Do Dogs Need Life Jackets?
As summer begins to ramp up, you may have afternoons full of swimming, boating, or running along the beach planned for you and your furry friend.
Dogs love to swim! Right?
Well, it can be a more complicated answer than that. We're sure you want your dog to be as safe and happy as possible while you enjoy a great summer.
So, let’s look at some occasions where a dog life jacket might be an appropriate accessory to bring along.
Do dogs need life jackets? Aren’t they natural swimmers?
You may wonder why you need to get a dog life jacket if all dogs are natural swimmers.
While it's true that just about all dogs have the natural instinct to paddle when in deep water, that doesn’t mean that all dogs are ‘good’ swimmers.[1]
Some breeds are naturally good swimmers, such as the Labrador retriever, but many other breeds may struggle.
For example, brachycephalic dogs (short-faced dogs) may struggle to keep their short necks above water and are more prone to drowning. If your dog’s body is densely muscled or very hairy, such as Pitbulls or Pomeranians, then they may become exhausted quickly and be more prone to drowning.
Dogs that are obese, pregnant, sick, elderly, or suffer from health issues may not be fit enough to swim long distances. Some dogs also struggle to stay upright in the water due to physical or psychological issues, causing them to flop over and inhale water.
Dog owners who have dogs that suffer from seizures or Wobbler Syndrome should be extremely cautious around water.
Anxious dogs should also always have a life vest, since a dog may begin to panic when they hit the water, especially cold water. A panicking dog is also difficult to rescue, and may not have the mental capability to swim in a safe direction.
Dog Cooling Vest Tropical Storm
Dangerous conditions: Rough water
Your dogs may be natural born swimmers in your backyard pool, but could easily struggle to keep up in dangerous conditions. A dog life jacket isn’t just for dogs who can’t swim; it could easily save your dog’s life if they end up in a moving river, a riptide, or rough surf.
Small dogs might be at extra risk of getting carried away by dangerous conditions, but even a bigger dog can get taken unexpectedly.
Storms, swells, boat-capsizing accidents, and more can occur unexpectedly. Any situation where human life jackets can be useful may also require a dog life jacket.
Dogs can also get injured if they fall off a boat or get rolled by rough surf. If they hit their head or hurt a leg, they may also be unable to swim to shore safely.
Benefits of a life jacket: Visibility
Unlike humans, dogs may not choose the optimal time for a swim. Swimming early in the morning, late at night, or in bad weather can really put a dog at risk. Even on a sunny day, it can be hard to spot your furry friend among the waves.
A dog life jacket provides some visibility when accidents happen. Many dog life vests come in bright colors so that even small dogs can be spotted with ease.
Benefits of a life jacket: Keep a handle on things
Besides the obvious benefit of keeping your dog afloat, dog life jackets have the added benefit of making it easier to rescue your pup. The majority of dog life vests have a handle on the front or side for easy gripping.
A dog life jacket also provides grip and makes it easier to pull your dog up and back onto the boat or dock if they fall in. Having a life jacket with a handle also makes it safer when helping a panicking dog, since they are less likely to scratch or climb you during the rescue effort.
Benefit of a life jacket: Protection from the elements
A dog life jacket doesn’t just protect your dog from the water; it can also protect them from the elements.
The life vest can protect against strong winds, but it can also protect against harmful UV radiation. Many dog owners don’t know that their dogs can become sunburned or suffer from sun-caused heatstroke, especially on short-haired dogs.
This sun damage can cause burns, spots, and even skin cancer.[2]
Water can be especially dangerous, since it can reflect the sun up onto your dog’s face and underbelly, making them more susceptible to burns.
If you are worried about doggy sunburns, consider checking out Spark Paws Sunblock Dog T-shirt collection, since it’s designed with sun protection specifically in mind, and offers a good amount of coverage.
Qualities of a good dog life jacket
There are a number of life jackets for dogs on the market, but how do you know what criteria you should be searching for?
A handle
As mentioned, a hand on your dog's life jacket can make a big difference in an emergency and allows you more control. A potentially panicking dog, or one that is difficult to grip safely, may be pulled to safety using a handle.
D-rings
It is better to choose a life jacket with a d-ring so that you can attach a leash. This is more for convenience, as you won’t have to swap between a regular harness and a life jacket every time you go into an on-leash zone.
It can also be good to leash your dog while riding on a boat to stop them from jumping into dangerous water.
A good dog life jacket fit
Ideally, your dog's life jacket should not be too cumbersome, fitting snugly around your dog. Some short-necked breeds may require some more head support, but most dogs will be comfortable enough in a vest.
High quality buoyant material
The material should preferably be breathable, so that your dog won’t overheat while wearing it. If your dog is going to be in and out of the water, try to find a jacket that will not become waterlogged and heavy.
Bright colors
As mentioned, it can be very hard to spot a dog in water, even on a clear day. Dog life jackets, like human life jackets, should be brightly colored and easily visible. Finding one with a reflecting strip might be best, but even a neon-colored jacket can be good.
Getting the right size dog life vests
It’s extremely important that your dog's life jacket fits correctly on your dog. Too large and it could slide off, too tight and it could restrict your dog’s movements and ability to swim. Unlike people, dogs swim horizontally and need a good range of movement.
Size
You should measure your dog carefully beforehand, like you would for any clothing. Get their chest measurements as well as the length from their neck to the base of their tail. The life jacket should be snug, but with enough room to slide two fingers between your dog and the life jacket.
Weight
Some life jackets go by weight, to make sure your dog stays buoyant. If you cannot get your dog on the scale, consider weighing yourself beforehand.
You can then pick your dog up and step onto the scale with them, subtracting your weight to get theirs.
Adjustable straps
Adjustable straps are an important necessity. They can allow you to get the best possible fit while making sure your dog stays comfortable.
Keep your dog safe: A float test
If you are worried that your life jacket is not right, consider letting your dog try it on in a safe environment. Small dogs can try on their jackets in the bath or a dog-friendly pool, while larger dogs may need to try it out in shallow water. Whatever you do, make sure to keep a careful eye on your dog during this trial period, and reward them with treats as they settle into it.
My dog hates their life jacket. What do I do?
Do not worry if your dog is a bit uncomfortable at first; a life jacket may take some getting used to. Try to make it a more comfortable experience by letting them get used to the feel on their backs before strapping them in.
Provide some treats when they get strapped in, or when your dogs swim with it on the first time - this will help make it a more positive experience for them.
Velvet Dog Hoodie Berry Lemonade
Conclusion
A dog life jacket isn’t just an accessory; it can be a vital tool in many situations. Whether your dog belongs to a breed of bad swimmers, is ill, or you're boating or swimming in deep or unpredictable water, a life vest provides potentially life-saving safety and peace of mind.
A dog life jacket keeps your dog afloat, provides visibility, allows you to rescue your dog more efficiently, and can protect them from cold wind or sunburns. Your life jacket should be made of bright, buoyant, high-quality materials that fit snugly around your dog.
Make sure your fit is tight, but allows a range of motion, and always test your life jacket before wading into dangerous situations.
Give yourself some peace of mind this summer, knowing that your dog is going to be safe in all kinds of water.
Happy Swimming!
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