Suzie Dundas is a freelance outdoor travel and gear writer in northern California. She's the outdoor editor at Matador Network and author of Hiking Lake Tahoe. Follow her on Instagram & TikTok.
Hot temperatures and blue skies can mean only one thing: it’s time for a dip. Depending on where you live, heading out for a day on the water can mean going to the beach, floating the river, or hiking out to a secluded swimming hole. No matter where you live, there’s a good chance someone in your crew will have a dog in tow—after all, the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that roughly 38 percent of households include a dog. Fortunately, there’s no reason to leave Fido behind when you hit the water—just make sure to have a dog life jacket handy to ensure your pup enjoys the day as much as you do.
Why does a dog need a life jacket?
Sure, your outdoorsy dog may be a great swimmer. But since they can’t tell you when they're tired, cold, or in too deep, a life vest is a smart accessory to have on hand. Dog life vests help prevent your dog from overexertion and ensures they will stay afloat if they unexpectedly fall off your raft, kayak, SUP, etc. Unlike humans, dogs can’t gauge distances or read currents well, so wearing a pooch-friendly flotation device ensures they don’t get in over their head (literally) if they start paddling in the wrong direction.
What to look for in a dog life jacket:
Comfort: Is the life vest comfortable for your dog? Does it impede his or her movement? Check to see if your dog moves around normally while wearing the life jacket, and make sure it doesn’t pinch their skin or create any red/rubbing spots.
Fit: Dogs come in all sizes, and not every brand will fit every dog, so you may need to try a few different options. Be sure to check size charts if shopping online. A life jacket that is too big will be easy for your dog to slip out of, which is a worst-case-scenario when your dog is out on the water.
Buoyancy: Obviously, your dog needs to float when wearing a life jacket. If he or she sinks, the jacket isn’t buoyant enough (and is probably too small).
Visibility: Always choose a brightly colored dog life vest so you can spot your pup quickly if he or she gets caught in a current or starts floating further than expected from your boat.
What if my dog doesn’t like the water?
Then that’s that. As fun as it is to float with your dog or enjoy a day at the lake, not every dog likes playing in the water or is a strong swimmer, and you never want to force your pup to get in the water if they are scared or uncomfortable—and as a dog owner, it's on you to recognize that. Some dogs may only be comfortable in swimming pools, while other dogs may love the beach, but only if the waves come no higher than their belly. You should have a dog life jacket on hand when you begin to introduce your dog to water activities, but don’t be discouraged if your dog decides they’d rather be your hiking buddy than your boating buddy.
Read on below for our top picks for the best life jackets for dogs. And have a safe summer!