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Best Life Jacket for Dogs

Published Jul 20th, 2020 4:17PM EDT

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Do you want your pup to be a water dog? Having a dog that likes to swim or be on raft or boat can make certain times of the year more exciting. Watching your dog leap into a pool or chase a ball into a lake or the ocean helps give them exercise and allows them to cool off when it’s hot out. But if you have a dog who loves swimming in more open areas or you have a dog you are training to swim, you could have them wear a life jacket. This would allow them to float when they’re in the water and learn how to doggy paddle and swim more confidently and stronger. If your dog likes to come in the water with you, this will allow you to have a better grasp on where they are while you’re in the water. Take a look at our picks below and spend some quality time in the water with your dog.

Keep your dog above water

Best for Keeping Their Head Up

Offered in orange, the Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket is bright and vibrant to see. Your dog will be able to splash around safely and securely while wearing this. It comes in five different sizes: extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large. They will be able to paddle and play while wearing this, so it won’t inhibit them or their movement much. The front neck float helps keep their head above water and the neoprene belly band supports their chest and stomach. It provides comfortable buoyancy and it has two grab handles for pulling your dog if they need help. The Velcro tabs keep straps from getting caught in unknown obstacles.

Key Features:

  • Offered in orange
  • Front neck float helps keep their head above water
  • Two grab handles
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Make sure you can see your dog

Best Reflective Jacket

The Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jackets come in bright colors that will be seen. Make sure you measure your dog before picking any of the sizes offered between extra small and extra large. There are eight colors to choose from: blue, bright green, bright orange, bright pink, bright yellow, camo blue, pink, sakura pink, and yellow. It is constructed with extra padding to enable strong buoyancy. The Velcro system around the belly and neck keeps it securely fastened. The straps are reflective as well. There are durable grab handles that help you pull your dog out of an emergency. There is even a D-ring to attach to your dog’s leash. This will be a great fit for any time.

Key Features:

  • Eight colors to choose from
  • Reflective straps
  • D-ring to attach to your dog’s leash
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Take your dog out on the boat

Best for Boating

You’ll love having your dog out on the open water with you when he or she is wearing a Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket Vest for Swimming and Boating. This is made from quick drying material that is breathable. It’s lightweight and buoyant to allow for a full range of motion. It comes in sizes ranging between XX-small to X-Large and it’s offered in eight color patterns, so you can pick the one you like the most. It combines a stylish silhouette with premium neoprene materials. This won’t cause chafing or overheating. It is equipped with a pull handle on top.

Key Features:

  • Breathable and lightweight
  • Pull handle on top
  • Non-chafing
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For those who have small dogs

Best for Tiny Dogs

Want to keep your Chihuahua or Pomeranian safe while they swim? Consider the RUFFWEAR Float Coat Dog Life Jacket. This is a cute canine life vest that has strategically placed closed-cell foam panels to let your dog swim naturally upright. It is offered in an xx-small size, as well as X-small, small, medium large, and x-large. There are three different colors to pick from: sockeye red, wave orange, and blue atoll. It has durable webbing that maintains stability. It has reflective trim to make it easier to spot your dog.

Key Features:

  • Offered in six sizes, including xx-small
  • Strategically placed closed-cell foam panels
  • Durable webbing
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Have fun with your dog’s vest design

Most Fun

Is that a terrifying sea creature? Nope! It’s just your dog rocking the Queenmore Dog Life Jacket. It is offered in three different designs that will give your dog a more aquatic feeling. They can turn into a grey shark with a fin on the back, a pink shark with a pink fin, or a pink fish with a pink tail. This also can fit dogs who are measured XX-large, as well as dogs ranging all the way down to X-small. There is a durable grabbing handle on the top to help you rescue a pup if need be. The nylon straps are adjustable and the buckles will make a quick release when you squeeze them.

Key Features:

  • Grey or pink shark or pink fish design
  • Sizes ranging between XX-large and X-small
  • Nylon straps are adjustable
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Chris Hachey Commerce Editor

Chris Hachey is Senior Commerce Editor for BGR. With over a decade of editing and journalism experience, plus thousands of hours of product testing and research, he has helped millions of consumers find the best products and deals to fit their lifestyles.

When he's not searching for top deals, he's likely watching his favorite sports teams or walking around his hometown with his wife and his dog.