Is A Life Jacket Really Necessary For Dogs?
There's no better way to beat the summer heat than a romp in the water to cool down. Whether its a trip to the beach, a lakeside treat or just a dip in the pool, both humans and their canine companions can enjoy strenuous exercise without over heating. But pet owners should be mindful of the dangers involved in swimming and boating for their four legged friends. Every year over 4000 dogs drown in swimming pools alone. Even the strongest swimmer can become incapacitated in a boating or skiing accident.
Canine Life Preservers can aid dogs several ways. The buoyancy of a good life jacket can minimize fatigue on extended play sessions, allowing you and your dog to enjoy water activities longer. Brightly colored life vests improve the visibility of your dog for boaters, jetskiers and those being towed behind water vehicles. In the case of extreme fatigue, strong currents or a blow to the head, a well made life vest and keep your pet afloat and strong handles can aid you in rescuing him from the water.
We took a careful look at a variety of the life jackets for dogs that are currently available on the market and compiled a list of the best life vests to make sure every day stays fun in the sun.
Best Value: Outward Hound Life Jacket
Kyjen, the maker of Outward Hound, is the leader in outdoor and travel gear for dogs. This sturdy life vest is lightweight and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. We found it had the best price point across the board as it is carried by a large number of online and brick and mortar retailers. The Outward hound life jackets series boasts: High visibility colors, multiple reflective strips, easy-grab handles, quick release buckles, and outstanding flotation. The unique, multi-handle design is constructed to add strength and durability for pulling dogs out of the water. The handles are a one piece sewn strap that wraps around the belly and back of the dog adding strength to the handle.
Special Features:
- Convenient top grab handles allow easy rescue by hand or boat hook
- Reflective accents and bright colors for high visibility
- Fully adjustable chest and neck flaps plus quick release buckles
- Durable and comfortable neoprene belly-band
- Front float helps keep dog's head above water
- Medium, Large and X-Large life jackets feature dual handles for easy lifting and stability
Positives: Affordable, Light Weight, Easy to Fit, Comfortable on the dog, Durable on land and water
Negatives: Stitching could be stronger in seams. Frequent lifting of medium and larger sized dogs can put excessive strain on the seams.
Best New Product: Henry & Clemmie's
Henry and Clemmie's are relative new comers in the outdoor dog apparel market. Their products have nice styling including a sleek logo badge on the shoulder of the product. Made with heavy nylon over the yoke, these guys are built to last. Look for sales at specialty stores introducing this new product at rates competitive with those of the Outward Hound Life Jacket.
Features:
Positives: Sturdy nylon in canvas weight material across yoke, Runs true to size, Comfortable
Negatives: Only the red model is a vibrant color for improved visibility. The blue and pink don't stand out in the water.
Best Looking Life Jacket: K-9 Float Coat
This jacket provides all of the safety your dog needs in the water in one sleek, high fashion package. Boasting an innovative flotation core made of several layers of closed-cell foam., the K-9 Float Coat, made by RUFFWEAR, packs a hefty price tag as well. It runs nearly twice the price of the Outward Hound and Henry and Clemmie's models, but who cares when it comes to your canine diva. The k-9 Float Coat comes in 2 colors, Red Currant pictured here and a vibrant Dandelion Yellow.
Features:
- Flotation is achieved via several layers of closed-cell foam - instead of one thick one. This allows a sculpted shape that enhances comfort, won't impede movement, and supports horizontal canine swimming.
- Belly panel foam boosts underside flotation. For optimal safety and fit, the fully-connected, telescoping collar ensures the jacket stays in place even after long sessions of dock jumping or frolicking in the surf.
- Buckles are protected and straps have tail keepers: everything is streamlined so there's less to dangle or snag.
Positives: Comfortable, great for Dock Diving, No loose straps to snag in the environment.
Negatives: Hefty price tag for the occasional swimming outing, good value for swimming hole regulars and dock diving competitors.
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Highest In Customer Satisfaction - EZYDOG
Considered the Cadillac of canine outdoor equipment products,EZY DOG is the leader in agility harnesses and has a loyal following among it's customer base. Customer product reviews consistently give this life vest 5 star ratings, and its price is not too bad either at 50% more than the best value life vests. These life jackets come in 4 colors: Yellow, Red, Camo Green and Camo Pink.
Features:
- 50% more flotation material
- Adjustable neoprene straps form an ergonomic, secure fit
- Reflective detailing provides better nighttime safety
- Durable construction keeps up with your dog
- The ergonomic grab handle makes it easy to handle your dog
Positives: Sturdy, Well Made, Attractive Design
Negatives: Does not come in an XXSmall Size