Factor 1: Buoyancy
This comes on top of the list.
After all, the primary purpose of a dog life jacket is to help your pooch float easily even with the lack of swimming skills. Dogs, just like humans, can get exhausted too which makes it harder for them to stay afloat for long. This can be worsened if your canine friend tries to swim against strong water currents or is generally trying to float.
Floatation paddings vary from one brand to another. Some have them at the sides, surrounding the back, or under the belly. The location of the floatation paddings solely depends on the size, shape, and weight of your dog.
Its ability to swim should also come as a consideration.
As a general guideline, look out for dog life jackets with front floatation capacities. That is floatation paddings in the neck and chest areas to ensure the dog's head stays above water at all times.
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Factor 2: Bright Colors And Reflective Trims
Accidents can easily occur, and fast action may be necessary to rescue your dog. Your pooch may be having a merry time splashing water and swimming but can get carried away by strong waves.
It could be hard to notice your pooch from a distance. That is why a bright-colored life vest is recommended.
In most cases, bright means orange, red, or any other shouting colors that screams attention. This also helps those who are having water games such as boat riding, surfing, skiing, among other water activities, to identify the dog and avoid hitting them easily.
A reflective strip comes in handy when your furry friend gets lost and is out of sight in low visibility times, probably when it is dark. You will need a reflective trim on its life vest to easily spot your pooch from a distance and be able to rescue them.
Factor 3: Rescue Handles
A sturdy and durable handle is the most recommended type as it comes in handy when rescuing your pooch. A decent dog life jacket should have at least one handle which you can use to pull the dog from the water especially if they are scared, tired, or generally disobliging.
For most small and medium-sized doggies, just one strong handle is enough and is best found on the top part. It makes grabbing easier and faster. For the bigger dogs, a life vest with two handles, preferably on the sides is more ideal. This is because you can use both hands as leverage over the weight and size of the dog.
Factor 4: Size & Fit
Different manufacturers make life vests in different sizes.
Getting started on buying a dog life jacket requires one to take the measurements of their dog and compare them with the ones placed by the manufacturer. You may not get the exact measurement, so it is recommended to get one that is close.
While taking measurements, consider the following:
- Weight: Different dog life jackets are designed for different weight ranges and can only be effective if your dog falls in that range.
- Size of the neck and chest: To ensure the vest fits incorrectly, make sure to know your dog's girths around the neck and rib cage. This ensures maximum comfort for it which eventually translates to security. A tight jacket may not be comfortable while a loose one may even slip off.
- Length: To ensure adequate coverage, make sure you measure your pet's length from the neck to the base of the tail. This provides for maximum efficiency of the dog life jacket.
Before making a purchase, it is also essential to test and see if the life vest fits correctly. Even though these jackets have adjustable straps, they don't promise a well-fitting jacket. You can test your pooch's mobility in the jacket. You can also check how comfortable they are by having them sit, stand or run in the jackets.
Make sure that the vest easily slides in through your dog's neck, with enough wiggle room even after closing the buckles and straps. None of these attachments should rub against your pooch uncomfortably as this may lead to chafing. One easy way of finding the perfect fit is by sliding your fingers in between the dog and the straps to make sure they are not too tight.
However, in case you have bought a life vest that doesn't seem to fit incorrectly, you can always return it to the store and have it exchanged for a fitting one.
Factor 5: Durability
We all love to buy products that last longer and do not require frequent maintenance.
Purchase of a dog life jacket should be a one-off affair and not a recurrent expenditure. Moreover, it is not just about the durability of the product but also the quality of the material. This will tell you how safe and secure your pooch will be even in your absence.
Look for a product that is made from rip resistance materials, can withstand long-time strapping and tugging, and above all, it should be an all-weather product.
If your pooch likes to chew its toys or just anything they find, be sure to look for a jacket without any loose straps the dog can get their mouth on.
Another factor one can consider is whether it contains a leash attachment loop. This usually comes in handy when you are not able to lift your canine friend, maybe due to its weight or any other reasons, and there is a strong wave coming. Clipping the jacket on a leash will help you keep your canine companion closer to you; take it to the shore or until you get help.
Reading reviews, like this one, will also help you get started on getting yourself a good life vest. Be sure to get honest reviews that do not have any commercial affiliation with any brands.
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