Best dog buoyancy aids
An extra layer of safety for dogs
Golden retriever fitted with buoyancy aid
What to look out for in the best dog buoyancy aids
- A design that keeps your dog safe without stopping natural swimming movement
- Avoid straps that could get in the dog’s way
- A handle is useful for helping your dog in and out of the water
- A securely fitting neck closure
- Reflective strips to increase dog visibility
- Flexible, hard-wearing fabric
Best buy
1.Realtree Neoprene Dog Vest Protective Coat Lift Handle Float Aid £26.95
Best for wildfowling
- Material: Neoprene
- Colours: As shown above
- Sizes: S to 2XL
- Handle: Yes
+ Lightweight
+ Suitable for field and brush work
– Hand wash
Ideal for wildfowling dogs this neoprene jacket is tough and robust. It will protect a dog’s chest, back and sides as well as working as a buoyancy aid. Easy to fit with velcro and zip touch fastenings.
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2.Ruffwear® float coat ™ by Orvis £99.95
Best for all-round use
- Material: 100% nylon
- Colours: As shown above
- Sizes: XS to L
- Handle: Yes
+ Abrasion resistant nylon
+ Telescoping neck closure adjusts for secure fit
– Hand wash
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Foam panels in the Ruffwear Float coat keep your dog safe without impairing swimming motion and the covered buckles stop straps from becoming tangled up. You can lift your dog in and out of the water securely thanks to the strong handle and you’ll be able to see where he is thanks to the reflective trim, even when the light is dim.
K9 Pursuits High Visibility Easy Grab Float Coat Life Jacket from £14.99
Best for value
- Material: Neoprene
- Colours: As shown above
- Sizes: XS to XL
- Handle: Yes
+ Waterproof
+ Front floats keep dog’s head above water
A high vis jacket with fully adjustable straps, quick release buckles plus a neoprene chest band for comfort and security. It also has reflective strips.
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Westcoast K9 AquaFloat £64.99
Best for movement
- Material: Tear-resistant fabric
- Colours: Lime green, orange
- Sizes: S to XXXL
- Handle: Yes
+ Suitable for hydrotherapy sessions and walking
+ Snug fit avoids slippage and twisting
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Saving lives
Vet Neil McIntosh and Sporting Gun contributor says: “During my career, I have heard of the death of a number of dogs who fell from boats at sea and drowned, when a life jacket would probably have saved them. Similarly, use of buoyancy aids can reduce owners’ anxiety over dogs who spend relatively unsupervised time around rivers or swimming pools. They do, however, make swimming difficult for some, so their use for wildfowling dogs is limited. My rule of thumb would be, if you think your dog needs a life jacket to be able to survive a swim, then they shouldn’t be swimming!
