Dog Life Jackets

[Ian_Edwards]

Hi,
Just about get a puppy and will introduce her to the boat within the 1st week or so. We've had dogs on board many times, but never bothered with a life jacket .... they were very agile all excellent swimmers, but with a pup, I'm more concerned about the pup falling off and recovery her from the water. I thinking a life jacket with a big handle on top, and strong wide webbing, under the chest would be good.
Any recommendations?

 

[maxi77]

We use one with a complete velcro and strap underbelly system to give good support whilst being picked up by the handle on the back. Also ours has good flotation under the chin to prevent the body being tipped forward with the floatation on the back. All looks good in theory and yes very easy to lift even with a boathook.

Mind you the only time she did go swimming off the pontoon she didn't have the jacket on and recovery was a scruff of the neck excercise, acceptable for a Jack Russell.

 

[jobbie]

Hi,

I bought a petfloat jacket for my 9 month old pup, it has the carry handle. He weighs 5 stone already and I often pick him up by the handle to get him in the tender and it copes very well with his weight. Also, got a car dog ramp which helps to actually get him onboard. Jacket Cost £29.99

Cheers,

Kim

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Thanks for the quick reply.
Peter, do you know the name/retailer for the one you have?

Kim, I see that it's a Petfloat, so I can do a web search, but can you recall were you got it from?

 

[Iota]

We have one for our Golden Retiever
http://www.force4.co.uk/ProductDetails/mcs/referrer/froogle/productID/6141/groupID/12/categoryID/114

used a bit more now she is older. Under sail she is tethered so she cannot get out of the cockpit.

 

[maxi77]

Ian

Ours came from Ebay and I don't have the name around at present.

Edited to add

Just done a quick check on Ebay and this the type we have, dog seems comfortable in it even when lifted. You need a similar size to a dog coat size, measured along the back.

 

[maxi77]

Sorry url is

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SMALL-DOG-LIFE-JAC...p3286.m14.l1318

 

[jobbie]

Hi Ian,

We got ours from the Marine Superstore in Port Solent.

Kim

 

[Tarka1]

We also bought one of the jackets of EBAY and agree that they are good with plenty of support when lifting the dog. Some of the more expenseive chandlery jobs only had two straps under the dog which looked very uncomfortable when lifting the dog.

 

[Iota]

If you want lifting ability these guys do a good product.
http://www.canine-spirit.com/shop/detail.asp?prodid=27

 

[maxi77]

But costing twice the cost of the lifejacket I suggested and with no bouyancy.

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Iota]

recommended by vet and breeder if we get to the stage that we have to lift her on board via block and tackle and boom. We were told not to have anything under the central area as it could put pressure on vital organs. The existing life jacket is good for occaisional lifts but as anno domini kicks in for her...