Share on :
Dog Life Jacket

Which Life Jack Is Best For Your Canine?

Have you always wanted to go sailing or fishing with your furry sidekick? Do you want to teach your fur baby how to swim but you’re far too afraid for his or her safety? Fear no more, because there is a lifesaver out there to assist you on all of your water world adventures.

Humans require life jacket (or life vest) when they’re on the water but what about your pet? Now you can do the same for your pup by sporting him or her with a life jacket.

When you’re an animal lover, your pet’s safety comes first and don’t they deserve the absolute finest quality safety wear? In this article, we will show you the top best life jackets on the market for your dog.

Get ready for an adventure and make sure your pet can join in the fun.

Things to Consider before Buying a Dog Life Jacket

When you buy an item, especially if it’s for safety precautions, you want to make absolutely sure that it will not risk the life of your furry friend. Let’s take a look at some of the aspects of the dog life vest you should consider before buying.

Security

Life jackets should always be secure. These are the things you should check for the security of the jacket.

  • The clips or buckles used to harness your dog should never come loose
  • The jacket should also be comfortable enough for your dog to move around in with no chafing
  • Dogs with long fur should be able to move around in the vest without their fur getting caught in any of the belts or clips
  • Check to see how well the jacket fits your dog before purchasing a life jacket
All dog life jackets come with tough safety handles. This is so you can safely remove your pup from the water. Make sure the stitching of the handle on the vest is not loose and the loops are big enough to easily fit your hand through.

Material

Always test the durability of the material used to make the life jacket. If the material is soft and can easily be punctured that could be detrimental to your dog’s safety. The strength of the stitches attaching any belts or buckles should be checked regularly throughout the jacket’s lifetime as these can come loose. Your dog moves around a lot and this can wear out the stitching.

Size of the Jacket

There are dogs of different shapes and sizes & so you will need to purchase a vest that is the correct dimensions for your dog. Check the measurements of the jacket relative to your dog.

This feature is imperative because if the life jacket is too small it could restrain your pet’s movement and cause chafing. If the jacket is too big it could slip off while your pet is swimming.

Most brands have sizing charts for their buyers which feature on the brand's website or the online store you’re purchasing your jacket from. There are three measurements you will need to write down in order to find the correct size:

  • Measure the circumference of your dog’s neck at its widest point.
  • Measure the circumference of your dog’s midsection.
  • Measure your dog’s body length along the backbone from its tail to its head.
The Shape of the Jacket

You want your dog to move as freely as possible without restraint. Make sure that the jacket is not bulky or too heavy for your dog to handle. The life jacket should never restrain your dog’s movement while walking and especially when your dog is swimming.

The Color of the Material

An important aspect to look for is the color of the life jacket and if there are any reflective strips on the material. Life jackets are usually bright in color and they have reflective fabrics to ensure the visibility of your pet at all times, especially when it’s dark outside.

Dogs move around a lot and they’re incredibly curious and playful. If you’re the type of owner who doesn’t like keeping your dog on a leash, you need to trust the product enough without fearing for your dogs’ safety around the water.

Let’s take a look at some of the top dog life jackets on the market at the moment.

Dog Life Jacket Reviews

RUFFWEAR - K-9 Float Coat for Dogs

Dogs are happy creatures and they tend to get excited about the smallest reasons. What better way to add to your pet’s excitement than taking him on his first fishing trip? You can do this with the Ruffwear K-9 float coat.

You won’t have to worry about the comfort of your dog as this life jacket has a smooth inner fabric with no lumps or bumps. The jacket is easy to put on to your dog and it’s simple to take off. It has adjustable straps at the bottom and in front to ensure the security and of the jacket on your dog.

Its nonabsorbent material ensures that this life jacket will not sink when your pet is in the water. The K-9 float coat is also temperature resistant. Your dog can happily play in the sun without getting too hot. It’s also weightless so your dog can run around without restraint.

This product comes in six different sizes and it comes in a bright red or yellow color. Take a look at this YouTube video on how to use the Ruffwear K-9 float coat

Features

  • Bright red color
  • Reflective strips on both sides
  • Handle at the top of the jacket
  • Paw
    Adjustable straps on the front and bottom
  • Paw
    Inner foam panels
  • Paw
    Abrasion-resistant webbing
  • Paw
    Sheltered side buckles
  • Paw
    Waterproof
  • Paw
    A hook to attach a leash
  • Paw
    High-quality nylon material

PROS

  • Light in weight
  • check
    Comes in six different sizes to suit your dog’s size
  • check
    Ultimate durability
  • check
    Quick and easy release clips
  • check
    High-quality material
  • check
    High visibility colors

CONS

  • More expensive than most life jackets
  • ban
    The handle can get hooked on bushes
Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket Review

Sailing trips are made more fun and adventurous when you’re with man’s best friend. To make your trips safe and hassle-free the Outward Hound Grandby dog life jacket is here to make your water adventures that much more enjoyable for your pet.

The Outward Hound dog life jacket is perfect for any shaped dog. Outward Hound has a size chart for easy measurement referral. You can check the chart for the size that fits your dog’s specific measurements. The sizing chart includes measurements for length, girth and the neck area.

The Outward Hound dog life jacket comes in different bright colors for maximum visibility, as well as reflective strips for night time visibility. The material used is of the finest quality for durability. The jacket is padded for maximum comfort and protection.

The dual handle design guarantees toughness and won’t break. The dual handles are there to quickly assist your pet to safety when they can’t get out of the water themselves.

Some doggies have trouble keeping their heads above the water when they’re swimming. The Outward Hound dog life jacket comes with an added floating flap situated in the front. This is to help your dog rest its head while swimming if its neck gets too tired.

The Outward Hound dog life jacket has adjustable straps on the front and around the belly area to make sure your pet is secure as well as for added comfort. You can have a look at this YouTube video on how to safely put the jacket on your dog as well as how to take measurements correctly.

Features

  • Comes in bright colors such as pink and orange
  • Reflective strips for high visibility
  • Dual handles
  • Paw
    Adjustable straps and neoprene belly strap
  • Paw
    Front float for the head
  • Paw
    Ripstop material
  • Paw
    Quick drying material
  • Paw
    Inner Padding
  • Paw
    Velcro adjustable front piece

PROS

  • Comes in 5 different sizes
  • check
    Size charts to help with measurements
  • check
    Fast clip release
  • check
    Durable
  • check
    High-quality material
  • check
    Outstanding floatation

CONS

  • The sizes aren’t exact to measurement
  • ban
    The front floating pad doesn’t work too well
  • ban
    Doesn’t have a place to clip in a leash
  • ban
    Too much bulk
Vivaglory Sports Style Ripstop Dog Life Jacket Review

Everyone wants to look amazing on the beach, right? How would you like to go out in style with your best fur friend? Although safety is important, what if you could be safe in a cool way? The Vivaglory sports style dog life jacket comes in an incredible eight different colors for added style and visibility.

The Vivaglory sports style has a specific cut, allowing your pup to move freely. This is perfect for those runs on the beach and even doggy swimming lessons.

As with anything you buy for your pets, you want to make sure that it doesn’t harm them in any way shape or form. That’s why Vivaglory dog life jackets are made from non-toxic materials and have passed the CA65 standards. Your dog can wear this jacket for long periods of time without experiencing toxic substances.

The Vivaglory dog life jacket has an intensive buoyancy of up to 50%. This is more than normal pet life jackets, ensuring maximum float. It’s brilliant if you want to teach your pup how to swim and stay in the water for long periods of time.

Features

  • Comes in 8 colors which include 3 neon colors and 2 camo styles
  • Reflective strips on the front and sides
  • Sport design
  • Paw
    Ripstop Material
  • Paw
    Top handle
  • Paw
    Easy adjustment straps on the top and bottom
  • Paw
    Fast clip mechanisms
  • Paw
    Inner Padding
  • Paw
    Comes in sizes from extra small to extra large
  • Paw
    Velcro straps
  • Paw
    D-ring to attach a leash

PROS

  • More colors to choose from
  • check
    It doesn’t restrict moment
  • check
    Less bulk
  • check
    Less neck restriction
  • check
    Safe non-toxic material
  • check
    Brilliant buoyancy

CONS

  • Difficult to find where to attach the leash
  • ban
    Measurements may be tricky as its best suited for dogs with a shorter torso
A-MORE Dog Life Jacket

Everyone loves a good laugh and the A-MORE dog life jacket achieves just that. With a cute padded shark fin on the top, you can make all your friends laugh when your pup goes out for a swim.

This adorable dog life jacket is suitable for all sorts of water adventures such as ocean swimming, pool parties, and boating. With its durable mesh material, your pup is guaranteed safety as well as comfort. The A-MORE dog life jacket is light in weight making it brilliant for playtime on the shore.

Although the material used is durable the color of the material is dark so it may not be suitable for night time use or for your pet to use in dark murky waters. If you want something a little brighter this product comes in bright pink, sporting a mermaid tail.

The A-MORE dog life jacket is easy to clean so your pup can happily play around in the dirt. The life jacket has advanced breathable material suitable for those extra furry dogs on hot summer days.

Its speedy release clipping mechanisms allow you to fasten the life jacket quickly and easily especially in the case of an emergency. The life jacket also has adjustable straps for a nice comfortable fit.

With the D-ring at the top of the jacket, you can hook your doggy up to a leash to go for long walks near the lakeside.

Features

  • Comes in 3 standard sizes of small, medium and large
  • Dark and light gray color
  • Paw
    Velcro straps for the bottom and front
  • Paw
    Oxford cloth material
  • Paw
    Safety grip handle
  • Paw
    Two adjustable belts to fit around the belly
  • Paw
    One adjustable strap and Velcro strip in front
  • Paw
    Shark fin design at the top
  • Paw
    Inner Padding
  • Paw
    Comes in shark or mermaid design
  • Paw
    D-ring to attach a leash

PROS

  • Breathable material
  • check
    Durable
  • check
    Soft compact design
  • check
    Strong safety handle
  • check
    Less restriction
  • check
    Excellent portability
  • check
    Easy cleaning material

CONS

  • The fin doesn’t stay up
  • ban
    The material is too dark
  • ban
    The jacket has no reflective strips
  • ban
    Only comes in three standard sizes
Paws Aboard R1400 Dog Life Jacket

Did you know that marine trained dogs exist? These hero dogs deserve only the best safety money can buy, and what better way to do that than to get your marine pup the Paws Aboard R1400 dog life jacket?

This cherry red life jacket is meant for the strongest and most athletic pups out there. With less restriction and maximum buoyancy, your furry friend is able to safely stay in the water for long periods of time.

The Paws Aboard has heavy-duty fastening systems perfect for any water conditions. It comes in a variety of bright colors so your pup is always visible. It’s more of a heavy-duty life jacket; however, it’s still comfortable for any dog to wear.

The jacket has a unique breathable mesh underbelly design for proper draining and drying. With the Paws Aboard dog life jackets soft padding, your pup is guaranteed no chafing or restraint.

Features

  • Side reflective strips for visibility
  • Cherry red color material
  • Paw
    Heavy duty Velcro belly straps
  • Paw
    Two adjustable nylon straps on the side
  • Paw
    Safety grip handle
  • Paw
    Heavy duty lightweight padding
  • Paw
    One adjustable nylon strap in the front
  • Paw
    Paws Aboard logo on the side
  • Paw
    Fast clipping mechanisms
  • Paw
    D-ring to attach a leash
  • Paw
    Neoprene material
  • Paw
    Lifeguard design

PROS

  • Breathable material
  • check
    Temperature resistant material
  • check
    Bright colors for visibility
  • check
    Durable stitching
  • check
    Faster release mechanisms
  • check
    Heavy duty but light in weight
  • check
    Comes in a variety of sizes

CONS

  • Sizing chart seems to be inaccurate
  • ban
    No warranty
Insert Content Template or Symbol
Conclusion

Although dog life jackets can be pricey, there’s no price too great for the safety and comfort of your best furry friend. As you can see in this article, there are plenty of excellent quality brands you can select from to assist on all of your adventures.

All the life jackets mentioned above are quite easy to find as these are the top brands for pet safety. You can find all these products on any international online pet store.

To see the excitement on your fur baby’s face when you take them on their first boat ride is priceless. A memory with man’s best friend is all you will ever need to make your water getaways more enjoyable.

Make your pup’s day and show him a world he has never seen before.

 
[therapypet_step1_form show_in_mobile="1"]