Kayaking or canoeing is a very popular outdoor activity in the summer season. Many dog owners want to take their beloved pets with them in the water. Therefore, you will hear an intriguing question from several dog owners about the use of a life jacket for dogs.
Some dog owners don’t want to put a life jacket on their dog as they think their dog is a good swimmer and covered with far. But the truth is life jacket is important for dogs regardless of how good your dog can swim. Statistics show every year, a lot of dogs die in lakes, rivers, even swimming pools. The reasons behind these tragedies are weariness, water temperature, etc.
In any case, the best way to keep your dog safe is with a quality life jacket. There are different types of life jackets available in the market. These life jackets vary from build quality, price, materials, etc. As a dog owner, you may find it very difficult to choose the best dog life jacket from these options. Therefore, we have analyzed the market and pick 7 best dog life jackets of 2020. Read all the reviews thoroughly to buy a dog life jacket that best suits your needs.
Top 7 Dog Life Jackets (Best Picks)
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7 Dog Life Jackets of 2021
- Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket
- Kurgo Dog Water Life Jacket
- RUFFWEAR – Float Coat Dog Life Jacket for Swimming
- Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket Vest for Swimming and Boating
- EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device Dog Life Vest Jacket
- HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket
- Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jackets
My Top Picks of the Best Dog Life Jackets of 2021
1.Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket
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Outward Hound is a very reputable and trustworthy brand, and they have some of the best dog life jackets available in the market. The Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket is a very popular dog life vest among the seasoned dog owners. This life vest is made from comfortable and durable neoprene that ensures durability. It has fully adjustable chest and neck flaps that secure fit for any size dog. This vest has top handles that can be used to raise your dog into the kayak. It has quick-release buckles that make sure you can easily put on and take off the vest.
The best part of this life jacket is; it has a front float feature that helps your dog keep his head beyond the water. This life jacket is available in different sizes, from X-Small to X-Large. So you can easily choose a jacket that best suits your dog. It comes in few colors; pink, orange, and clownfish-patterned. All these colors are bright so you won’t lose sight of your dog. The foam panel of this dog vest keeps your dog safe and secure from all kinds of dangers. All these features come at an extremely affordable price. So this dog life vest will be a very smart choice.
Main Features
- Belly buckles & chest straps
- Dual rescue handles
- Bright coloring for high visibility
- Affordable price and durable
2.Kurgo Dog Water Life Jacket
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If you are looking for an all in one life vest for your dog, then you should consider buying the Kurgo Dog Water Life Jacket. This jacket is best for shallow waters. It is a life jacket as well as a 3 season shell jacket. You can remove the flotation layer to double as a waterproof jacket for your pooch. That means you can use this flotation layer as a rain jacket for the rainy season and or light autumn coat. It has two handles that you can use to lift your dog from the water. There are two metal d-rings available for leash connections. This dog life jacket is available in bright, highly-visible colors, and the reflecting trim ensures added visibility.
This dog vest is available in several sizes from extra-small to extra-large. The medium size vest fits dogs with 24 to 32-inch girth, 18 to the 27-inch neck. There is a Kurgo size chart available for all size details, which is very convenient. Kurgo’s life jacket is stylish and has a slim fitting compared to other life jackets available in the market. The best part of this vest is it comes with a hassle-free Kurgo lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. The lifetime warranty indicates the quality of this product.
Main Features
- Doubles as Dog Jacket and Raincoat
- 2 Control Handles
- Reflective trim for visibility
- Kurgo Size Chart for all size details
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
3.RUFFWEAR – Float Coat Dog Life Jacket for Swimming
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If you are looking for a dog life jacket that is best for kayakers and active water dogs, then the RUFFWEAR – Float Coat Dog Life Jacket for Swimming will be the ideal choice for you. This life vest is one of the highest-rated dog life jackets currently available in the market. You can put your trust on this life jacket for its extreme quality and reliability. Though the price of this life jacket is a bit high, but all the features and top-notch quality makes the price reasonable. It is made from extremely durable, abrasion-resistant materials that ensure the best performance in rough conditions. There is a top handle available in this vest for lifting your dog out of the water when necessary.
The RUFFWEAR Float Coat Dog Life Jacket offers strategically-placed closed cell foam panels,, which make sure your dog stays in his natural swimming position all the time. The telescoping neck closure of this vest is adjustable which helps your dog for natural and comfortable canine movement. This life vest has additional flotation beneath the dog’s belly to guarantee he stays afloat. There are no exposed straps or buckles in this vest so there is no chance of dangerous snagging. The amazing part of this vest is; it has reflective trim which ensures added visibility.
Main Features
- Durable and reliable
- Adjustable fit
- Strategically-placed closed cell foam panels
- Telescoping neck closure
- Reflective trim for visibility
4.Paws aboard Dog Life Jacket Vest for Swimming and Boating
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Dog life jacket from Paws aboard is a fashionable life vest best for swimming and boating. This life jacket is available in several different sizes, depending on your dog. It is a budget-friendly canine water vest. It has a heavy-duty Velcro fastening system for your dog’s belly and neck which makes this dog vest stand out among the other dog life jackets available in the market. The adjustable straps ensure a secure fit for any size dog. It has top handles that can be used to lift your dog into the kayak when needed. It has quick-release buckles that make sure you can easily put on and take off the vest.
This dog vest is available in different sizes from xx-small to extra-large. You can also choose from various colors like yellow, blue polka dot, yellow polka dot, or nautical pattern. The vibrant colors increase the visibility of your playful dog day and night and you won’t lose sight of your beloved pet. It is made of nylon fabrics for ultimate buoyancy and durability. Moreover, this life vest is very lightweight which allows a wide range of motion for your pooch. This life vest ensures proper water drainage and drying to provide your dog with greater comfort and healthier conditions.
Main Features
- Quality materials
- Vibrant colors and reflective strips
- Various sizes available
- quick-dry, breathable nylon
5.EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device Dog Life Vest Jacket
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This is a very highly rated, mid-priced range dog life jacket that is best suited for the boat or beach. It has an added amount of ultra-buoyant material,, which is designed to keep your pooch in a normal swimming position. The adjustable neoprene belly straps ensure an ergonomic, secure fit which makes this life vest one of dog life jackets currently available in the market. EzyDog Dog Life Vest Jacket has nylon d-rings, so you can attach a lash on it when necessary. It has reflecting detailing that offers ultimate visibility and make sure you don’t lose sight of your beloved dog.
The easy-to-grab handles of this life jacket allow you to lift your dog from the water when necessary. This life vest is available in three different colors – green camo, yellow, and red. The medium size of this vest fits dogs with a 15″-20″ body length, a 25″-39″ girth, and a weight of 40-60 pounds. It is made from a combination of advanced manufacturing techniques and the highest quality materials available; therefore you don’t have to worry about your dog’s comfort and security.
Main Features
- Maximum floatation
- A fit for all breeds
- Durable and comfortable
- Advanced manufacturing techniques
6.HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket
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This is a very popular dog life jacket,, and the inclusion of two aquatic-themed tail design variations makes this dog vest stand out among the other dog life jacket available in the market. It is a very high-quality dog vest available in a wide range of colors and styles. There are 15 different colors available to choose from. This life jacket is made from top-notch materials like high-grade polyester oxford and nylon fabric, mesh fabric, and pearl cotton foam. There are two belly straps and a chest strap available in this vest and they will keep the life jacket strongly attached to your dog. All these straps have reflective strips so you can easily spot your dog.
Like other dog vests, this life vest has a handle included on the back to make it easy for you to lift the dog into or out of the water. The D-ring is also included on the back so you can attach a leash or tether when necessary. This life jacket is available in seven different sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL. The XXS will fit dogs with a body length of 5.9 inches, neck girth of 7.5-10.6 inches, and body girth of 11.0-14.6 inches. The XXL will fit dogs with a body length of 18.9 inches, neck girth of 24.4-35.4 inches, and body girth of 34.6-48.8 inches. If your dog is between two sizes,, then pick the larger one for a more comfortable fit.
Main Features
- High-quality materials
- Adjustable belts
- Quick-release buckles
- Reflective stripes and bright colors
7.Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jackets
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This dog life jacket is available in a range of bright colors, and these colors are very reflective so you can easily spot your dog. This is a very affordable dog life jacket available in the market and it is equally effective in providing toughness and security for your dog. Like all other life vests mentioned above, this dog life jacket has a grab handle and a D-ring leash attachment. So you can easily lift your dog when necessary and can attach a leash once you are back on land, or if you need to tether them in the boat. This life vest is lightweight; therefore, your dog can move around easily and enjoy themselves a lot.
This dog lifejacket will be the ideal choice for you if you have a dog and pool in the house. You will be certain to the fact that if your dog unintentionally ends up in the pool, he can easily be saved. If you buy this product from the Vivaglory,, then you will get the genuine Vivaglory Brand products and 90 day warranty. So you don’t have to worry about the after-sell services, if required. So if you have a limitation on budget but want to keep your dog safe, then you can put your trust on this dog life jacket.
Main Features
- Bright color design
- Safety reflective bands
- Additional buoyant padding
- 90 day’s warranty
How to Choose the Best Dog Vest
There are a few things that you have to check before you make your final decision to buy a dog life jacket. Let’s have a look at them.
Buoyancy
Buoyancy let your dog floating in the water. So you should buy a dog life jacket that has a proper amount of buoyancy so that your dog remains afloat in the water comfortable. There are some dog life vests available with flotation under the belly, as well as the surrounding back and sides. Some dog vest models have flotation in the neck area so that your dog can keep his head above the water. If you can spend some more money on a dog life jacket, then buy the one that has buoyancy all over it.
Color
A lot of dog owners ignore the importance of bright color on a dog life jacket. The bright color life jacket makes your dog visible in the water so you can easily spot your beloved pooch. Moreover, other boaters or jet skiers will notice him very easily. So there will be no chance of collusion with your dog. Some dog life jacket has reflective material for even more visibility. Therefore it is wiser to buy a vest that is colorful and has reflective material.
Handles
When you want to lift your dog from the water, you will require a strong handle on the dog life jacket. The handle is a must if you are in rough water or deep water. Handles ensure you can easily lift your dog into your boat when needed. Therefore, you should choose a dog life jacket that has a strong and durable handle. Harness designed dog vest is best for lifting.
Comfort
Comfort is a very important factor to consider while buying a dog life jacket. Comfort depends on the materials that are used for the construction of the vest. Some built materials are rough and can somehow scrape your dog’s skin. This type of vest will lead to irritation and even inflammation. Therefore, it is wiser to choose a dog vest that is soft and cushiony.
How to Measure your Dog
In order to find the right size of dog vest for your pooch, you have to know how to measure your dog. From a dog, you have to take three measurements.
Girth: It relates to your dog’s chest perimeter or the part of its body that is the widest. It is normally the area which is just behind the dog’s front legs. You can use your tape to wrap it around the widest section of the body to measure the girth.
Length: Measure the length of your dog with the tape. Stretch the tape along the length of your dog’s back with the tip of the tape should be located at the area where the neck meets its back. Then extend the tape until 2-3 inches before the tails join the back. This is the length measurement of your dog.
Weight: The amount of buoyancy of a dog life jacket depends on the weight of your pooch. So the heavier the dog the more buoyancy will need. Use the weight machine to know the weight of your dog.
Once you measure all three measurements, then you will easily determine the right kind of vest for your beloved dog.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to bring your dog with you in water activities, then it is very important you find the best dog life jacket for your pooch. Dog vest will not only keep your dog safe from all kinds of danger but also make you tension free and let you enjoy your vacation.
Apart from the dog vests that we have discussed here, there are other dog life jackets available in the market. However, the vests we have mentioned here will provide your dog both comfort and security. Just make sure you measure your dog’s measurements correctly so that you end up buying the perfect size life vest for your dog.
Reference
- https://outwardhound.com/ripstop-life-jacket.html
- https://www.kurgo.com/dog-coat/surf-n-turf-dog-life-jacket/
- https://store.ezydog.com/dfd-life-jacket/
Last update on 2023-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
