Best Dog Life Jacket for Puppies and Small Dogs

When it comes to water, it’s often the smaller dogs that need life jackets. Smaller dogs are more likely to fall off of a slippery surface like a boat deck than larger dogs. Plus, they are more susceptible to waves when they are in the water.

So, you’ve decided to buy a life jacket for your smaller dog. Good call! We’ve been through the same experience as you have, and made this guide to share our buying experience. We hope that these reviews help you find a life jacket that fits your dog perfectly.

We’ve also done our best to comb online reviews for sizing recommendations. There are so many breeds and each dog has different dimensions. So, we’ll try to share tips from other dog owners.

I have owned two small dogs. The first was a cockapoo that I owned for 18 years. One of the best dogs I have ever owned. Probably because it was my childhood dog. I named the dog Toto, because she looked like the dog from The Wizard of Oz. Toto hated the water, but we took her on lots of boating trips in California, Arizona, Missouri, and Illinois. Such fun times.

The second small dog I owned was a Schnauzer and he was also a fantastic dog. He was the smaller variety, and I received him as a 10-year-old dog from a couple that was moving overseas. His name was Schnitzel, and he was the best dog ever. We would go on drives around the state and explore places together. Such a fun dog, and he loved to swim.

What’s the best dog life jacket for small dogs?

The weather is warming up and that means spending time at the lake, or rafting on a river this summer. It that also means bringing your pet along with you to the lake you may be in the market for the Best Dog Life Jacket for Puppies to keep your pet safe.

Outward Hounds Best Dog Life Jacket for Puppies

The best dog life jackets are the ones that fit snugly and don’t get in the way. You want to select a jacket that allows your dog to play freely and not tire easily.

That means it’s important to do your research about the best fit and get a light jacket that won’t weigh down your dog. Keep in mind that life jackets are heavier when they are wet (not much you can do about that, though).

When I was a child we got a Cockapoo dog (that’s a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle in case you were wondering). We took this dog everywhere with us! On road trips, camping, even sailing! Granted, I think sailing was his least favorite activity, but at least we knew he was safe.

Today I’m going to tell you about the Outward Hound PupSaver Ripstop Dog Life Jacket. This life jacket has a really long name, but when looking for the best dog life jacket for puppies the Outward Hound brand is all you really need to know! This life jacket comes in a bunch of sizes ranging from XX-Small to X-Large.

Dog Life Jacket Measuring Chart

I’ll try to outline the small sizes for you, and help you decide on the best fit for your puppy!

Small Dog Life Jacket

One of my favorite features of the Outward Hound PupSaver Ripstop Dog Life Jacket is the easy grab handles on the jacket. There are two of them, so you can easily grab your dog out of the water and lift your dog into your boat, or on dry land. I can’t tell you how useful this is! Especially in places where it’s difficult to get a grasp of your dog. Like in a canoe or a kayak where you don’t have very much leverage.

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It also has a front float that goes under the dog’s neck. These features alone make this the Best Dog Life Jacket for Puppies. This comes in quite handy and will help to keep your dogs head above water. Bigger dogs often don’t need this, but smaller dogs do! Especially in rough water where waves might splash the dog.

All of the straps are adjustable, and the life jacket features lots of reflective gear. The small life jacket size comes in orange or pink.

X-Small Dog Life Jacket

Similar to the small size, but a few inches smaller and for really small dogs or puppies. Use the provided chart to determine what size is best for your dog life jacket.

small dog life jacket

XX-Small Dog Life Jacket

For the smallest dogs and puppies! If you have an ultra small dog or a newborn puppy you can look to the XX-Small life jacket size. This size is perfect for dogs who are really small.

small pet life jacket


Small Dog Life Jacket – Questions & Concerns

Many people with smaller dogs are looking for an easy way to keep their dogs safe around water. It has been found that a small dog life jacket can be used to help small dogs swim whether in shallow or deep water.

Small dogs tend to get tired faster and with their own personal life jacket, you will find your little pup enjoying the water more and more.

Dog trainers will sometimes use a pet life vest to teach dogs that may be scared of the water to become better swimmers. Sometimes dogs that have been hurt in the water become scared of water and unable to swim.

By lowering a dog in the water with a life vest the dog gradually learns that they are safe in the water and once they become comfortable in the water they are then able to learn to swim.


Choosing A Small Dog Life Jacketdog life jacket sizes

Whether your dog is a good swimmer or a little overwhelmed in the water a doggie life vest can be a great asset. Choosing a good life vest for your dog can depend on your dog’s size.

Many of the animal life vests come in XXS sizes for even the smallest dogs and can even be used for cats on some occasions.

It is a good idea to use a sizing chart when choosing a small dog life jacket. That way you can be sure that the life vest fits snugly around your pet.

Life Vest Styles

You will find that most pet life jackets are pretty much the same style with a large variety of colors and design prints on the jacket. You have some with graphics and others with polka dots.

With the various designs, you are bound to find a personal flotation device that fits your dog’s personality and style. One life jacket I have been considering for my brother’s dog is a camouflage print life vest. Since my brother loves hunting and often takes his dog to the lake on his boat. I think this would be a great gift for him and his pup.

Another example of life vest styles is traditional life jacket colors. A friend of mine has a dad that is a sailboat instructor and so he actually prefers the traditional life jacket colors like yellow and orange over the more fun design I like to get. Click the image below to see more styles.

small dog life jacket


Ensure your dog’s safety in style with a beautiful pink dog life vest. Check out some of these adorable doggy life jackets that you can get for your pup.

Larger dogs can swim for longer periods than some smaller dogs but can still get tired if left in the water without a life vest or some form of pet flotation device.

I find that any animal small or large can benefit from having a life jacket when being close to any large body of water. Even if they aren’t going to be out on a boat it is a good idea to be cautious as you never know what could happen.

Boating with Pets

Whether you’re on a sailboat, a fishing boat or just a small canoe or kayak. If you want to bring mans best friend with you for the trip. Then you need to make sure that your little pup is suited up and ready to face the day’s adventures with you.

Sailing with Pets

It is rare that an animal would ever fall off a sailboat or jump overboard but you know some animals can be weird at times and it is best to keep a safety vest on your pet when out on the water.

Canoeing with Pets

Pink Dog Life Vest

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If your planning to go out in a canoe with your pet you need to be sure to bring your dog life jacket. Often times people think that because they have been to the same stream before.

The truth is that in a canoe a dog could be alarmed by water splashing into the canoe and hitting him and sometimes this can frighten the animal and cause them to jump out of the canoe.

Currents can Kill

One of the scariest things I have ever seen is when a pet is carried off by a stream’s current. The worst thing about an animal getting caught in a current is that the current can push the animal underwater and carry them down stream never to be seen again.

Fortunately, with a pink dog life vest your dog can have a stylish personal flotation device that will protect them from getting pulled underwater and makes it easy for them to be seen in the water and the handle on the back of the vest will make it easier to rescue your dog from the water.

Caring For Your Pets

Above all, we need to make sure that all pets are safe. Our pets need to be eating a balanced diet without eating too much people food. We also need to make sure that if you have an outside pet that they have adequate protection from the elements and when it gets too cold be sure to bring your pets into your home.

We have a duty to protect our animal friends just as they have protected us through leading the blind and protecting owners from harm.

Check Out This Pink Dog Life Vest

Pink Dog Life Jackets

Click To See More Pink Dog Life Vests

Shark Fin Dog Life Vest

Make your dog look like a shark! All for fun, of course! But safety, too! If you’re looking for a conversation starter, this is it! This product is somewhat new, and everyone who has reviewed it on Amazon has given it 5-stars.

Shark fin dog life jacket

The SwimWays Sea Squirts Dog Life Jacket is a unique addition to the dog life jacket selection. This product is unique in that it has a dorsal fin. The product comes in two different sizes: Small, and medium.

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Small: Designed for dogs 10-20 lbs with a chest size between 17-23″ and a neck size of 12-15″ which is suitable for smaller dogs and puppies.

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Medium: The medium vest is for dogs that are 20-50 lbs with a chest size between 24-30″ and a neck size of 16-19″ which is large enough for a Labrador retriever.

Each of the life vests feature a dorsal fin that is flexible. They also have a handle on the back that make it easy to grab your dog and pull out of the water. They also have a metal ring for connecting a dog leash. Something that not all dog life jackets have.

Shark fin dog life vest

These dog life vests are fully made for water with heavy duty fabrics and flotation. They’ll keep your dog safe in the water, even with waves.

SwimWays Sea Squirts Dog Life Jacket swimming vest for dogs

One of the best features about these life jackets (besides the dorsal fin!) are the excellent flotation material under the dogs neckline. This will certainly help to keep your dogs face out of the water, and assist them with swimming. There are two straps that secure the vest under your dogs belly, in addition to the strap under the neck.

The SwimWays company has been producing all kinds of great products for pets and people for years. You can buy with confidence that there’s a real company behind the SwimWays Sea Squirts Dog Life Jacket product.

Swimways Dog Life Jacket

Currently, the SwimWays life jacket sells for between $36-50 on Amazon, and ships via Amazon Prime.

Dog Life Jacket Sizes

Best Dog Life Jackets For Large Dogs

Are you looking for the best large dog life jacket? If so, this article consolidates all of our recent research and recommends the best to choose from. For the sake of clarity, when we say a large dog we’re thinking of a dog such as a Golden Retriever, a Doberman Pinscher, a Great Danne, or a Labrador Retriever.

When it comes to buying a new life jacket, it is important to focus on the dogs freedom of movement, and the strap placement. These are also the most difficult items to evaluate online (which is probably why you are reading this post!).

Kyjen Outward Hound Life Jacket Review

My primary recommendation for a large dog life jacket is almost always going to be the Kyjen Outward Hound. Not only is it affordable, at about $28 (depending on size), but it’s durable and comes in a number of sizes for virtually any dog. There’s a XL size for dogs with a girth of 33-40 inches. I’ve seen sale prices on Amazon that have the XL size at only $12!

dog life jacket

A couple of the convenient features of the Kyjen dog life jacket are a sweet grab-handle. Awesome if your dog is swimming alongside your kayak and you need to reach down to pull him/her out of the water easily.

dog life jacket sizes

This life vest comes in a number of sizes. Please see the attached chart showing the sizing.

Get the extra large (XL) size if your dog is between 70-90 lbs. (and has a girth of 31-42 inches). Go for the large (L) size if your dog is between 40-65 lbs. (and has a girth of 28-32 inches). You’ll want the medium (M) size if your dog is 20-40 lbs. (and has a girth of 21-27 inches). If you need a smaller size, then you’ll probably want to check the smaller sizes that are available. If you are unsure about the correct size, you can check the customer questions and answers section on Amazon. There are lots of answered questions where you can learn from what people are saying.

For example, if you have a French Bulldog, which is about 22 lbs, people suggest the medium size. Another customer with a 60 pound Lab/Shepherd mix got the large size and was completely happy. One more customer had an American Bull Dog that weighed 87 lbs. and they said they got a XL size life jacket and it worked out great.

I’ve seen that the XL size also works great for 75-80 pound Airedale dogs, as well as Pitbull dogs.

So, which size should you get? Definitely go bigger if your dog is on the upper end of one of the weight or dimension limits. The straps will allow for any size-down as needed. A large size fits a 50 lb. dog almost perfectly.

If you are watching reviews online, you’ll want to know that in 2014 the company revised their recommended measurements. Prior to this, lots of people were complaining that the sizing was too small. I think the newer measurements are much better.

It’s better to determine the correct size by measuring the girth of your dogs chest (rather than by trying to guess on the weight). You’ll want to review some of the pictures of the product, but what you’ll notice is there are flats that wrap around your dogs chest. So, with the straps it’s highly configurable.

Overall, this life jacket is perfect for any size dog! It works for the smallest little dogs (XXS size available) or for larger 85+ lbs. dogs! The life jacket will give you peace of mind, and help your dog swim better in any condition!

In addition, the Kyjen Outward Hound Life Jacket has a 4.5 star average rating on Amazon (out of over a thousand reviews).

Paws Aboard Neon Yellow Doggy Life Jacket Review

For about $21-23 you can purchase the large or extra-large size of the Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jacket. This life jacket for dogs comes in a bright neon yellow color. You certainly won’t misplace your dog! Some vendors sell the XL size for about $45, so shop around!

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The manufacturer is called Fido Pet Products and they make six different styles of this life jacket, but they are not all sold online. The sizing of the neon yellow variety is what we’ll focus on in this review.

Please review the sizing PDF chart for this particular product before ordering.

This product is sold in 6 different sizes from XXS up to XL. The large size is designed for 50-80 lbs. dogs, and the XL size is designed for dogs weighing more than 90 lbs. Some of the key features:

  • Reflective strips
  • Neon yellow
  • Handle on top for easy grabbing
  • Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles and Velcro

dog life jacket size guide

Paws Aboard Neoprene Doggy Life Jacket Review

Also by the same company as above, is the Paws Aboard Neoprene Doggy Life Jacket which sports a two-tone design of blue and yellow. paws-aboard-dog-life-jacket-blue-and-green

This large dog life jacket provides buoyancy and high visibility for pet safety in the ocean, on lakes, or on a river.

Some of the features include:

  • Breathable mesh underbelly for draining and drying
  • Reflective strips for greater visibility
  • Handle on top
  • Adjustable nylon straps, buckles, and Velcro

EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device

The EzyDog product is by far one of the most popular dog life jackets available. The company basically only makes one type of vest that they sell in a variety of sizes. They are The Doggy Flotation Vest (comes in 5 sizes for medium to large dogs) and the Micro Doggy Flotation Device (comes in 3 sizes for smaller dogs under 15 lbs.).

This life vest comes in either yellow or orange.

Please reference this chart for sizing options:

 

ezydog

 

The options for a large dog are as follows: The medium size is designed for a 40-60 lb. dog with a girth of 25-39″ and a length of 15-20″. The large size is for 60-90 lb. dogs which have a girth of 27-44″ and a length of 17-24″. And lastly, the XL size is for dogs over 90 lbs. that have a girth of 30-48″ and a length of between 20-26″. The straps are adjustable, so if your dog is borderline some times it is safer to order the next larger size because you can tighten the neoprene straps quite a bit.

ezydog-life-jacket

We like the grab handle on this dog life jacket the most of all of the options out there. It’s a really nice looking design with easily adjustable straps. This is a well designed life jacket because of the snug fit. It usually fits great on dogs and allows for a full range of movement. Plus, we like the handle on the top better than comparable models.

Which one is best Large Dog Life Jacket?

I recommend The Doggy Flotation Vest. It’s my personal favorite of every large dog life jacket I have found available. Dogs love it, and it fits snug.

About the author: I’m Chris, and let me tell you about one of the biggest dogs I’ve ever owned. He was a Shar-Pei / Boxer mix — one of the friendliest dogs I’ve owned, but truthfully it kind of scared me a little because my uncle had raised it as a tough dog and it had been injured in the head at some point (a wild burro kicked it!). This was a big dog, capable of jumping up onto the top of our 6 foot tall block fence and over into the neighbors yard. But, this dog was tons of fun to go exploring with, and was a really fast runner. If he got off his leash, he would be gone in a minute — and difficult to catch! His name was Hughie, and he would sleep at the foot of my bed. So, which one should you get? Large Dog Life Jacket’s can be tricky to buy. Please stay tuned, as I’ll be reviewing more dog life vests as I come across them.

large dog life jacket

 


 

It would not be an exaggeration to call the EZYDog doggy flotation device a true lifesaver. The product’s durable materials and different sizes and colors to choose from make it a perfect fit for any canine companion. Anyone looking to keep their water-loving pups safe and sound should not hesitate to put this jacket to the test. While it may be higher on the price scale than other dog life jackets, rest assured this product is made with quality materials. Rest easy with the knowledge that your dog will benefit from the absolute highest degree of safety available.

This product combines the utmost functionality with comfort. The strong handle and straps keep the vest snugly secure at all times and in all situations, and dog owners will never have to worry about it slipping off or wearing out. The vest itself does its job remarkably well, using ultra-buoyant material to easily stay afloat with even the largest dogs. Most surprising is that while doing all this, it remains extremely comfortable and allows for a great degree of freedom of movement, both for human hands as well as canine bodies.

ezydog-red

The EzyDog doggy flotation device comes in five different sizes from XS to XL. That should work for most dogs ranging from 15 to 90+ pounds. If you need an even smaller life jacket, consider the EzyDog Micro version which is for dogs under 15 pounds.

Refer to the chart below for sizing information. It’s important to note that we recommend measuring your dog before ordering. Many times, people will order a size smaller if they are on the edge of one of the dimensions. But, we recommend the opposite! Order one size larger, if you can, because you can cinch up the straps and make for a better fit.

ezydog-red ezydog-pink ezydog-yellow ezydog-camo

There is an assortment of colors and designs to choose between, from a standard red and yellow to pink and green camo print. Each of these choices gives high visibility for a water bound dog and they all have their own attractive characteristics. It would be preferable if the designs came in an even wider variety of colors, but the nature of the product requires brighter tones for safety purposes.

ezydog-best-life-jacket-for-dogs dog-life-jacket-best-options

It should be pointed out that the EzyDog doggy flotation device uses about 50% more flotation material than some of the other dog life jackets. This is important for longer swims, where your dog may grow tired.

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One consideration is that this product is priced somewhat higher than other options on the market. A bit of research will turn up alternatives as low as $30, although one might not be as confident in any of these jackets’ durability or proven effectiveness. Dog owners will rest more easily knowing that they chose to invest in one of the best canine life vests that money can buy. At the end of the day, the bit of extra cash is more than a worthwhile investment, knowing that your dog will be safe wherever she goes.

EzyDog doggy flotation device

Click To See More Dog Life Vests

The EzyDog life jacket is available through Amazon and other sellers. Once you’ve made your purchase, and tried it on your dog, please report back here and let me know what you think and what size you ordered. It would be helpful for others who are trying to figure out what size jacket to order.