Best Dog Life Jacket Canada: Whatever Floats Your… Dog?

Most dogs are decent swimmers, but even skilled water dogs can get tired or swept up in a current. Choosing the best dog life jacket is a matter of life and death, so make sure that you know what to look for to keep your doggo safe.

A dog life jacket is similar to human life jackets but designed to properly fit the unique shape of your dog. Many brands have dual rescue handles and reflective trim for improved visibility and safety. The reflective piping is easily visible while your furry friend carries out the dog paddle.

Canine life jackets help dogs learn to swim and will keep them safe in open water. Whether you are taking a dip in your backyard pool, exploring the lake on your next camping trip with your dog, or participating in popular dog water sports like kayaking, a dog life jacket is a must-have accessory

They may seem silly, but dog life jackets are an essential accessory for dogs who love swimming. Whether they are in your pool or at the lake, keeping your dog safe on any dog adventure should be your top priority. To help you find the best life jacket for dogs, we asked some of our favourite dogs to test out the gear.

Do Dogs Need Dog Life Jackets?

You might assume that if you chuck your dog in the lake, he's going to naturally swim but that might not always be the case. Most dogs can instinctually swim, but that doesn't mean that every dog will be able to safely navigate open water. Many are poor swimmers and will require a dog life jacket to support the dog's body.

If your furry friend is not familiar with swimming then they might panic. A dog life jacket can keep the dog afloat and help them build confidence while they practice their new swimming skills.

If your dog falls in the water or gets too tired while swimming, a life jacket will not only keep them afloat but will also give you something to grab onto and quickly lift them out of the water if needed.

You can never predict what's going to happen in the water. Even the most experienced swimmers can benefit from wearing a dog life jacket.

Best Dog Life Jackets

Whether your dog is just dipping his toes in the water or they are ready to take on a high dive, it's always safest to put on a floatation device.

Even the best swimmers get tired or can get caught in a current which hinders the dog's paddle and without sufficient support, your furry friend could get sucked under the water's surface. Not all dogs are strong swimmers. The right size dog life jacket will keep your dog upright in the water.

A good dog life jacket should do more than just keep your dog from going under. You'll want to find the style that best suits your dog's size and needs. The right dog vest for your dog should be comfortable and secure, and allow you to support your dog.

Here are a few of the key features to look for in a dog life vest:

• • Adjustability: An effective dog life jacket needs to fit securely. If it slides or shifts while your dog is swimming, it could put them in a dangerous situation.
  • Head Support: Good head support will help your dog feel more confident and safe in the water. It also helps to keep them in a more natural position.
  • Visibility: Your dog needs to be easy to keep an eye on in the water. They should always stay close to you, but if they get too far out, you need to be able to spot them quickly by using a brightly coloured dog life jacket with reflective trim or LED light attachments.
  • Handle: If your dog is in trouble in the water, a handle on the life vest needs to be durable enough to quickly grab and hoist them out of the water.
  • Lightweight: The best life vest for your dog shouldn't be bulky or heavy. Your dog needs full freedom of movement to be able to learn safe swimming skills.

To help you find the best pet life jacket in Canada, we asked some adventure dogs with the help of their dog owners to review some of our favourite heavy-duty live jackets and let us know how they held up against their dog's adventures.

These are some of the top-rated dog life vests available in Canada, so let's see if they live up to all the hype! A dog life jacket is a must-have.

Below we will explore the best dog life jackets.

1. Ruffwear Float Coat

Our top-selling dog life jacket, the Ruffwear Float Coat, is a sleek and lightweight option that is perfect for dogs that love to swim. Its chest and neck adjustability ensures a comfortable and secure fit for just about all breeds and sizes.

For maximum visibility, the Float Coat is lined with reflective accents and has a built-in light loop to hold the Ruffwear Beacon Light Attachment. The unique placement of the foam panels ensures your dog can stay appropriately buoyant and in a natural position in the water to make swimming safer and more fun.

2. Hurtta Life Savior

The Hurtta Life Savior is one of the most buoyant dog life jackets we carry. The high foam insert on the side and the thick padded chest strap make sure that your dog finds it easy to stay afloat. The durable handle gives you a safe way to support your dog in or out of the water

Though the jacket looks a little bulkier than other options on this list, the design and flexible floatation material allows for maximum comfort and movement while swimming. Available in the original Hurtta Life Savior design or the Life Savior Eco which is made from over 80% recycled materials.

3. Canada Pooch High Tide Life Jacket

For dogs that need something a little more full coverage, the Canada Pooch High Tide Life Jacket is the way to go. This life vest for dogs fits more like a vest than a harness and provides total chest coverage to keep your dog floating, stable, and comfortable in the water.

The unique neck flotation strap provides better head support to teach your dog better and safer swimming skills. The straps are adjustable and feature a zipper along the chest to ensure a secure fit no matter how much your dog jumps or splashes around in the water.

4. Kurgo Surf N Turf Life Jacket

If your dog is your go-to adventure companion all summer then the Kurgo Surf N Turf Life Jacket is going to be one accessory you shouldn't miss. This durable dog floatation gear is slim and lightweight, making it great for dogs that are very active in the water. 

This dog life vest does have some unique features which make it a great option for hiking or camping trips where they are going to be in and out of the water. The foam inserts can be removed to leave your dog with a waterproof shell out of the water, and it's fast drying so your dog won't get bogged down by the weight of the wet vest.

Though unrelated to the function of the vest, this life jacket cleverly has a built-in bottle opener on the back so you can stay "hydrated" on the water.

5. GF Pet Life Vest

If you are looking for a more affordable option that doesn't have quite as many bells and whistles, the GF Pet Life Vest is the way to go. This high-vis life jacket offers the buoyancy and fit needed to keep your pooch safe in the water.

It also features a floating chin flap that folds out to ensure your pet's head stays above water. This is great for training proper technique when learning to swim and for building confidence in moving bodies of water like lakes.

Best Dog Life Jacket FAQs

What are dog life vests?

Dog life vests are specially designed flotation devices that dogs can wear while swimming to keep them safe.

How do I choose the right size dog life vest for my pet?

You should measure your dog's chest and neck to find the right size of dog life vest. Make sure it fits snugly but doesn't restrict movement. Place on the dog carefully.

Can all dogs wear life vests?

Yes, all dogs can wear life vests. It's especially important for dogs that are not strong swimmers or those that may be at risk of falling into the water. The dog life jacket should never hinder the dog's movement.

What features should I look for in a dog life vest?

Look for a dog life vest with a handle for easy lifting, reflective strips for visibility, and adjustable straps for a secure fit.      

Do dogs have to wear life jackets on boats?      

In Canada, dogs are not required to wear a dog life vest, but it is still highly recommended. Even if you plan to keep your dog on the boat the whole time, there is always a chance they could jump or fall off the boat unexpectedly.