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Best Dog Life Jacket: Prevent Drowning With A Flotation Vest (With Our Personal Experience)

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Last Updated: September 23, 2024 | 10 min read | 3 Comments

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Some dogs love water, but not all dogs are naturally strong swimmers. Even in shallow ponds or creeks, dogs can fall victim to drowning. Life jackets also increase visibility, helping keep your pup in your sights and out of harm’s way. Don’t risk losing your beloved pet while having fun in the sun. A dog life vest or jacket can comfort you, knowing your dog is safe if an accident occurs in the water. Learn why you should use a life jacket for your dog and some of our top picks. Ensuring your dog’s life vest or jacket fits properly is also critical. I’ll share some tips on how to measure and select the size you need for your dog.

WinnerRunner-UpThird Place
Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket  Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket Vest
Outward HoundVivaglory Paws Aboard

Why Your Dog Needs A Life Jacket Or Vest

Dog swimming wearing a life jacket.

Do dogs need life jackets? Dogs should wear life jackets in any situation where they could potentially drown, even if they are strong swimmers. Here are just a few reasons why a life jacket can come in handy for your dog.

  1. If you plan on going kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, or swimming with your dog, you should seriously consider getting your dog a life jacket.
  2. Using a life jacket to test out the waters (pun intended) can give you peace of mind and allow you to see how your dog likes the water.
  3. Dogs get tired after exercise, just like humans do. The last thing you want is for your pup to become exhausted in the middle of a pond or lake and struggle to get back to shore. A life jacket can help keep your dog safe in these instances and allow him to take any needed breaks.
  4. Dogs are small and hard to see in the water compared to boats. A brightly colored life jacket or vest increases the visibility of your pup and helps you keep them in your sights.

If you’re wondering, “Can a dog wear a human life jacket?” the answer is no. They are not designed for dogs. Only humans should wear them. While dog floaties are fun, they don’t provide nearly the protection your dog needs.

What To Look For In A Dog Life Jacket

Not all pet life jackets are the same. There are a few key things owners should look for.

  1. A strong, durable handle. This is very important for any dog, especially small ones around large bodies of water and moving water like rivers.
  2. Brightly colored life vests are more visible than darker colors or those made to blend in.
  3. A leash attachment. This will help keep pets safe and gives another place to connect pups with a leash.
  4. Proper body coverage is especially important for weak swimmers. Some jackets come with additional floatation pads or offer extra coverage for those pups that have trouble swimming or have short snouts and need more floatation.

Life jackets are not the same as life vests. Life jackets cover more of a dog’s body and offer more buoyancy as well, as they are easier to see.

Our Personal Experience

I have taken my dogs, of differing sizes on and near water for many years. In my spare time I like to kayak, and spend a lot of time in rivers and lakes. I bring my dogs along, but must take precautions. I own both large and small dogs, and know that it is important to keep both safe while in the water. When I would take my small, 5 pound Chihuahua Cookie on the kayak, she always had a life jacket on. Because she was so small, it was always a priority to make sure she had a life vest with a handle, and one that was very bright. She was an excellent swimmer, but moving water can be tricky, and that handle comes in very handy. For my larger dogs who love the water, a vest works better.

I would also suggest allowing your dog some time practice in the jacket before going on the open water. Filling up the bathtub and letting them splash about, and get accustomed to the feeling of floating in the jacket is helpful, and can prevent some anxiety and fear when you are outside in nature.

Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Parent, Canine Journal Research & Writing

Best Dog Life Vests

Now that you know why you need a life jacket for your dog, here are our best dog life jackets to keep your pup safe while swimming.

Winner: Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket Review

Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket

View on Amazon | View on Chewy

Outward Hound offers three different life jackets for dogs:

  • Granby: for all-around use
  • Dawson: for beginner swimmers
  • Standley: for experienced swimmers

With Outward Hound, you can pick the life jacket that fits your dog’s skill level. One feature customers rave about is the two rescue handles, which make it easy to pick your dog up out of the water and put him in the canoe or whatever you’re floating around on. The jackets for more advanced swimmers have added mobility and slightly less flotation assistance than the Granby jacket for beginners.

Since the Granby is a starter vest, it has a little extra padding in front. It comes in five sizes and fits most dogs using adjustable straps (I linked to medium jackets below). The color varies depending on which jacket you go with, but all are colorful, so you can easily see your dog in the water.

ProsCons
2 rescue handlesNone found (but as with all life jackets, choose the correct flotation and style for your dog’s swim experience level and make sure it’s fit properly)
Reflective piping
Fits nearly every size dog (XS to XL)
Bright colors so you can spot your dog easily
Easy to adjust to your dog’s size
Not bulky
30-day warranty

Pricing

  • Granby for all-around use (Medium, Orange): $27.99
  • Dawson for novice swimmers (Medium, Red): $29.99
  • Standley for experienced swimmers (Medium, Green & Blue): $31.99

Our Personal Experience With Outward Hound Dawson Life Jacket

barley in outward hound life jacket jpg
Barley in the Outward Hound Dawson Life Jacket.
Photo by Michelle Schenker for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2024.

The material is very sturdy, and the two handles on top make it very easy to pick our dog up or save him if he is struggling in the water. The added buoyancy also makes it easier for him to swim.

Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent, Canine Journal Co-Founder & Licensed Insurance Professional

Runner-Up: Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket Review

Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket

View on Amazon

Vivaglory offers five different life jackets for dogs:

  • Ripstop With Extra Padding for Dogs (pictured)
  • Sports Style Ripstop Dog Life Jacket with Superior Buoyancy
  • Ripstop With Enhanced Buoyancy 
  • Premium Neoprene Dog Life Jacket
  • Neoprene Sports Style Snug Jacket

There doesn’t seem to be much of a difference between these life preservers that I can see other than the material (three are ripstop, and two are neoprene). The neoprene is softer and thinner, which might be more comfortable for dogs. The appearance and material are the apparent differences I notice, so it’s up to you which style you like the look of best.

The most significant difference is the jacket with extra padding (pictured) comes with a removable front float for their chin to rest on that releases neck pressure while in the water. It comes in 10 colors and patterns, including camo.

ProsCons
1 rescue handleSome complaints about them not keeping the dog upright
Reflective material
Available in XS to XL
Bright colors and patterns so you can spot your dog easily
Claims to have up to 50% more flotation than the competition
90-day warranty

Pricing

Third Place: Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket Vest Review

 Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket Vest

View on Amazon

Paws Aboard also has three life jackets: 1 nylon vest and two made with Neoprene. The Paws Aboard is similar to the other two in our top picks. The only major difference is this vest doesn’t come with a warranty. However, one unique feature of the Paws Aboard jackets is that most styles come with a spot to write your dog’s name and phone number on the jacket as an extra safety measure (in case they get lost).

ProsCons
1 rescue handleComplaints about quality and durability
Reflective stripsNo warranty
Available in XXS to XL
Bright colors and patterns so you can spot your dog easily

Pricing

  • Nylon Vest (Medium):  $31.99
  • Neoprene Doggy Life Jacket With Nylon Strap (Extra Small): $28.99
  • Neoprene Doggy Red Life Jacket (Extra Small): $28.99

What Are My Other Options?

Queenmore Dog Shark Life Jacket Review

Queenmore Dog Shark Life Jacket

View on Amazon

The Queenmore dog life jacket is made from ripstop and comes in six sizes. What’s unique about this vest is the shark fin on top (or mermaid tail). Not only is it a cute feature for fun, but it also helps you identify your dog (similar to a shark). The shark fin comes in three colors (pink, green, or grey), and there’s a pink fish scale mermaid option.

The only downside is it claims to have reflective accents, but they are not as prominent as the other top jackets I reviewed, which have actual reflective strips.

ProsCons
1 rubber rescue handleComplaints about quality and durability
Available in XS to XXLNo reflective strips
Bright colors and shark fin feature so you can spot your dog easily
Money-back guarantee

Pricing

ThinkPet Dog Life Jacket Harness Review

ThinkPet dog life jacket.

View on Amazon

ThinkPet makes a high-quality life jacket harness that works extremely well for dogs of all sizes. This vest has robust buoyancy, keeping dogs afloat in any water depth. ThinkPet’s life jacket vest combo features a harness that fits comfortably and easily adjusts. You can adjust the Velcro connections from both sides, and the straps feature side-release buckles.

ThinkPet has a top grab handle and is padded throughout for maximum comfort. A head support helps keep your pup’s face above water. The vest is made from double EVA foam with neoprene lining. Adjustments to the fit are easy to make, and the bright colors and reflective strips give high visibility out on the water. ThinkPet has a few different designs, so you can select the one that best fits your pup’s water safety needs needs.

ProsCons
Highly buoyantSome customers have difficulty selecting the proper size
Easy to put onCan make dogs hot after a while
Fits like a harness
High visibility
Adjustable
Top grab handle

Pricing

Our Personal Experience With ThinkPet High Buoyancy Dog Life Jacket And Vest

Falkor in the ThinkPet dog life jacket.
Falkor in the ThinkPet dog life jacket.
Photo by Danielle DeGroot for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2024.

I tried the ThinkPet life jacket, size medium, with my dog Falkor, a 25-pound Poogle. I love hiking, swimming, and kayaking, so I often go around the water with him. This life jacket is perfect for his size and very simple to get on. I was able to quickly adjust it to his size and snap his leash right on despite him being a bit squirmy. The handle is sturdy, and I was not worried he would fall out. This safety vest is very buoyant and worked well for him splashing on the shore and out on the water. I love the harness design, it is very comfortable for him and looks great. Plus, I can snap his leash on it quickly, and head right out.

– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Parent, Canine Journal Research & Writing

How To Find The Correct Size Life Jacket For Your Dog (Video)

The most important thing when buying a life preserver for your dog is to make sure you get the appropriate size. A life jacket that’s too big or too small won’t save your dog and could be more of a hazard than helpful.

The video below shows how to size your dog for an Outward Hound jacket. Be sure to research how to size your dog for other life jackets on the market since these instructions are specific to this company.

Caution: For Dogs Who Swim In Lakes, Streams, Or Ponds

Every year, particularly in summer, reports indicate that dogs across the U.S. are suddenly dying after swimming in or coming in contact with natural bodies of water (i.e., lakes, streams, ponds) that contain blue algae. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, toxic algae blooms are more likely to infest freshwater when the water is warmer and more stagnant.

Algae can leave a greenish film on the surface of the water, but if the blooms are beneath the surface, it’s not as easy to detect. As a precaution, I recommend checking with your local government or environmental protection group to see if there are any advisories. In general, it’s best to avoid water that appears to be murky or has a foul odor. Blue algae is known to be potentially fatal for dogs, with tragic results in as few as 15 minutes.

Protect Your Pup While Having Fun Outdoors

We all love bringing our dogs with us on our outdoor adventures, but sometimes, they can bring unwanted critters home with them. Make sure you’re helping your dog keep fleas and ticks at bay by using the best flea and tick preventative. Dogs might also try to drink lake or pond water, but it could be contaminated with bacteria and cause Leptospirosis, so I recommend keeping dogs hydrated with a doggy water bottle while on the go. Also, learn more about how much water dogs should drink and the signs of water intoxication, just in case your pup likes to lap up that lake water.

Do you have a favorite dog life jacket or water safety tip? If so, please share it in the comments.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Kimberly has written about various dog-related topics, such as pet insurance, health conditions, treats, training, and more. She hunted down the best dog life jackets and life vests with the best performance and the lowest price. She consulted with other Canine Journal members to glean their personal experiences using life jackets and vests with their dogs. Kimberly spent over 10 hours researching and writing this article. She works with a knowledgeable team to provide the most up-to-date information for their readers.

The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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