Life Jacket/Flotation vest?

M

Moobli

...
Joined
13 June 2013
Messages
6,142
Visit site
Dog life jackets ... does anyone use them? My two love swimming and it is an excellent form of exercise especially in hot weather, but not being a particularly strong swimmer myself I find myself worrying that if I overdo it they might get tired and drown! :oops: Am I being totally silly, or is it something that would be a wise investment if they are going to be doing a lot of swimming? Any recommendations of makes/types?
 
Ruffwear do lifejackets. Our terrier is a pretty poor swimmer (very enthusiastic, but his technique is to sink up to his nose and then paddle frantically) and only weighs 8kg. So I've been considering getting one for him for holidays. However if he was a stronger swimmer I would leave him without for fear it would get caught on something. If you look at incidents where owners have gone into water to rescue their dogs, it's almost always the owner who drowns, not the dogs. Dogs seem to have a remarkable ability to extricate themselves from situations that would kill a human. I've no idea how though.

https://www.mountaindog.uk/collecti...9pNV5pmbEwyccIwxKkPiklLU-HP7MuDhoCz9UQAvD_BwE
 
I use them for my dogs when we go out on our boat. I will have a look later for the make.
 

Attachments

  • 6BAB9D5A-BAE1-43A8-AC03-57AF46BEA36A.jpeg
    6BAB9D5A-BAE1-43A8-AC03-57AF46BEA36A.jpeg
    808.6 KB · Views: 6
I walk a collie who loves to swim. I find the key is not to overdo it. I allow him to go in and out to swim a couple of times, after that I only allow him to paddle (for the reasons you state).
 
Widgeon said:
Ruffwear do lifejackets. Our terrier is a pretty poor swimmer (very enthusiastic, but his technique is to sink up to his nose and then paddle frantically) and only weighs 8kg. So I've been considering getting one for him for holidays. However if he was a stronger swimmer I would leave him without for fear it would get caught on something. If you look at incidents where owners have gone into water to rescue their dogs, it's almost always the owner who drowns, not the dogs. Dogs seem to have a remarkable ability to extricate themselves from situations that would kill a human. I've no idea how though.

https://www.mountaindog.uk/collecti...9pNV5pmbEwyccIwxKkPiklLU-HP7MuDhoCz9UQAvD_BwE
Click to expand...

Hmm very good points actually. Mine are good, strong swimmers so I probably don't have much to worry about. We live right beside a reservoir so they get plenty of opportunity to swim and are not that likely to get caught up in anything, but if I take them to other ponds/lakes etc I guess there is a risk of getting caught on reeds or rocks underwater etc.
 
Amymay said:
I walk a collie who loves to swim. I find the key is not to overdo it. I allow him to go in and out to swim a couple of times, after that I only allow him to paddle (for the reasons you state).
Click to expand...

Yes I probably need to just build up the duration they are in the water gradually and make sure not to overdo it. Thank you.
 
Tawny would swim until she drowns. I have to be very firm. She doesn’t even swim in a relaxed manner but lifts her front legs up to make a splash and then catches it in her mouth.??
 
I'll ask what type they use at the dog pool I take Willow to. She doesn't wear one because she swims better than the darned fishes but I've seen their flotation devices hung up and they don't look at all cumbersome - they even have a handle on the back.

We're going swimming on Saturday, so I'll try to remember to ask.

Willow would also swim until she drowned, hence why we have to do 'controlled' expensive swimming at a proper pool :)
 
Thank you but I think I’ve decided not to worry as they’re both very good, strong swimmers and only swim when I direct them to, rather than of their own volition.
 
We use them on the boat not because they can't swim but because it's very difficult to lift a wet dog back into the boat if they fall in and the lifejacket has a handle on the back. Funny story the make is crewsaver and a man asked if he was sent in after people drowning!
 
Nahla has her life jacket for the boat, it’s outward hound. She doesn’t wear it when swimming though. The main reason is if she goes over the jacket has handles so we can lift her out! She’s a good swimmer but can never be too careful. Plus keeps her warm in our Irish summers ?

And yes, those are doggles, doggy sunglasses to protect her eyes in wind/sea spray, she’s the coolest oldie on the beach ?
9A35E493-DF72-4798-821F-CE2FC574B192.jpeg
 
Widgeon said:
Ruffwear do lifejackets. Our terrier is a pretty poor swimmer (very enthusiastic, but his technique is to sink up to his nose and then paddle frantically) and only weighs 8kg. So I've been considering getting one for him for holidays. However if he was a stronger swimmer I would leave him without for fear it would get caught on something. If you look at incidents where owners have gone into water to rescue their dogs, it's almost always the owner who drowns, not the dogs. Dogs seem to have a remarkable ability to extricate themselves from situations that would kill a human. I've no idea how though.

https://www.mountaindog.uk/collecti...9pNV5pmbEwyccIwxKkPiklLU-HP7MuDhoCz9UQAvD_BwE
Click to expand...

Resurrecting this post - Jack is getting one as he’s about to start canoeing ?!

What size would I need for a large Shitsu?
 
Assuming the lifejackets are similar sizing to the harnesses - we use a size Small harness on our dog (8kg terrier). So I reckon you'd be looking at either Small or X-Small - is there anywhere you can try a Ruffwear product on him to check? Do share canoeing photos with us!!
 
Widgeon said:
Assuming the lifejackets are similar sizing to the harnesses - we use a size Small harness on our dog (8kg terrier). So I reckon you'd be looking at either Small or X-Small - is there anywhere you can try a Ruffwear product on him to check? Do share canoeing photos with us!!
Click to expand...

Will have to look around locally. There’s a surf shop that might sell them ?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top