a range of dog sizes, while the strategic placement of the panels also supports a natural swimming position. The Ruffwear Float Coat is a great safety option for dogs that love spending time in the water and is perfect for rafting, kayaking, boating, surfing, paddle boarding, and more.
Pros:
- Sheltered buckles keep the straps firmly in place
- Strong, low–profile handle makes it easy to help your dog out of the water
- Reflective accents and light loop provide increased visibility in low–light conditions
Cons:
- Telescoping neck closure is difficult to adjust
AOFITEE Dog Life Jacket Safety Vest with Rescue Handle
A friendly fin
If you want to outfit your dog with a shark fin while you swim, check out this cute pick from AOFITEE. Also available in “Mermaid Pink”, this life jacket securely fits your canine with a design that will definitely help with visibility. And not only are these life jackets adorable, but they’re also super effective. They help your dog stay above water while submerged and even sport a rescue handle for quickly pulling your pooch from the water.
Pros:
- Easy to put on and adjust thanks to the buckles
- Features a D-ring for connecting a leash
- Available in a range of different sizes and color options
Cons:
- The shark fin doesn’t always stay up perfectly straight, though it does help with visibility
Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket
Pirate puppy
It can be difficult to find a PFD appropriately sized for very small dogs, but the Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket makes it easy with three distinct versions tailored to puppies and other K9s under 15 pounds. To figure out which one is right for your dog, just grab a flexible tape measure, wrap it around their chest, and match the measurement to the corresponding size using the manufacturer’s handy chart. The two straps will help keep the vest snug around their body, and the breathable mesh material under the belly means the whole thing with remain comfortable even when soaked with water.
Pros:
- Several fun patterns to choose from
- Flexible neoprene fabric
Cons:
- Not great for large dogs
Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket
Sore thumb
Whether you’re out on the lake for Labor Day weekend or down at the beach for vacation, the Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket will ensure your pup stands out among the crowd. It’s covered in ample reflective trim, which allows you to keep an eye on Fido even after the sun goes down, and comes in eight different Day-Glo color combinations, so not only will they be highly visible, but they’ll also look totally original. Beyond that, the vest incorporates a bit more padding than other options out there, which also makes it a great choice for especially weak swimmers or for especially rough waters.
Pros:
- Built-in top D-ring for leash
- Reputable and responsive company
Cons:
- Not the most durable materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a life jacket for my dog?
Life jackets are a necessity for dogs that may not be able to swim. That includes puppies that are still learning the doggy paddle, smaller dogs that may not have the physical ability to stay afloat on their own, and other breeds that may not be completely comfortable in the water. But even if your dog is a strong swimmer, there are plenty of other reasons to get them a life vest, not least of which is the peace of mind you’ll have knowing they’re fully supported during all your aquatic adventures.
How do I know which size to get?
Life jackets come in all shapes and sizes, and standards may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For that reason, it’s a smart idea to check with the company who makes the life jacket to determine exactly which size is right for your dog.
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