Do Dogs Need Life Jackets to Go Swimming?

 

Dogs love summer. When they can go outside more often, play with their friends at the dog park, explore the yard, go swimming or take a boat ride with you.

 

But if they're in the water, you want to know if they need a life jacket or life vest to be safe. After all, when a person is in a boat or rougher waters, they should be wearing a life jacket. Should you also have a Kuoser life jacket when your puppy is in the water?

Do dogs like to swim?

While some dogs love to swim and can swim in different conditions, your dog may hate it when he swims. It depends on his breed and his personality and preferences.

 

Breeds that typically like the water and do well in it have webbed feet and may have been initially bred for hunting in the water. They include Toy Poodles, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, Weimaraners, Newfoundlands, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

 

Knowing if your dog was bred for swimming will help you determine if he will need a life jacket in any situation involving water.

Does a dog need a life jacket?

Breeds that thrive in the water usually do not need life jackets or flotation devices. The exception to this rule is in rough currents, deep water, or a large lake. They also need one if they are in the ocean and there are strong waves or take them to a boat. Although these water species are made for swimming, it's better to be safe than sorry. If there is any danger, it is best to keep your dog in a life jacket.

 

If you haven't taken your dog out swimming before, then you may want to use a life jacket for the first time to ensure his safety. In addition, you need to stay close to your dog at all times, as he may get tired and be unable to keep his head above the water. As an extra precaution, some pet owners will always put a life jacket or life vest on their dog, even if their dog is an excellent swimmer.

 

If your dog is not a good swimmer and doesn't like the water, he needs a life jacket or life vest. Breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Daschunds, Bull Terriers, and Shih Tzus need life jackets at all times. If you are going into the lake with them or taking them on a boat, make sure they wear a life jacket. Don't forget to have drinking water for your dog if you are at sea.

How to choose a life jacket for your dog

When looking for a life jacket for your dog, make sure he has handled it. This way, you can guide him as you teach him how to swim, and you can grab something if he falls out of the boat or leaves you. The life jacket should also have a D-ring so that you can attach a belt.

 

The life jacket should have bright colors or reflective strips on it so you can see your dog at all times. These features will be handy if your dog is in murky water.

Life jackets and life vests

There are subtle differences between life jackets and life vests. Life jackets are lighter and more suitable for pools or calm bodies of water than the ocean or rough lakes. These cover fewer pups and are more likely to be used for recreational swimming situations.

 

Life jackets cover more puppies and are more visible and buoyant than life jackets. They are better suited for the ocean, boating, or swimming in rougher waters.

Other Water Safety Tips for Dogs

Whenever your dog swims, make sure you are supervising him. Never leave your dog unattended near water if they have a medical condition such as arthritis, blindness, epilepsy, arthritis, or arrhythmia. It is wiser to keep these dogs entirely out of the water in some cases.

 

The moment you see your dog struggling in the water, run up and get him out. If your dog has had too much water, he may have trouble breathing, start coughing, become anxious, look weak, or have fluid coming out of his nose or mouth.

 

If your pet is experiencing near-drowning, take him to the vet immediately. You should ask your veterinarian to perform an X-ray and observe your dog for at least 24 hours to check his breathing and heart rate as well as his respiration. Your dog may need to be given antibiotics to prevent him from developing pneumonia, or receive oxygen and intravenous fluids.

Conclusion

It's always a good idea to get a life jacket for your dog, whether he's going swimming or sitting in a boat with you. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, he will need to wear a life jacket on the boat or in rough waters and will need to be supervised at all times. Never let your swimming pup out of your sight and have your vet on speed dial in case your dog gets water in his lungs.