Best Life Vests For Dogs in 2020

Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to go to the lake!  Have dogs?   No worries, even if they’re not the best swimmers.  There are plenty of life vests out there for dogs and I’m here to share with you some of the ones that I’ve found.  The best life vests for dogs in 2020!

You may not always need a life vest, but in some instances, you should absolutely have one for your dogs.   Not all dogs are the best swimmers (they can’t all be labs).  If your dog gets too far away from you you have two options.  Either you’re jumping in the water to rescue them, or you run the risk that they drown.   Neither scenario is ideal.  Also, French Bulldogs can’t swim.  So if you have a Frenchie, you’ll need a life vest!

Dog Vests Are Similar To Human Vests.

I have to hand it to the inventors of the dog life jackets.   They’re similar to the ones we wear for humans, except they go under the dogs chest and over their neck like a collar to keep them from slipping out.   The life vests are made with a material that keeps them buoyant in the event they get too tuckered out to swim to shore.  Or, if they just can’t swim period.

Some life vests will also have material that helps keep your dogs warm in the event they go into water that’s too cold.   In the instance of a short haired dog, this is a good idea to have.   You don’t want your dog getting too cold where their muscles lock up just like ours do in very cold water.  This is in all of Alaska by the way.

 

Reasons To Need A Dog Life Jacket.

Maybe you’re reading this article and thinking to yourself, “Why would I need a life jacket for my dog in the first place?”   Well, I have a boat that I take out on a large lake in Alaska.   First, the water is very cold this time of year because the lake just thawed out not long ago.

Second, I have a dog that absolutely loves the water, and she will jump in off the boat at any given time if she has the opportunity.   I don’t want to run the risk of her jumping in, sinking too far, and risking her getting hurt.  She’s a Bully, and not that great of a swimmer.

Also, water in some places is still very cold, even for the states.   What if your dog jumps in a lake and starts swimming and they get too far for you to swim after them.  Eventually, they get tired and you watch helplessly as they struggle to get back to shore.   Nothing scares me more than thinking my dog might not be able to make it back safely.

If you have an ocean boat and your dog goes with you fishing, then you should definitely have one for those instances.   The ocean can be very unforgiving, and you can never count on things going 100% right when you’re on the water.   Having a vest on your dog can save their life, just like with us.   You should always be protected in the event of an emergency.

Are They Expensive?

Believe it or not, life vests for dogs are actually, very reasonably priced.   Sure, some are pretty expensive.  It all depends on where you shop for one.   If you go to an expensive store, you’re going to pay a higher price.   Does this mean that for the ones that are less expensive, that they’re not as good?   No, they are still good.   Look for ones that have good buoyancy ratings, as well as handles to grab your pet with.  And, if possible even reflective tape so you can see them if it’s dark.

I also look for ones that fully wrap around my dog.  Around the neck like a collar and fully under the chest.   I also like ones that have thicker material since I live in a state where water is often times very cold, and dogs can get hypothermia like humans.

Where To Find Reasonably Priced Life Vests for Dogs.

Most online pet retailers have their versions of the life jackets for dogs.   Petco has them, PetSmart, even smaller retailers have them.   Bitch New York has them for a very reasonable price and they’re made with quality material.  They have all the features that I personally look for, as well as ship them right to your door.

There are usually several versions to choose from, so choose one that will suit your dogs needs based on where you might take them.  If you live in a state where the water is warm, don’t opt for the one with thicker material.   If your dog is an avid swimmer like a lab, then you won’t need the super buoyant ones.  Maybe one that has a little buoyancy to help them just stay afloat, but still swim and dive like they love to do.

Final Words on Best Life Vests for Dogs in 2020

When we’re on the water, we always make sure that the humans are covered.   The kids, teens & adults.   We definitely want our pets to be covered as well.  Always be prepared for your dog to do something that you’re not intending them to do when it comes to being near water.   Unlike humans, dogs don’t always listen when they’re near water and it can be scary to have a dog get too far.

In the summer months, it’s important to be able to have fun with the whole family, and that includes our furry friends.   So whether you’re on the ocean, near a lake or on the lake, have a dog life vest on your dogs to keep them safe.  Then you know that even if they jump in, fall in or something happens, they’re safe.

I’ve included in this article some links to the website mentioned above, Bitch New York.   They have several options for any type of weather or needs for your pets.  You’ll find the many options that I’ve mentioned in this article, and hopefully you’re able to find one that you need.

Remember, be safe this season and make sure you’re whole family is protected in the water.   It’s like the saying goes, but should be amended, “Kids don’t float” and some dogs don’t either.  Or, they just get too tuckered out and have a hard time staying afloat.