Not all dogs swim well, but all dogs can learn to swim

While most dogs are excellent swimmers, there are a few breeds whose body structure and/or weight distribution make swimming difficult. Bulldogs, Boxers, and Greyhounds, for example, have a body weight density and coat that challenge their ability to swim. 

Conversely, breeds such as Labradors or Golden Retrievers have webbed feet, along with fur that traps air, making them more buoyant in the water. Swimming for these breeds comes more naturally.
 
A canine float coat can help build confidence in breeds that are less agile in the water, and it can provide a safety net for dogs that get nervous, injured, or scared in the water.

A lifejacket is also ideal for older dogs or dogs with medical problems such as hip dysplasia.

The potential for danger exists even for dogs that swim well

Our four-legged friends often accompany us on adventures that go beyond their comfort level, swimming ability, and stamina. Conditions such as fast-moving water, significant distances from shore, or cold water temperatures can shock even the strongest swimmers.

Using a canine life jacket when your dog is in and around the water will allow for fast rescue in swift currents, ocean waves, or when your dog has reached a point of exhaustion. Dogs tend to hold their tails high and use them as rudders in the water. One of the first signs of a fatigue or stress is a dog dragging its tail in the water.

Keeping an eye out for hazards

Dogs can be oblivious to hazards when they're having fun in the water. Rocks, boats, fishing gear, and other human and natural obstacles, represent hazards that can easily bog a dog down in the water, limiting their ability to swim.
A dog wearing a canine float coat has a better chance of averting disaster by being more buoyant in the water. Also, the handle on Ruff Wear Float Coats can be used to easily pull a dog to safety.

Hypothermia can impact dogs in the water

Dogs that are very young and very old are more susceptible to hypothermia. Shivering, decreased heart rate, dilated pupils, pale or blue mucous membranes, stupor, unconsciousness, or coma are all signs of hypothermia. A life jacket adds buoyancy, so dogs can spend less energy staying afloat and more energy staying warm. Additionally, the closed-cell foam used in Ruff Wear Float Coats provides insulation from the cold.

Fitting a canine lifejacket

In order for a canine life jacket to work properly, the fit is critical. The float coat should fit snugly, providing the dog with enough buoyancy to float in a natural horizontal swimming position. A properly fitted life jacket will not allow the dog to slip or fall out.

Please visit our Dog Life Jackets pages for more information on Ruff Wear Float Coats.