Do All Dogs Need to Wear a Life Jacket When They Swim?

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Dog life jackets have risen in both popularity and availability in recent years, but many pet parents might wonder if they’re necessary. After all, the term “doggy paddle” didn’t appear out of nowhere—aren’t dogs natural swimmers?

Actually, they’re not. At least, not all of them are. And even the most fish-like canines can become overwhelmed, exhausted, or injured in the water, making it harder to stay afloat.

A dog parent’s job is to keep our pets safe no matter where they play. So to learn more about dog life jackets, what dogs might benefit from them, and when they’re needed, we turned to the experts.

What the Experts Say About Dog Life Jackets

Kristin Elmquist is a certified dog trainer with 30 years of experience training dogs on land and water. She owns For the Love of Dogs, where pets participate in obedience training and sports like dock diving. Elmquist recommends that every dog wear a life preserver the first time they go swimming.

“There’s no downside to putting a life jacket on them the first time,” she says.

Despite conventional wisdom, not all dogs naturally know how to swim, and pet parents should never assume that their pups will be comfortable in the water.

“If they sink, you’ve got to try and get them out,” Elmquist says. “A panicked dog can be dangerous for you as well.”

Elmquist also explains that even dogs who know how to swim may not always be able to swim well. Older, out-of-shape, and inexperienced dogs may lack muscle strength or the know-how to use their back legs effectively in the water. A life jacket can help keep dogs balanced as they build swimming strength and skills.

For healthy adult dogs, Elmquist suggests that pet parents observe their pets in the water to decide if they need a life jacket for the long term. As long as a dog is safely maneuvering on their own, a life jacket may not be required. But it can still be a good idea, even for strong swimmers.

That’s because a life jacket keeps a dog afloat in the event of an accident, in rough waters, or if they wander too far from the shore and become disoriented or fatigued. Plus, most dog life jackets feature a handle, allowing pet parents to hold, lift, or redirect a dog as necessary.

It’s also important to note that a dog’s situation can change over time. When my dogs had regular access to a lake, they swam unencumbered. Now that we live in the desert, our chances to splash around are far less frequent. Life jackets give all of us more confidence during those rare opportunities.

How a Life Preserver Works for Your Pup and How to Choose

As with human life jackets, the thick, buoyant foam inside canine life preservers helps dogs float on the surface of the water. Unlike human life jackets, however, dog life preservers are custom-designed to fit a dog’s unique body shape, and many include special features like handles, D-rings to attach a leash, or extra foam at the front to keep a dog’s head elevated.

There are a lot of options on the market, and though any of them will get the job done, subtle differences can take a vest from “if I have to” safety gear to an experience-enhancing swim aid. Rover pups have put a lot of life jackets to the test over the years, considering buoyancy, comfort, fit, ease of adjustment, and durability.

The Ruffwear Float Coat is one of our favorites for inexperienced swimmers and pups who could use a little extra buoyancy. We like its durable fabric and thick foam, plus the padded handle that makes helping or steering an uncertain dog easier.

For experienced swimmers who want more maneuverability, there’s the Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Dog Life Jacket. In our review, we found it a strong choice for dogs who need a more custom fit. Thinner flotation padding molds to a dog’s unique shape, while two perpendicular handles ensure a quick grip from any angle. A D-ring enables a leash connection, and older models even double as raincoats with removable foam.

The Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket is a great affordable option for those testing the waters of dog life vests. It’s made of ripstop nylon to resist snags and features two handles for easy lifting. Our tester liked that extra flotation padding at the neck helps to keep your pup’s snout out of the water (something that’s especially nice for flat-faced and long-bodied pups who sometimes have trouble keeping their noses up).

For a closer look at more dog life jackets, see “The 9 Best Dog Life Jackets for Safe Swimming,” or read a comparison of the Ruffwear and the Kurgo and an in-depth look at the Granby.

Ultimately, the best life vest for your dog will keep them safe without sacrificing comfort or mobility—which means finding a good fit. Life jackets are one product that’s worth whipping out the measuring tape for. Measure your pup’s weight, chest circumference, back length, and neck, then compare these numbers to the manufacturer’s charts. If you’re unsure or between sizes, size up.

It’s also important to consider your dog’s skill level, the type of activities you’ll be doing, and where you’ll be doing them. A struggling swimmer might need a lot of float help, and a pup in cold water might benefit from a jacket with extra warmth built in.

We recommend trying a dog life jacket on before you hit the beach or the pool. It’s the best way to make sure the size and style fit well. Plus, doing a few dry runs in the vest, particularly if treats are involved, can help your dog get comfortable before you get to the water.

The Final Verdict: Do You Need a Dog Life Jacket?

If you’re still deciding if you need a life jacket for your dog, one rule of thumb is to consider the worst-case scenario in any situation. If you can easily handle the most extreme possibility on your own, you might be able to skip the safety gear. However, if there’s any chance that your quick reflexes might not be enough to save your dog in an emergency, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Overall, we can’t find a reason not to use a dog life jacket any time you and your dog are on a boat, in the pool, or even walking along the shore. Pet life preservers help keep our pups safe and, if chosen well, don’t take away from their enjoyment either. In fact, the security of knowing our dogs are safe might just make a day on the water even better.

Further Reading

• The 9 Best Dog Life Jackets for Safe Swimming
• Kurgo Versus Ruffwear: Which Dog Life Jacket Is Better?
• Rover Test Pups Review Outward Hound’s Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket
• Should You Buy a Swimming Pool Just for Your Dog?
• Why Your Pup’s Toy Box Needs a Water Toy that Floats
• Pool Safety for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know this Summer
• Why Swim Lessons Are Great for Dogs at Any Time of Year