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…
Funny dog video: Pup has an adorable reaction to a superhero pet on TV
Do dogs understand when a pup barks on TV? We look into it
Dog barks outside in a lawn

We all love to see ourselves on the big screen, and our canines want to see themselves too. It's true that many dogs can watch television and enjoy it, particularly when they spot another furry friend up there. That's why you might show your beastie 101 Dalmations or throw on the Discovery channel if you're looking for a big reaction. This pup became particularly excited when he spotted a superhero dog on the TV in a dog video on TikTok entitled "Representation Matters."

The video starts with a clever four-legger watching Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 while sitting on his owner's bed. It's very clear that this movie is one of his favorites, and we're about to see why. Our dog friend is enraptured by the film but becomes even more excited when Cosmo, the pup in the film, comes onto the screen. The text tells us to "Watch my dog realize who the real hero is..." In his excitement, the little bud runs up to the screen barking and wagging his tail — thrilled to see Cosmo the dog save the day. You can see the pure joy in the pooch while he jumps up and down to celebrate.

Read more
Is your dog barking nonstop? Here’s how to get your noisy pup under control
How to step in and help your noisy dog stay quiet when barking nonstop
Dog barking at night

If you’ve ever tossed and turned because your neighbor’s pooch barked all night, then you know how incredibly frustrating a noisy dog can be. Don’t let your pup be "that" dog in your community. While it's perfectly natural for Fido to bark occasionally, excessive barking at unreasonable hours or for long periods is unneighborly.

Experts at the American Kennel Club (AKC) say that preventing nuisance barking should be a top priority for responsible pet parents. If you live with a loud four-legger that barks nonstop, take steps now to resolve the problem before your neighbor complains (or you lose your mind).

Read more
How hot does concrete get in the sun? The answer might shock you
a boston terrier wearing booties lies on a blue plaid blanket

As much as dogs love going for a walk, standing on concrete during the summer can make it unbearable. It’s easy to overlook this painful detail since you’re probably used to wearing shoes, but this is why investing in dog paw heat protection is more than important for your pup’s well-being — it’s essential.
Simple accessories like dog paw nonslip booties can protect your fur baby's feet from the heat, but they’ll no doubt take some getting used to. There are many products you can consider for your pup, but nothing beats moving your walk to the beginning or end of the day. The air and the pavement will both be less scalding — which will benefit you, too!

Why you should protect your dog’s paws
Do you know how hot concrete can get? In an informational video from the VCA, Dr. Sarah Hoggan measures the temperature of different surfaces on a 92-degree (Fahrenheit) day:

Read more