Have you ever thought about buying your dog a life jacket for boat rides and water activities? This can be a strange thing. Why does my dog need a life jacket? Can’t dogs swim?
We like to think that our pets retain all their wild instincts, but that’s not the case. In fact, in the event of a water emergency, many dogs have no better way to swim to safety than we do.
So when your dog ventures into the azure sea – or just a nearby lake – your dog must be as well-equipped as possible.
If you want to play safely while boating, sailing, swimming, or playing with your dog at the water’s edge, you should purchase a dog life jacket. If you want to buy a life jacket for your dog, here’s what you should know.
The most important factor in providing a life jacket for your dog
There are four things that are crucial to a good dog life jacket.
The first is buoyancy. This is the jacket’s natural ability to float, which is obviously a very important aspect of a life jacket. You need to make sure that the vest can bear the weight of your dog to ensure its success. The weight of a dog life jacket is calculated by weight, so please check before purchasing.
The next thing to consider is color. You’ll want the vest to be a very bright color. If your puppy is knocked overboard or lost in the water, this will make them easier to spot. Some even have reflective decorations to better capture the light and make your dog more visible.
The sturdy handle will be the third important detail. If you have to drag your pet out of the water, you must make sure that the handle can withstand the weight of the dog. Test the handle before taking your dog into the water. Make sure they can withstand the full weight of their puppies.
Finally, you need to make sure that the vest fits. This is just as important for dogs as it is for human children. An ill-fitting vest is almost as dangerous as not having one.
If you can, bring your dog into the store to make sure it’s safe and comfortable. Check if your dog can sit and lie down while wearing a vest. If your puppy is a bit heavy, make sure nothing gets squeezed or pulled either.
Does my dog really need a life jacket?
Is a dog life jacket really necessary? Yes! Your dog should wear a life jacket on or near the water – you and everyone on board should do the same.
While every dog should be properly equipped for safety, it is especially important to provide a life jacket for certain dogs. Older animals, healthy or reduced mobility dogs, and dogs with low body fat, such as greyhounds, should always be properly protected when out of the water.
After all, they are our family!