dog life jackets

J

Junebug

Forums Regular
If you were going to the lake, for swimming and canoeing, would you have a life jacket for a young, healthy dog?

I've looked at some, like the K9 float coat, but they are quite expensive, and don't know if this is crazy talk anyway. Does this qualify as a ridiculous purchase?

Beyond that, can anyone recommend a life jacket (for a dog, now) that they've actually used?

Thanks
 
Yes! I just ordered the Kyjen Outward Hound lifejacket off Amazon. It was inexpensive as they are currently on sale 20% off…I think I paid like $15. I received it three days ago and we have used it everyday since. Cookie is only one, so he is young, and he is definitely healthy. He loves swimming so much more now because he can go for much longer without struggling or feeling like he's getting tired/can't stay above water.

Shelties aren't really made for swimming for long periods of time, and this is a nice snug fit and seems to be well made. I throw cookie's floating frisbee in the water now and he swims to it and brings it back, and we can do that for as long as we want now. He used to only want to do it once or twice before deciding he didn't like it anymore. I highly recommend Outward Hound lifejackets. FYI, he I got him a medium and it fits great.
 
I think the extra floatation is a good idea -- helps keep water out of the ears, makes it more comfortable for the dog. Next summer if Cubby decides to be a swimmer I will do that. The other two only go to knees or chest.
 
I always had a vest for Hollie. I just bought it at the local pet store and it wasn't very expensive.

Hollie loved swimming and I was always afraid she would get tired. The vest really did help a lot and really didn't restrict her movements.
 
We bought one for Honey even though she's a pretty strong swimmer. We were out in kayaks and my husband got to far away, she jumped in to go to him. We were close enough that she could have easily made it to shore but she was confused about where she should be going and ended up frantic to get back in with me.

I had a yoga mat attached to the kayak so she had a little traction, but there was no way for me to get a good hold on her to help pull her up without her flipping. I ended up with my hand braced under her front armpit and it was enough of a struggle with the wet hair that I was afraid something was going to get dislocated.

Even a cheap lifejacket will add a little extra buoyancy and give you a good hand hold to assist with lifting her.

(I do wish I had known about that $15 one on amazon though, because I ended up heading out to petco after that and the only one they had was $50)
 
Oh yes!! Layla has an Outward House. Huckleberry has one he received as a gift. They both wore them on our recent camping trip -- we kayaked twice. Safety first!!
 

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As someone who swims their dogs, yes I do use life jackets. I use the outward hound ones petsmart sells. They are very affordable, durable, and keep the dogs safe.
 
It is funny to find this topic here because I have been trying to decide if I should get Riley a life jacket. His Springer Spaniel buddy likes to swim at the beach, and I would like to take Riley sometime. I think I will look at some of the brands mentioned.

Riley is 15 lbs which seems to be in between sizes for some brands. Would it be better to go with the smaller or larger size?
 
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