It’s officially time to start gearing up for a summer full of outdoor adventures. I, for one, plan on spending as much time as possible on the lakes and rivers near my home. But in the past every time I start packing up the car with a cooler, life jackets for the kids, kayaks, and paddle boards, my dog hits me with his “puppy eyes.”
He may not be able to verbalize his feelings, but he definitely lets me know that he does not want to be left behind! While he’s a lab and loves to swim, he’s getting older and I worry about him fatiguing in the middle of the lake and drowning. This is why I recently embarked on a search for the perfect dog life jacket.
If you have a furry friend who loves the water like mine does, you’re sure to appreciate my findings. Life jackets really are a great investment if you plan on spending much time around the water with your pooch. This is especially true if you have an older dog like I do or if your dog isn’t a strong swimmer.
I’ve put together this list of the absolute best life jackets for dogs. Check it out to find one that will perfectly meet your needs so you don’t need to leave your furry friend at home when you head to the lake this summer!
What To Look For in a Dog Life Jacket
If you’re going to purchase a dog life jacket, you might as well make sure it’s a good one. That’s the way I see it anyways. You wouldn’t want to buy one just to realize too late that it won’t work, right? With that in mind, let me outline exactly what features to look for when shopping for a dog life jacket.
- Make sure the life vest has a strong handle on top. This makes it convenient to grab or guide your dog when needed. Take my word for it, you will regret it if the life jacket isn’t equipped with this useful feature.
- Most importantly, the life jacket should be buoyant enough to keep your dog’s head above the water. Most jackets offer flotation on the belly and sides; some even lift the dog’s neck up.
- You have to get one with a D-ring. This is essential when transitioning from water to land. With a D-ring, you can simply attach a leash when the dog is finished swimming.
- Find a life jacket that is brightly colored. Why? Not only will it be visually attractive, but more critically it will keep your dog extra safe by making him highly visible in the water. This will make it easy to spot him and even prevent collisions with boats. It’s also a good idea to get one with reflective strips for evening swims.
- Ensure that the life jacket is comfortable enough for your dog to move around freely. Since dogs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, most manufacturers provide a size chart. I recommend checking your dog’s girth measurements to ensure a proper fit. Always go up to the next size if your dog is in between since the life jacket can be adjusted.
So before you purchase a dog life jacket, think about each of these points to ensure safety and comfort. Trust me, your dog will thank you for getting a top-notch life jacket for him (or her)!
Top Dog Life Jackets
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
Outward Hound | |
Paws Aboard | |
Vivaglory Ripstop | |
Queenmore | |
Vivaglory Sports Style | |
ASENKU | |
ChezAlley | |
Kurgo Surf 'n Turf | |
Fragralley | |
EMUST |
Outward Hound
The Outward Hound is highly rated and sure to exceed your expectations for a dog life jacket. It isn’t too bulky but is super buoyant. It even comes equipped with extra neck support. However, note that the sizing runs a bit small; you may want to order a bigger size than usual.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Sizes from extra small to extra large available
- Bright orange color and reflective strips makes your dog easy to spot
- There are two rescue handles
Paws Aboard
With two adjustable straps under the belly and one under the chin, the Paws Aboard life jacket can be customized to fit any dog. It comes equipped with a D ring for leashes which is super convenient, like I mentioned earlier. Since it is made of neoprene material, it is comfortable, breathable, and dries quickly. It’s great for a day at the lake!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Eight fun prints to choose from, including camo, flames, and polka dots
- Mesh underbelly keeps pups well-ventilated
- Comes small enough for tiny breeds like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds
Vivaglory Ripstop
The Vivaglory Ripstop has everything you would want in a dog life jacket. With bright colors and reflective strips, your dog will be highly visible in the water. Check out their very specific size chart which makes it easy to select the right size. Simply measure the deepest part of your dog’s ribcage but make sure to go up a size if your dog’s measurements fall in between.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Stretchy underbelly contours to the unique shape of your dog
- So comfortable that you’re dog won’t mind wearing it
- Can’t beat the price!
Queenmore
Your dog will surely turn heads wearing the Queenmore life jacket! In addition to being an effective flotation device with adjustable straps, this option features an adorable shark fin (in grey or pink) or mermaid tale. As an added bonus, you could even use the life jacket as a Halloween costume!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Fun design
- Fits snuggly
- Made with quality materials
Vivaglory Sports Style
Another fantastic option from Vivaglory, the Sports Style dog life jacket gets the job done with a D ring, reflective design, and handle. It comes in several attractive colors and plenty of sizes so you’ll be able to find the perfect one. Best of all, it is designed to make your swimming dog feel comfortable without hindering their natural movements. What’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love It:
- Adjust the straps as needed
- Ideal amount of buoyancy
- Hassle-free returns if needed
ASENKU
Here is another product that instantly transforms your pup into a shark or mermaid. You can pick between a pink mermaid and an orange, grey, or pink shark. While it is so cute, the ASENKU life jacket is also perfectly functional and will get the job done.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Dries quickly since it’s made of polyester and nylon
- Easy to put on or off
- Extra strong, reinforced handle on top
ChezAlley
The ChezAlley is well-made with abrasion resistant material and buoyant cotton foam. Since the fabric is thick, the manufacturer suggests choosing a larger size. Offering seven sizes and fifteen patterns, this life jacket will please everyone, especially because of the reasonable price!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Front float assist keeps your dog’s head out of the water
- Easy to wash
- Affordable
Kurgo Surf ‘n Turf
Since this jacket has an open chest design, your dog will have a full range of motion in the water and won’t feel restricted at all. With multiple points of adjustment, the same size will fit several different body shapes. Although it is a bit pricey, the Kurgo Surf ‘n Turf is an exceptional product that won’t disappoint!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Machine washable
- Two handles makes it extra easy to manage your dog
- Doubles as a rain jacket if you remove the flotation layer
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Fragralley
Featuring a bold, striped design in red, orange, or blue, the Fragralley meets the visibility requirements you want in a doggie life jacket. It’s even made of the same materials as human life jackets so you know your pooch will feel great wearing it. Overall, this is a durable, well-made product that will keep your dog safe and looking awesome.
Why You’ll Love It:
- They will replace the life jacket or give you your money back if you aren’t satisfied
- Heavy duty D ring, straps, and handle
- Helpful sizing chart ensures a great fit
EMUST
I can’t get enough of the cute shark fin and mermaid tail designs, so I had to include one more! Made with polyester, nylon, and mesh, the EMUST is designed to withstand rips and dry quickly. Not only will your pup attract attention thanks to a cute underwater look, he will also be comfortable and safe.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Lightweight and quick drying
- Secure velcro on the underbelly
- Stylish, attractive design
Our Recommendations
While all of these dog life jackets are great products, they each possess their own strengths and appeals. Let me offer my recommendations to help you make the best selection.
Best Value: Vivaglory Ripstop
Best Rated: Outward Hound
Best Looking: ASENKU
Best Overall: Paws Aboard
I hope that after reading these tips you feel confident about picking out a life jacket for your furry friend. You’re making a wise investment that will give you peace of mind and keep your dog extra safe on the water. With a doggie life jacket, there’s no need to leave your dog home anymore. You’ll be so happy you bought one once you see how much fun your dog has with your family on the lake!
FAQs
Do dogs need life jackets?
While everyone knows most dogs can swim, it’s still important to keep your beloved pet safe. Be sure to get your doggie a well-fitting life jacket to keep him or her protected around water. You won’t regret it!
What are important features in a life jacket for a dog?
You’ll want a life jacket that has a handle so you can lift your pooch out of the water if needed. Also, it should be buoyant and comfortable. Make sure the life jacket is the right size for your dog’s weight, rib cage, and length.
Is a life jacket comfortable for a dog to wear?
If you get the correct size and fit, a life jacket should be very comfortable for your dog to wear. Be sure to check the weight, rib cage, and length specifications before choosing a life preserver for a dog.
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