Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best dog life jackets to keep your pup safe

Gabrielle LaFrank
By

You’ve probably seen dogs who happily jump into the water to fetch a toy, or maybe you have a pup who seems just as comfortable in the water as on land. It can be difficult to see how such athletic dogs can end up in need of rescuing, but it can happen in an instant.

Do dogs need life jackets? Yes. Even comfortable canine swimmers can take an unexpected fall into the water. Life jackets give dogs added buoyancy, which carries them to the surface faster and makes swimming less tiring over long distances.

Recommended Videos

Wearing a life jacket, whether in an emergency or not, can help your pup save energy and keep her head above water. Many even make it easier for you to help her if need be. Here are four of the best dog life jackets to help keep your fur baby safe, whether you’re boating, fishing, or just playing by the lake.

Kong Sport AquaPro Dog Flotation Vest

Your pup will be ready to hit the beach in style (and safety!) with Kong’s AquaPro Dog Flotation Vest. Three layers of foam help your pup stay afloat and in the most natural swimming position for a dog, so you won’t have to worry about her getting tired or sore. With safety as a top concern, Kong fashioned this vest with reflective straps for visibility, a pocket to hold a safety light, and an extra-long rescue handle on top. Three clasps and padded fasteners on the neck, back, and stomach, respectively, help keep your pup both secure and comfy — a win-win in one jacket!

Queenmore Ripstop Dog Safety Vest

For a life jacket that’s as adorable as it is effective, Queenmore’s Ripstop model is a smart choice. Not only does your pup get to be the cutest little shark you’ve ever seen, but she’ll also find swimming much easier. There are flotation devices at the neck, back, and belly when your pup is wearing this, so she’ll be supported from all angles. With strong yet breathable fabrics such as polyethylene foam, mesh, and oxford cloth, this vest will last and be easy to clean for years — so you’ll ready for your next trip to the ocean in no time!

Frisco Neoprene Dog Life Jacket

For a sleek and snug life jacket with everything it needs to keep your dog safe for all-day water play, look no further. This jacket by Frisco uses both neoprene and 30 millimeters of foam not only to help your dog stay topside but to keep her warm as well. To ensure the best fit, the straps are adjustable and have side buckles for easy fastening. The D-ring attachment in front can also be used as a leash attachment, so you won’t have to swap harnesses while walking to and from the water.

Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket

As Amazon’s number-one bestseller in canine life jackets, Outward Hound’s version of the classic safety vest simplifies finding a life jacket that’s just right for your pup. You need to know only your dog’s girth to get the right size, which means there’s a perfect fit for animals of any height, weight, and length. In addition to flotation attachments all around the vest, similar to other models, this life jacket includes a front float to help your pup keep her head above the surface. Outward Hound’s life jackets also have reflective material as well as reinforced safety handles at the top of the vest, so you can have peace of mind knowing your fur baby is safe and snug while she enjoys the water.

These four life vests are just a few of the high-quality options available online and in pet stores today, but they are popular for a reason! Durable material, quality buoyancy, and rescue accessories (such as the handle on top) are the most important features to consider, but whatever you choose, make sure to properly measure your dog following the life jacket instructions. Proper sizing is even more important when you’re dealing with safety, so be sure to get a good fit and hit the beach!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
How to tell if your older dog’s health decline means the end is near
Signs your old pup is close to the end-of-life period
An old Great Dane with a white face leaning against a man's side.

If you've stumbled across this article after searching terms like "old dog behavior before death," we are so sorry for your situation. There's nothing we want more than for our fur babies to live forever. Unfortunately, death is a part of life we all must face, and the loss of a pet is a major trauma because of the tight bonds we form with our fur babies.

Knowing death's a part of life doesn't make the loss of a pet any easier — it can be as difficult as losing a human family member. Despite the many ways we can try to grieve once our beloved pet has passed, it can be helpful to know the end is near. Here's what you should look for if you suspect your dog may be nearing the end of the road.  

Read more
Looking for signs your dog has ticks? These telltale symptoms mean you have a flea or tick problem
What to lookout for if your dog has ticks or fleas
Beagle scratching body

Fleas and ticks are common issues with dogs, but they aren't harmless. These pests attach themselves to a dogs' body, feed off their blood, and make them extremely uncomfortable, if not ill. It can be a miserable experience — for both you and your pet. Left undetected, fleas and ticks can transmit a host of unsavory diseases. You need to keep a close eye out for the signs your dog has ticks.

So, where does a dog pick up these nasty critters, anyway? And if they do, how will you know? We’ve got the answers plus a few tricks on how to prevent them (and why this matters). These are the sign your dog has ticks or fleas.

Read more
Video: This family dog is the world’s best babysitter
This golden takes the best care of his tiny human
A dog sits outside and watches a baby

If you think family dogs don't make good babysitters, think again. While it's true a lot of pets encourage mischief, sometimes a particularly sweet animal will be perfect for the role of human watching. This adorable beastie has his child minding duties down to a science, as seen in the latest TikTok video in which a happy golden retriever follows around his little girl bestie as she plays through her day. It's called "Who needs a babysitter?" and proves that our buds are up to the task. (Okay, so you shouldn't actually leave your dog in charge of your child — but there are definitely pups out there who make perfect companions for kids.)

"Dogs can't be babysitters," reads the first title in this funny dog video. We see our golden star with his small child and then cut to her in the bounce house with the label "My dog." What follows is a look at all the ways he watches her go about the life of an active toddler, always followed by her trusty companion. (Obviously, the pup pup is not truly babysitting as presumably the parent is the one filming.) In addition to being safe, she clearly adores the attention of her furry friend.

Read more