Neoprene vests

[milo'n'molly]

Just wondering what people's views are on these vests. I have a dog who loves swimming and I know that it's great exercise for him. I keep him out of the water altogether in the winter but now it's warming up a bit he likes to swim but the water hasn't had chance to warm up yet. Should I keep him out of the water altogether still or is it worth trying one of these vests

http://www.produckandgoosehuntingsupplies.com/collections/_avery-dog-jackets

They seem to be designed for hunter / retrievers so wondered if any of you lot have used them? How did you find them? Does it make a difference to keep your dog warm?
Thanks

 

[PorkChop]

I have seen these on spaniels, but tbh they would have to be fitted pretty tight to make a difference which imho must impede their swimming movement. They also don't cover that much of the dog, I presume so that they are still able to swim freely.

My spaniels swim throughout the year, including the winter when they are working - so they could be sitting/working some time before getting dried off. I prefer a quick dry with a towel and an Equafleece put on until they are completely dry.

I make sure they are fed well, plenty of fat/oil, and are fit, this helps with their recovery and being able to cope with lower temperatures.

 

[milo'n'molly]

Thanks, reading up on them they aren't supposed to be tight enough to keep the dog dry. It's supposed to stop a constant flow of cold water over the dog, so keeps warmed water next to the dog. He has a collection of coats/fleeces/jumpers to dry him off but he's not a typical working dog like a lab or spaniel so whilst it's something he loves it's not something he's built for.
Maybe I'm being too soft

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Dunno about for swimming, but I want one for Bear who has thin rubbish fur on his chest and after being in any cover, he comes out in little us rules from the brambles. It isn't pretty so I'm going to get him one before he's allowed back to the woods!