Safety First: Tips For When Your Dog Is Wearing A Life Jacket
It goes without saying, a dog life jacket saves lives and gives a safer experience. It is important to remember that safety is the number one priority when embarking on a watery adventure with your beloved pet.
To optimize safety, consider these tips before hitting the water:
- Positive training for your dog
- Correct fitting life vest
- Matching the DFD to the activity
- Supervision
- Doggy first-aid kits on hand
What Breed Produces The Most Puppies
As mentioned earlier, a dogs size and therefore her breed is probably the most important single factor that influences litter size. Larger dogs produce larger litters, so it stands to reason that breeds with larger average size will produce more puppies than breeds with smaller average body size will.
Simply put, Great Danes will usually produce larger litters than Chihuahuas will. We cant find a reliable study that has sought to determine the most fertile breed, but it is surely one of the largest ones, such as one of the mastiffs, Irish wolfhounds, or Great Danes.
However, it is a bit more difficult to determine which breed will usually produce the most puppies over the females entire lifetime. This is partially due to the fact that small dogs routinely live much longer than large breeds do. A Pomeranian may, for example, live to be 15 years of age, while Irish wolfhounds usually only live for about half as long.
So, while the Pomeranians litters are likely to be much smaller than those of a wolfhound, the Pomeranian will have the chance to produce many more litters over the course of her life.
Additionally, small breeds tend to experience their first heat at a younger age than larger breeds do . They also tend to cycle more quickly, which also makes them more likely to produce more litters than larger breeds.
Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket
For a more economical option, our choice is the Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket. It features two handles on top that can make hauling a heavieror extraordinarily feistydog a fair amount easier. Theres extra fabric for comfort around the belly, and it comes in four bright colorsincluding one with a really cute fish design. The one thing its missing is a D-ring, but for this price, it could be a good choice for anyone who will get only occasional use out of a life jacket.
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Vivaglory Sports Ripstop Dog Life Vest
Vivaglorys new sports style dog life jacket comes in three sizes to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes. The clever design includes three fully adjustable quick-connect comfort straps around the neck, chest, and stomach to ensure the perfect fit.
This jacket has been specifically designed to keep your dog in a swimming position in the water without restricting his natural movement.
One of our favorite things about this life vest for dogs is that it comes in a variety of bright, fun colors with reflective trim, so its fashionable while providing excellent visibility both in and out of the water.
For your peace of mind, the Vivaglory is made of extremely durable, heavy-duty 600D oxford cloth so youll never have to worry about your dog tearing it, no matter where he roams.
We also appreciate the superior buoyancy of this flotation device that ensures your pup will stay afloat even in rough waters. A sturdy rescue handle is also included in the design, which is great for pulling your dog out of the water or lifting him out of the boat.
This jacket has a sports style design thats nice and roomy around the neck to accommodate a wide variety of activities, including swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and hunting.
Are Dogs Required To Wear Life Jackets On Boats In Texas
Every state and country has its own rules about boat safety for humans and dogs.
So whether your state and country have a rule for dogs to wear a life jacket or not, you must take precautions and keep a life jacket on your dog whenever you are out on the boat with them.
Its always better to be safe than sorry!
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Cutest Dog Life Jacket
Not only will this dog life jacket keep your pup safe, but hell look adorable as he swims. The Frisco Shark Dog Life Jacket helps your dog stay afloat with double-layer foam for extra buoyancy. This life jacket comes in four sizes: extra-small through large, and three colors: rose, grey, and orange. There is a secure handle with reinforced stitches attached to the top of the jacket, as well as a D-ring to secure a leash. Furthermore, the life jacket has a shark fin on the back, adding a cute element to this floatation device. This jacket also has reflective buckle straps that help keep your dog seen, but dont restrict his motion while swimming.
Customers who have reviewed this dog life jacket like the quality as well as the fun shark fin. Reviewers write that the jacket fits well, supports dogs of a variety of sizes, and allows for dogs to safely partake in many water activities.
AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
How To Help Dogs Overcome The Fear Of Water
- 1. Usually, dogs are more afraid of the first contact with water, so the dog owner can take care of the dog’s first water psychology and never roughly throw the dog into the water. It is best to let the dog’s feet feel first if they do not resist rewarding some snacks.
- 2. You can put the dog’s favorite toys into the water and then encourage the dog to enter the water. Again, this should be done slowly. Do not rush, never.
- 3. Lifejackets can help build confidence. And some dogs love them!
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Do Goldens Need Life Vests
First things first get your Golden Retriever a life jacket. Unlike other breeds, theres a decent chance they wont need it. Or at the least, wont need it for very long. However, its fairly cheap and could provide a timid dog with extra confidence.
The AKC recommends using dog life jackets despite the breed. Plus, not all Golden Retrievers will be fantastic swimmers off the bat. If anything, it can provide peace of mind for you.
The Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket is the only life vest that weve used and can actually recommend. Its very buoyant and made with high quality, but the best feature is the rescue handles just in case.
For Golden Retrievers of full adult size, we recommend Large or Extra-Large. But if you need one for a puppy, make sure to check the sizing charts. Just remember that these dogs grow very fast and can outgrow the vest in a few months!
Is It Safe For Golden Retrievers To Swim In Cold Water
Their special coats make Golden Retrievers better equipped than many breeds to swim in cold water for longer periods. The double coat makes them effectively water-resistant dogs. Offering a wool-like feel, the undercoat keeps these dogs warm.
The topcoat, also known as guard hairs, provides maximum protection against debris and dirt. Being water-repellent, the topcoat maintains the dryness of the skin efficiently. So, the special double coat feature makes Goldens swim in cold water without getting exhausted or uncomfortable easily.
All these qualities of the coat provide outstanding benefits for Golden Retrievers in water.
Overexposure to cold temperatures for an extended period makes most dog breeds highly vulnerable to energy loss, disorientation, and joint stiffness.
With excellent protection from their thick coats, Goldens are less likely to experience these symptoms while swimming in cold water.
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Teaching Your Golden Retriever To Swim
Starting your dog off at a young age is the best way to give them a life-long love of water. Never throw or push your dog into the water. If your dogs natural instincts dont kick in, they could drown. This can also be scary and traumatic for your dog, which can cause them to have a fear of water.
The first thing you need to teach your dog before swimming is how to get out of the water safely. If your dog does not know how to get out using steps,or going to shore, they will try to climb out or swim away from land. Which can lead to injuries or drowning. This is crucial if you are near a body of water.
Teaching a Young Golden Retriever to Swim
Some dogs will jump right in and begin doggy paddling at their first encounter with water. If your dog doesnt do this, its okay you can teach them. Using a calm pool for the first lessons is the safest way to teach them how to swim since it is an enclosed environment with few distractions.
I recommend using a doggy life vest with a handle when your dog is learning to swim. This will allow them to focus on using their legs to paddle and not have to worry about staying up. In addition, the handle can help you guide them around as they get comfortable. If your dog doesnt begin to paddle in the water, try moving their legs in the paddling motion, this will show them the correct movements to do. Eventually, they should start paddling all by themselves!
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Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket Vest For Swimming And Boating
If youre looking for an affordable dog life jacket that comes in a variety of fun colors, youve come to the right place with this product. The mesh underbelly is more comfortable for dogs than having bare straps rubbing the belly.
Price: $
- 6 sizes and 8 colors
- Mesh underbelly is more comfortable than plain straps
- Quick-dry fade-resistant material
- Has a D-ring to attach a leash
User Reviews: This life jacket is more adjustable than some of the other jackets and has fewer poor-fit complaints. However, there are a fair number of quality complaints with stitches ripping in as little as one use.
Bottom Line: There is a good chance this life jacket will fit your dog and work well, but it may not last very long and will need to be replaced sooner than you like.
- Has a D-ring to attach a leash
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
User Reviews: The sizing runs a little small, and the x-large wont fit any dog larger than a Golden Retriever, but most people love this product.
Bottom Line: As long as you dont have a very large dog, this is a great life jacket for the price.
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Life Jackets Have Convenient Handles
Dog life vests come equipped with a grab handle on top that makes it much easier to haul your dog to safety as shown here. This doggie personal flotation device feature is great for assisting your dog when swimming and can be a real lifesaver if he gets into trouble.
If youre on a boat and your dog slips overboard, grab the handle and keep him close to the boat until youre able to lift him to safety.
Reasons To Use A Dog Life Jacket
The foremost reason to use a dog life jacket is for your pets safety. A life jacket is an essential item for a dog that is going to accompany you on the water. You cant keep a watchful eye on your dog at all times, and you dont want to take the chance of an accident happening if your dog should slip overboard. With a dog life jacket on, you can rest assured that there will be no question of your pet drowning if they fall into the water, and that in the event something untoward happens, your dog will be spotted at once and rescued.
Due to age, health, and temperament reasons, all Golden Retrievers are not good swimmers, and they will appreciate having a dog life jacket to assist them in keeping them afloat in the water. Even strong canine swimmers can tire out, and a life jacket will come in handy until they can regain their breath and energy.
Some dogs are nervous about going into the water but may gain confidence from wearing a dog life jacket. Once they realize they are not going to sink and drown, they will be able to relax and enjoy their time in the water. You may even have trouble dragging them out when it is time to go home.
Golden Retrievers that work in search and rescue operations on water bodies need to be fitted with dog life jackets to protect them from cold water and to keep them safe in the course of their work.
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Enjoy Swimming With Your Dog And His New Life Vest
But before you do, make sure you check out our other articles thatll be helpful for your canines aquatic adventures!
Do you fit your pet with a life vest before taking him swimming? Do you have a favorite model that we didnt discuss?
Let us know in the comments below!
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Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog Life Vest
This Kurgo jacket has numerous positive reviews for versatility in its three-in-one design. Remove the floatation layer to have a neat canine rain jacket for those wetter walks in the Fall. There is no better multi-purpose life vest available.
The Surf n Turf dog life vest also features two handles on the back. Yes that is right, two! This gives you a better grip and provides even more comfort for your pooch while being hauled back up on your paddle board or boat.
However, it is recommended that you stick to shallower and calmer waters when using this one. If you want to get on some rougher oceans perhaps choose a different DFD.
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Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket For Swimming Adjustable And Reflective
The RUFFWEAR Float Coat is designed to allow your dog to swim naturally in an upright position. One thing that sets it apart from other life jackets is that it has a place to attach a beacon to make it even easier to spot your dog in rough water.
Price: $$$$$
- 3 colors and 6 sizes
- 1 handle on the back
- D-ring for attaching a leash
- Machine washable
User Reviews: Relatively speaking, there arent many complaints about this product, and many of the complaints are about it not fitting small dogs well. The large neck hole that doesnt adjust much is another complaint.
Bottom Line: If your dog is an unusual size or shape, you may have a hard time getting this life vest to fit. However, if it fits your dog well, its one of the best dog life jackets you can find. Its sturdy, machine washable, and reliable, which is why weve made this our top pick.
- 2 belly straps and 1 neck strap
- Neck float to help keep a dogs head out of the water
User Reviews: Despite a few complaints of rips and tears, especially with the handles tearing off, most people are thrilled with the quality of this life jacket, especially for the price point. The two handles make it easy to pull dogs into a boat from the water.
Bottom Line: This budget-friendly life jacket may not last more than one season, but its still one of the best dog life jackets out there. The Granby comes in smaller sizes than most other dog life jackets, making it our top pick for the best small dog life jacket.
Price: $$$$
Paws Aboard Neon Yellow Doggy Life Jacket Review
For about $21-23 you can purchase the large or extra-large size of the Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jacket. This life jacket for dogs comes in a bright neon yellow color. You certainly wont misplace your dog! Some vendors sell the XL size for about $45, so shop around!
The manufacturer is called Fido Pet Products and they make six different styles of this life jacket, but they are not all sold online. The sizing of the neon yellow variety is what well focus on in this review.
Please review the sizing PDF chart for this particular product before ordering.
This product is sold in 6 different sizes from XXS up to XL. The large size is designed for 50-80 lbs. dogs, and the XL size is designed for dogs weighing more than 90 lbs. Some of the key features:
- Reflective strips
- Handle on top for easy grabbing
- Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles and Velcro
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Do Dogs Float In Water
Dogs naturally float much in the same way as humans do. While they are naturally buoyant, this does not mean that are not at risk. Dogs will also naturally start to paddle when they find themselves in water, but if they panic, they can quickly find themselves sinking. They may also not have the strength and stamina to get themselves to safety.
How Do I Know That My Golden Can Swim
Most Goldens love to swim, and its excellent exercise for them, even when young. Introduce them to water and let them explore on their own. If they are unsure about the water, you might get in and swim out a bit to encourage them, but let them take their own time. Younger puppies might be more standoffish to water than they would be in another month or two thats normal. Never toss a dog into water that doesnt want to go in! Sometimes a water-crazy older dog is perfect to have along to help teach your dog to appreciate swimming. You might also try tossing in a toy for him to get, but be prepared to go out and retrieve it yourself if he doesnt!
If you have a swimming pool, just remember that the dog hair in the pool will mean you need to clean the pool more frequently. Be sure that your dog knows how to get out of the swimming pool, and do not leave them unattended with access to the pool.
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