Doggie Life Vest
April 21st, 2008
Dogs can go overboard too! All dogs can swim but they tire easily and the K-9 Dog Vest adds to their safety and endurance. A dog life vest can make a dog visible and help them swim. Protect your best friend by keeping them safe around water.
According to Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, “Some breeds do not enjoy being anywhere near water and some breeds that have low body fat (greyhounds, whippets, etc.) may have a much more difficult time staying afloat and regulating body temperature. Fear and anxiety in the water, as when a pet falls in unexpectedly, can hamper normal respiration and swimming ability as well. Waves, undertows, currents and fast-moving rivers can overtake even the strongest swimmer. Sure, some breeds live to be in the water, such as the retrievers and labradors out there. However, even these “water dogs” can have trouble if they are elderly, sick, or overweight and out of shape. Fatigue can set in, and no matter how good of a swimmer they are, they may tire out and be unable to stay afloat. Like their human counterparts, many dogs (and cats) lead a much more sedentary life style these days, and gasping for breath while in water is not a good way to assess fitness levels. The US Coast Guard, which regulates human life jackets, does not regulate vests for pets, so be sure to have your pet fitted for the vest that will work best.”
One dog life vest in particular, The K-9 Float Coat is a high-performance flotation for canine water safety. The generous, ergonomic cut allows a full range of motion for unencumbered running and swimming. The variable-thickness high-buoyancy cells hug the dog’s torso for streamlined fit. Floatation is positioned low on the body to keep the dog on the surface in a natural horizontal swimming position. The low-profile handle reduces snagging while enabling owners to lift their dogs safely.
The K-9 Float Coat starts at $49.95 and is available all over the web. You find it online at Ruffwear.