Home -> Our dog accessories comparisons -> The 5 best life jackets for dogs
Dog life jacket: what is it?
In this section:
Before starting, I want to tell you that this comparison was not paid for by a partner. These are only products that I have tested with my dog. My opinion is objective and corresponds to my practice with Musher. Fan of water sports with my dog, I always choose high quality dog life jackets for maximum safety! If you like this article, go through the links in the article to buy your life jacket like this EmmèneTonChien.com will be “a little” remunerated by the sites that sell these products. Happy reading !
Top 10 vests safety
Here are the 10 dog life jackets we compared:
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How do I choose the best life jacket for my dog?
There are many models of dog life jacket. You can even find life jackets with shark fins : certainly, your dog will be all the rage on the beach. However, I advise you to choose your life jacket for its safety and not for its look… There are 3 criteria to take into account to choose your life jacket for dogs:
- the size and morphology of your dog: not all vests fit all dogs! To ensure its safety, the vest must fit your dog perfectly. Measure your dog to choose the right vest.
- the buoyancy of the vest: depending on the quality of the dog life jacket, its buoyancy will not be the same.
- the attachment system: it must be simple and quick to attach or remove and the attachments must be strong enough not to crack when you hoist your dog out of the water
- as a bonus → the finishes: back handle, reflective strips, loops to attach your dog's medal or his leash
Here is the comparison of the best life jackets for dogs as well as the opinions of the Wouafer's who tested them.
#1 K9 Float Coat - Ruffwear: The essential brand
The opinion of Musher and Sophie: - " Clearly it's our number 1! Musher has been using it for several years and it is perfect. He is part of all our nautical adventures! “
Le K9 Float Coat dog life jacket is a reference in the matter. Like all dog accessories from Ruffwear that I have tested, the lifejacket keeps all its promises. In addition to its quality, this year the Ruffwear team has reworked the design of the lifejacket with new colors! My favorite ? Blue !
Technical specifications
- very sturdy
- comfortable and super easy to adjust
- reinforced handle
- ideal for large dogs
- 2 clip buckles to adjust the vest + 1 tightening strap under the neck
- reflective stripes
- available in yellow, blue and red
- new models 2022!
Musher & Sophie's note: 
Strong points :
- after 7 years of use, the color is intact
- seams haven't moved despite hoisting Musher 1000 times with the handle
- perfectly fitted on my labrador
Weak points :
- frankly I don't see any, it's really my favorite cardigan!
- maybe the choice of colors… there was a turquoise blue and pink edition: hot! but too quickly exhausted.
#2 IDC 3 in 1 - Julius K9: a versatile vest
The opinion of Musher and Sophie: - " I use it in the winter when I paddle or canoe with my dog. The neoprene keeps her warm.”
Life jacket IDC 3 in 1 - Julius K9 is a super versatile dog life jacket. It's not just a life jacket! The floating foams are removable. Once removed, it turns into the perfect neoprene vest to keep your dog warm in winter. Personally, before knowing this model, I used the K9 Float Coat and underneath I added a special hunting dog neoprene vest so Musher wouldn't catch a cold. In winter, once wet and static on the board, it gets cold very quickly... The neoprene vest is essential comfort.
Technical specifications
- removable floating foams
- protective neopene jacket providing warmth and comfort, against wind and cold
- handle to get the dog back on the boat or used to carry the dog on a walk to overcome small obstacles
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- polyvalent
- customizable with your dog's first name
- fits very close to the body thanks to scratch adjustments
- small sizes for small dogs
Weak points :
- only exists in black and fluorescent yellow: too bad!
- less buoyancy than the Ruffwear lifejacket
#3 Red Trixie: Perfect for irregular practice
The Trixie life jacket is perfect for a “beginner” practice. Don't expect to hoist your dog on your paddle board or aboard your canoe with the Trixie vest, but it will be perfect for helping your dog swim safely. In the river as in the sea, it is a sufficient flotation vest to provide support and comfort to your dog.
Technical specifications
- adjustment with velcro tape and straps
- Red color
- tracking handle on the back
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- good value for money to bring a little comfort to your dog when swimming
- small float under the dog's muzzle to help him keep his nose out of the water
Weak points :
- handle not suitable for hoisting your dog on board your boat
- the velcros are quite fragile and no longer scratch correctly very quickly
- straps rubbing directly on the dog's chest
#4 Ezydog life jacket: The right compromise!
La Ezydog dog life jacket is a good compromise between quality and price. I tested it and I was not disappointed, but I went back to my favorite life jacket, the K9 Float Coat. It's really the one that best suits my dog's morphology.
Technical specifications
- adjustment with straps
- red or yellow color
- tracking handle on the back
- reflective stripes
- integrated pocket on the back
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- perfect for big dogs
- adjusts and puts on quickly
- very good buoyancy
- great freedom of movement of the dog out of the water
Weak points :
- the 2 very wide straps to tighten the vest can rub under the dog's belly
Expert advice
Dog training: essential for all activities with your dog
Your dog does not master the basic commands such as sit, stay still, lie down…?? Before embarking on a nautical activity such as paddle or canoeing, you will have to revise! It is mandatory for his safety. No way he's jumping out of the canoe to swim to shore and running between the towels of sunbathing vacationers while you yell for him to come back!! To practice these activities safely with your dog, he must obey you. I therefore advise you to revise some fundamentals of education.
For further :
- Before embarking on a water activity with your dog, make sure he knows how to swim properly, otherwise read the article Teaching your dog to swim. A dog can also drown.
- Looking for a new activity to do with your dog? Discover it top 5 water activities to share with your dog this summer with your dog: paddle with dog, canoeing with your dog, go pedalo with your dog
- You go to the beach ? There are some precautions to learn for the safety of your dog at the beach. Consider rereading them! And if you don't know where to go, here is the top 10 of the most beautiful beaches to try with your dog.
