1. Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket
Key Features
Multiple adjustable belts
Dual rescue handles
High visibility material
Great as both a puppy life jack and full-grown dog floatation device, the Granby Dog Life Jacket from Outward Hound comes packed with features and ensures no harm will come to your dog, should there ever be an accident in or around water.
Multiple adjustable belts guarantee a snug fit, while the additional floatation panel based at the front of the life jacket will keep your dog’s head above water- even if they lose consciousness. The right fit is perfect for almost any dog as the sizes range from small to extra-large and is the biggest selling point of this life jacket for dogs.
Of course, the high visibility, durable material and dual rescue handles don’t do any harm! All-in-all Outward Hound have created the best dog life jacket available on the market, today and the many happy customers can certainly testify to this.
2. Ruffwear K9 Float Coat Dog Life Jacket
Key Features
Adjustable straps
Easy to grab handle
Clip-and-go design
The strategically placed foam panels and lightweight, yet rip-resistant, material offered in the K9 Float Coat by Ruffwear allows for a little extra help for those whose dog love to spend time near the water. The design allows for the full range of movement that comes naturally to your dog, with a telescopic neck closure that gives security, without becoming too tight.
Designed to clip-on and go, this is an easy to use option that is great for regular doggy swimmers who need a helping hand or that extra bit of security when in or around water. Meanwhile, the many sizes available to buyers is further assisted by multiple adjustable straps around the waist, meaning this is the best dog life jacket for confident dog swimmers and owners who want the peace of mind that comes from knowing their dog is safe.
3. Paws Aboard Double Designer Dog Life Jacket
Key Features
Adjustable straps
Bright colors and novelty designs
Great for larger breeds
Standing in our third slot is this neoprene dog life jacket from Paws Abroad. Available in a range of quirky designs, from the novelty to the more serious, these life jackets come in eye-catching colors, along with plenty of reflective strips in key areas, to ensure you never lose sight of your dog in the water.
Available in a range of sizes, this life jacket for dogs is fit with further adjustable straps, which boast a tough nylon material, yet are topped with quick-release buckles to allow for quick escape, should you need to perform dog first aid.
This is a very sturdy option, which works better for bigger dogs or those with a little more bulk and comes topped with a handle, ideal for quick grabs. Meanwhile, the added D-ring means this is great for popping your dog on a lead, quickly and easily- stopping your dog from getting too excited and jumping in the water, should you go boating with your canine companion.
4. EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device Dog Life Jacket
Key Features
Adjustable straps
Ultra-buoyant foam
Ergonomic grab handle
With award-winning comfort and control, the dog floatation device for EzyDog allows for a full range of movements while retaining the life-saving quality high-performance you should expect from your dog’s life vest.
This option is designed for regular doggy swimmers, with an ultra-buoyant foam and neoprene material, as well as an easy-to-clasp leash attachment that allows for quick release when you reach your destination. Again, this is another option that comes with adjustable straps and quick-release buckles, allowing for a snug, safe fit.
5. Outward Hound Dawson Dog Life Jacket
Key Features
Adjustable straps
High visibility
Warming material
Another option from Outward Hound and this one comes with slightly less added features than our top pick, while still giving you those much-needed essentials you’re bound to be looking for in an appropriate life-saving dog vest.
This is another high-visibility jacket that comes with adjustable straps and two top-centered handles for easy grabbing, while still maintaining the comfort you would want in a life jacket for dogs. Designed to fit snugly against your dog’s body with strategically placed foam panels across the jacket, this neoprene structure will keep your dog both safe and warm, while swimming.
6. Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket
Key Features
Adjustable straps
Great Customer service
High visibility
Vivaglory are one of the biggest manufacturers of dog life jackets and, with their eye-catching colors and dedication to dog safety, it’s not hard to see why. This is another great, affordable option for those who want a snug fit and fashionable design.
While this is a squarer and boxier version of our first choice, this is still a great offering for those who only want to visit the water on occasion with their dog. The convenience of the easy fit and commitment to customer service also does these life jackets a great justice, as customers seem very happy with both their product, and the company itself.
7. Queenmore Ripstop Large Dog Life Jacket
Key Features
Great design
Rubber handle
High quality polyester material
A great novelty addition to their repertoire, Queenmore have designed this brilliant alternative to the standard dog life jacket by including a fish/shark design that is sure to keep a smile on your face, as well as ensuring that you never lose your dog in the water!
It’s not all about the looks, however, as this is a well-designed jacket that consists of both a high-quality polyester, as well as a breathable mesh that allows for quick drying. The adjustable straps allow for a snugger fit while the low-lying rubber handle is strong enough for you to be able to pull your dog out of harm’s way at a moments notice.
8. Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket
Key Features
Novelty designs
High visibility
Great for light swimming
Another designer life jacket from Paws Abroad, again available in some great, eye-catching designs. Ideal for high-visibility, the Double Designed Doggy Life Jacket has been created with a focus on high buoyancy and a cozy fit.
This is a dog life jacket that has been designed with the majority of the floatation panels around the top half of your pup, making it ideal for a helping hand and to ensure your dog doesn’t become too tired, too quickly. However, the same design does have its flaws and isn’t great for use by those who are looking for a life jacket that protects your pup in larger bodies of water, where there may be waves or strong currents.
9. Haocoo Dog Life Jacket
Key Features
Adjustable straps
High visibility
Novelty design
Hugely popular online and available in an eye-catching fish design, with bright colors allowing for high-visibility, this is a great option from HAOCOO. Using a high-grade polyester material and tough, nylon fabric for the adjustable straps, this is a great, lightweight option for those who likes to go swimming in calm waters or are looking for a helping hand with hydrotherapy or similar.
The front float is great for keeping your dog’s head above water when paddling, while the heavy-duty D-ring is great for quickly popping your dog on a leash, when playtime is over. While there are some limitations in the sizes available here, you shouldn’t have any issues with your small-medium sized dogs, especially as the straps are adjustable.
10. Vivaglory Sports Style Dog Life Jacket
Key Features
Bright color choices
Ultra-buoyant
Sporty design
Our final pick is a great option for those who enjoy a little light swimming, or simply need a little assistance with their activities, such as using this dog life jacket in a hydrotherapy pool. Available in 8 bright, eye-catching colors, this is a sporty and lightweight design that allows for a full range of movement.
The reflective details and ultra-buoyant floatation materials within the panels keeps safety at the forefront, despite its small size, however. With a center-weighted grab-handle and high-quality, adjustable straps, you can be certain that this is a great option for those whose dogs are confident swimmers, or if you’re just looking to err on the side of caution when in or around water.
Best Dog Life Jacket Buying Guide & FAQ
Things to Look for in a Dog Life Jacket
- Size
It’s fairly obvious but this should be your first on your list, when searching for a dog swim vest. After all, a dachshund life jacket is not going to be the same size as a pet life jacket designed for Bernese Mountain Dogs!
Most sellers will provide a general idea of what size matches which breed or give a size guide alongside their page which will allow you to buy with greater confidence of getting the right size of dog water vest for your pup.
- Adjustability
If you aren’t too sure on size, it can be a good idea to grab a pet life jacket that comes with adjustable straps. These are usually based around the shoulders, middle/abdomen and neck. You’ll want to leave enough room for your dog’s comfort while ensuring that they can’t slip out of their dog life preserver, at the same time.
- Comfort
Speaking of comfort, it’s important that your dog is happy wearing his or her life jacket for dogs, or you’ll likely find yourself chasing a dog who has no intention of ever wearing his life jacket- never mind swimming in it. This can be a case of trying a small variety on, or checking the reviews of your chosen product, since these will give you a good idea of how snug a fit is.
It also depends on your dog’s preference- would they prefer the security of a snug fit, or do they prefer to have one that has a slimmer design and gives aid without getting in the way?
- Buoyancy
It’s somewhat obvious, but there’s not much point in buying any dog floatation device that doesn’t actually float. Check the reviews and blurbs of each description to get the right buoyancy aid for you. Nervous dogs will likely require a lot more padding and buoyancy, as they may panic if they feel themselves dropping in the water. Other dogs may just need a touch of buoyancy to help stop them tiring out too quickly.
- Material
There’s a huge range of different materials available when it comes to dog life vests. The right one for you depends on how frequently you’d like to use it. The best dog life jackets will be made from a strong material that can handle you pulling them out of the water, if needs be, while also remaining lightweight enough to not cause any discomfort to your dog. You may also want a material that dries quickly, once playtime is over, if you like to visit the local pond regularly.
- Features
Features can make or break a good product and, if you’re stuck between two choices, it’s likely that these will be the deciding factor for you. Common features include:
- Handle- a handle will aid you in being able to pull your dog out of the water, if they’re struggling or floundering
- Reflective strips or material- these will ensure that you’re able to keep an eye on your dog at all times
- Front floatation pad- designed to keep your dogs head above water should they become incapacitated- the best of these will be stable yet not inhibit your dog’s natural movements
- Abdominal floatation pad- Designed to add a little extra buoyancy to your puppy life jacket, these are great for bigger dogs
You may also like our article on Tactical Dog Vests.
Why Do Dogs Need Life Vests?
Swimming is a great exercise for any dogs, old or young, as it can help with therapy such as older dogs with arthritis or simply provide more physical stimulation for dogs with boundless energy, such as the Border Collie. Of course, not all dogs are equally good at swimming and some need a helping hand, whether that’s occasional assistance or regular days out at the pond.
While many dogs are born to swim, it’s not uncommon for young dogs to struggle with the movement. Meanwhile, elderly dogs are likely to come up against cramps or joint issues that can make them less effective in water, and some dogs just straight-up aren’t very good at swimming. Not to mention that it’s likely that your dog will tire out more quickly when swimming than they would on a traditional walk.
Take a look at our review of Dog Floats for Pool for more options.
A life vest is there to act as a swimming aid, as opposed to being a life-saving device- of course, if you like to take your pup out on a boat regularly, it’s certainly not a bad idea to invest in a dog life jacket for your trips, either! A good dog life vest will give your dog a helping hand while still allowing them to move freely and enjoy their water-based activities, so don’t worry about it being a hindrance.
All-in-all dog’s need a high-quality dog life vest in order to make the most out of their days to the pond, hydrotherapy and vacations. And while it may not be a necessity for some dogs, there’s no harm in bringing one along, so you can have the peace of mind in knowing that you dog is safe, even if they get tired or develop a cramp when swimming.
Safety Tips for Dog Flotation Vest
First and foremost, allow your dog to become comfortable with their life jacket. Pop it on your pup when you’re at home, where they know they are safe. It’s important for your dog to become used to wearing a dog life preserver, so that they don’t become stressed or panic when it’s first placed on them- especially when swimming.
Secondly, you should always make sure that your dog life jacket provides a comfortable- and safe- fit. Too loose and your dog may become tangled up in their life jacket, too tight and they will struggle with their movements, leading them to become stressed and be unable to hold themselves up.
It’s important to remember that life jackets are an aid- and drowning is still possible when wearing a life jacket. This is vital to remember, as it’s easy to become complacent- but, if your dog becomes stressed, tired or confused, you should immediately take them to dry land and allow them to recover. Do not rely on your dog life jacket to save them in every scenario, especially as they are unaware that you may be trying to help, and that the life jacket is there to help them, too.
If your dog is not comfortable near water, then do not force them to go into water. All that will happen is that you will reinforce that negative emotion, each time you try to encourage them to swim. Simply allow your dog to see that there will be no harm to come to them, from swimming- and the best way to do this is by showing them!
Head over to our review of Dog Cooling Vests for more choices.
Our Top Pick
Perfectly designed to protect your dog against the worst that could happen, the Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket shoots to the top of our list thanks to the sheer number of safety features it provides at such an affordable price.
Great for dogs of any size, the Granby Life jacket for dogs from Outward Hound is able to fit and match of almost any shape, while the front panel ensure that, even if your dog were to lose consciousness in the water, they will still be able to remain out of harm’s way until you can get them to safety.
