Best Dog Life Jackets

Does your dog love water activities just as much as you and always wants to join in on the fun? No worries, dog life jackets are made for protecting your canine companion from any water accidents while letting them enjoy their time in the sun!

Whether you and your pup are lovers of fishing, boating, swimming, surfing, beaching, etc. it’s always a good idea to strap them in for playing safely!

Does My Dog Need A Life Vest?

Most dogs are actually great swimmers, but it can be extremely tiring on your pooch, especially if they’re not a natural bred water dog! Paddling won’t suffice if your dog gets burnt out and is nowhere near the exit area in the water. This is why life jackets are important for dogs and essential in high water where they can’t touch.

Life vests prevent exhaustion drowning, help ease your dog into beginning swimming, and just keep them safe while in or around bodies of water!

What To Look For In A Life Jacket

What you want most of all out of your dog’s life jacket is that it works and is comfortable for them to wear, but here are some other features to think about:

• Buoyancy – Your dog’s life jacket should be able to keep them afloat, meaning that their mouth, head, and nose should never be underwater involuntarily. Good quality life jackets will have floatation devices secure underneath your dog’s belly, on their back, and sides. Life vests will also have flotation structured around the neck area to ensure their head stays above water.
• Color – While you may want to pick out an adorable life jacket for your pooch, you should think about the color. Particularly a bight (and reflective) one! These will stand out in the water and make other swimmers, boats, etc. aware of your pup’s presence.
• Handles – In case of an emergency and you need to get your dog out of the water ASAP, their life jacket should have some form of handles on it. The handles should be durable, strong, and possibly aid as a lifting device if your dog is handicapped or elderly.
• Size – You want your dog’s life jacket to fit them comfortably and not be too big that they slip through or too small that it chokes them. Measure your pup’s torso and girth to get the best fit.

2021’s Best Life Jackets

Ruffwear K9 Float Coat Dog Life Jacket

This life jacket has cell-foam panels that allow your dog to float in their natural swimming position. It comes in 5 different colors with reflective trim and is made of durable material for water. This jacket is ideal for kayaking, boating, surfing, rafting, swimming, and paddleboarding!

Kurgo Surf n Turf Coat

This life jacket is versatile as a flotation device or a waterproof jacket (once you remove the floatation layer)! It has handles for lifting and an attachment for leashes. This red vest is available in multiple sizes and comes with reflective trim.

Outward Hound Grandby Life Jacket 

This vest has a unique front floatation device to keep your dog’s head above water. The quick-release buckles and handles aid in the safety of a quick rescue. The jacket comes in 3 colors with reflective accents!

Onemore Choice Camo Life Preserver 

Looking for a life vest built for your geese or duck hunting dog, well look no further! This camo jacket comes with reflective trim (for hunting visibility), easy access handles, and a leash attachment. It is a perfect fit for any hunting dog breed out there.

HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket

This life jacket comes in a variety of fun shapes (mermaid and shark) and colors (camo, polka dot, and dog paw print)! The polyester oxford and nylon high-quality fabric, mesh, and pearl cotton foam make this flotation device perfect for any pooch! It also comes with multiple straps, handles, leash attachment, and reflective trim for stress-free floating.

Life jackets can save your dog’s life and prevent an accident from becoming a tragedy. Remember to practice water safety with your dog and never leave them unattended, especially without a life vest!