A dog life vest can be a valuable investment for any dog owner. You might be thinking that dogs are good swimmers, so a vest is unnecessary. However, younger dogs and older animals might not be physically capable of swimming well. And while some breeds, like retrievers and spaniels, generally feel very at home when swimming, other breeds do not. A squat breed, like the bulldog, or a breed with low body fat, such as the boxer, might find it very difficult to swim. Even among breeds that usually relish the water, individual dogs can widely differ in skill and enjoyment.
Don’t assume that your dog will be a star swimmer. Maybe you’ve already taken your dog swimming, though, and you know he’s strong in the water. Consider buying a vest anyway. Imagine what might happen if you’re out boating, and your dog falls overboard. Or say your dog is swimming, and the water suddenly turns rough. Even the best swimmer can get tired and be unable to make it back to shore. The vest will provide valuable flotation aid that might make the difference between life and death for your pet. Also, a brightly colored vest will make a lost dog stand out like a beacon in a body of water, thus making for an easier rescue. What should you keep in mind when buying a vest?
First of all, choose the appropriate size for your dog. A vest that is too large or too small can end up being a safety hazard rather than an aid. Each vest is especially designed for a particular size and weight of dog. With careful checking, you should find out that best suits your pet. Remember, sizes differ across manufacturers. A small size sold by one company might be another’s business size medium. For this reason, buying online is not advised. The best method is to visit a store in person. Once you have located what you think is the correct size of vest, place it on your dog and see how it fits. Make sure the vest is secure on the dog, but not too tight. The dog should be able to move freely and be comfortable, yet not be able to wiggle free. Avoid vests that have too many straps, which may work their work loose and get snagged on items. Color is one more important factor. The best method is to pick a vest color that will stand out against water, for superior visibility. Also, buy one that is a different color than your dog is. Orange is a popular choice.
Finally, don’t forget to look at the washing instructions. A machine-washable vest will be easiest to get clean. Desirable features include reflective strips and a pickup handle that you can grab to assist your dog in getting out of the water. When buying a vest, you will probably be looking at a price range of $15-50. Many brands are available. Since this product is not regulated, you will have to rely on your own judgment, online customer reviews, and advice from other dog owners or salespeople when selecting the best vest for your dog.
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