Life vests for dogs

[Suchawittygal]

Hey, I know a lot of you boat with your doggies. I was wondering if you use life vests for your dogs or just let them wing it? I would love to take Max and Mia out on the Dawg, but I'm really nervous about it. I think a doggie life vest would make me feel better about it. What do you guys do? and if you use doggie life vests, where do you get them?

 

[jcyamaharider]

We have one for our lab. She will be wearing it when on the boat is under way. We bought ours at overtons.

 

[Julian]

Sorry, we borrowed our from the neighbor, who said keep it! But pretty sure I've seen them at overtons too

 

[Suchawittygal]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

 

[jcyamaharider]

Our dog is 115 lbs so I know they work good.We had to buy her one because she didnt know when to stop swimming and would start to sink when she got tired.

 

[jaybro72]

we have 2 boston terriers and we use life vest. the brand we have is expensive but well worth it. superior fit and finish. they are ruffwear float coat.http://www.ruffwear.com/dog_life_jackets

 

[Raphael]

Small dog vest have a handle which is very handy. www.boatersoutlet.com

 

[Boat Crazy]

Our dog never gets on the boat without it. You should be able to buy them at any known brand animal supply store.

 

[Suchawittygal]

I'm going to look into it. Thanks all! I'll post pics of my babies in their life vests.

 

[itsdgm]

I think we got ours years ago at either pet smart or sports authority. I agree with Raphael that the handle comes in handy for the small dogs anyway.

 

[Suchawittygal]

OMG! Adorable doggie Dennis! What kind of dog is that? I love the look on the face

 

[Ronnie]

I've seen some basic nylon versions at west marine but my wife has found a better selection (more colors some in neoprene) at out local pet co. I'm sure there are more expensive models available but the one we bought recently for out 20 lb dog was less than $30 including tax which is cheap compared to the cost of most human pfds. Well worth it too, our dog is like our second child.

The funny thing about dogs and life vests, this is my situation anyway, is that the dog doesn't realize it can float with the vest on so it paddles away as if to stay afloat. When I pull my dog out of the water by the strap on the back of the vest she is still kicking with all four legs, the same was true with my previous dog.

 

[txav8r]

Ronnie is right! They don't know they can float. So to get them to stop paddling, they have to think they are on something, namely you! And their dang nails may not scratch the vinyl, but it dang sure scratches you!

We had one of those floating papasan chairs (this worked best) that Chester would lay in, we tried noodle contraptions (they didn't work) to let him rest on, but all in all, a good life jacket is a must for his safety and your sanity. And the handle is the most important feature to help you grab him and get him back on the boat. We never had good luck with the vests from Petsmart and I never saw any at Overtons or West Marine that looked good, but I didn't try them, so not comment there. Of course boxers are funny shaped with a huge chest and skinny waist, so finding a good fit was hard. I can't find the name brand of the life vest...we bought it at a boat show of all places, but the float we found at Leslie's Pool Supplies. I would suggest looking at pool supply or specialty pet stores over the big ones, you may find better vests there.

 

[jaybro72]

found a pic

 

[ratchetdu]

We had the one from PETsMART, and it worked well until the handle broke. still a great vest, just a pain to get our boxer back in the boat without the handle. Bought the ruffwear one, which was a bit pricey, but worth it. Better construction, and no fear of the handle breaking.... Dont leave the dock without it and always on when underway. When beached, we take it off her... I'll add pics shortly...

 

[Boat Crazy]

 

[Suchawittygal]

found a picView attachment 1146 View attachment 1147

Oh! I really like those!

 

[rkluck]

We have two chihuahuas. We always put the vests on when we are stopped so they can play ion the water. We have bought vests from Petsmart and on-line. The hardest part for us is the small size (XS) 4.5 lbs and 6.5 lbs! The dogs love to play on the tube when we are just floating around.

 

[maboat]

Our dog is 115 lbs so I know they work good.We had to buy her one because she didnt know when to stop swimming and would start to sink when she got tired.

Thats exactly what I was going to say! Of course, most dogs are great swimmers and love the water, but they don't know when to stop paddling, so the life vest is needed when then get tired and sink. Also I found it easier to grab them by the vest!

 

[maboat]

If you take your dogs often, this is handy to have too...