It might be an odd thing to consider. Why does my dog need a life jacket? Can’t dogs swim?
We seem to think that our pets have retained all of their wild instincts, but the fact is that they simply aren’t true. Many dogs would have no better means to swim to safety in the event of a water-based emergency than we would. Therefore, your dog must be as well-equipped as they can be when venturing out into the great blue sea. Or just the nearby lake, even.
If you are looking to play it safe while boating, sailing, swimming, or playing near the water with your pooch, you should invest in a dog life jacket. Here’s what you should know if you want to buy a life vest for your dog.
Four things are critical in a good doggy life safety vest. The first is buoyancy. This is the jacket’s natural ability to float, which is a pretty important aspect of the life vest. You want to make sure that the vest can hold your dog’s weight to ensure its success. Dog life jackets are rated for weight, so check before you buy.
The next thing to consider is color. You want the vest to be a very bright color. In the event your pup is knocked overboard or lost in the water, this will make them easier to spot. Some even have reflective tape to catch the light better and make your dog more visible.
Strong handles will be the third important detail. If you have to haul your pet out of the water, ensuring that the handles can withstand the dog’s weight is a must. Test the handles before you bring your dog to the water. Make sure they can hold your pup’s full weight.
Lastly, you want to make sure the vest fits properly. This is as crucial with a dog as it is with a human child. An improperly fitting vest can be almost as dangerous as no vest at all. If you can, bring your dog into the store to make sure it fits both safely and comfortably. Check that your dog can sit and lie down while in their vest. If your pup is a bit on the heavy side, make sure nothing is being pinched or pulled, too.
Is a doggy life vest really necessary? Yes! Your dog should wear a life jacket on or near the water – as should you, and everyone on your boat.
While every dog should be properly equipped for safety, certain dogs must be given life vests with reflective materials. Dogs with low body fat such as the Greyhound, senior animals, and dogs with health or mobility issues should always be properly secured when going out into the water. They are our family members, after all!