Your dog’s fun shouldn’t be limited by a canine life jacket. For a canine life jacket to function as designed, the fit is critical. A properly fitted life jacket will ensure the dog will not slip or fall out of the jacket. Ruff Wear suggests using a girth measurement (around the widest part of the ribcage) to fit a canine life jacket.
A good canine life jacket will be designed to assist your dog in the water, floating them in a natural, horizontal swim position. The life jacket should not inhibit a dog’s natural ability to swim. If the life jacket in any way impedes your dog’s ability to swim, there is a potential for risk, causing the dog to be unable to swim out of the situation.
Click here for a video on the construction of canine float coats.
Click here for more tips on canine water safety.


4 comments
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October 1, 2009 at 10:40 am
poshpuppyboutiques
Now a days people have pet on boat and pool…and in this position life jacket become important part of their pet’life..
http://www.poshpuppyboutique.com/
July 7, 2009 at 12:00 am
Beat the Summertime Heat: Canine Water Activities » i Love Dogs
[...] Believe it or not, people are cruising, sailing, and even living on their boats with their dogs these days. Plenty of online resources help cruisers make the proper canine friendly accommodations and preparations for a safe and fun trip out to sea. Whether you are sailing for a day or for months, research and of course speak to your vet about the ways you can prepare to take your companion aboard. And don’t forget your doggy’s life jacket! [...]
June 19, 2009 at 5:02 am
Norris
I am looking for a life jacket that will fit a whippet. I have tried alot and so far none have been able to fit the unusal form of a whippet ( large chest and narrow waist )
June 19, 2009 at 3:09 pm
ruffwear
We recently went to an event where we fitted a couple whippets in our gear. If you measure around the girth of your dog and it fits within the perimeters of our sizing chart for the Portage Float Coat, then it should fit just fine. Best of luck!