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Thread: Swimming vests?

  1. #1
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    Swimming vests?

    Cookie is turning 13 soon and summer is almost here, so... swimming season! Yay!

    Cookie has never had a swimming vest before (he didn't need it), but last summer while in Greece (we swim together for about 30 minutes) I was really panicked when water got into his ears and he started shaking his head and turning to one side (I swam quickly to him, managed to pull him back - we were a long way from the shore).

    So, this year, since he is an old dog now and maybe I won't be near him to hold him - I've been thinking of buying a swimming vest. Have you used one, was it helpful, any recommendations? Thanks.
    Cookie Black Snowflake
    July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.

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    Senior Dog smartrock's Avatar
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    The one pet food place I go to also has a pool for dogs to swim. The first time or 2 that I take them to the pool I put a vest on my dogs because humans aren’t allowed in the pool. I want to both give them a little security if they’re inexperienced and make sure that I can get hold of them if necessary. The pool has a selection of Outward Hound and Ruffwear flotation bests to borrow and I have used both. I think I liked the Ruffwear the best but I have pretty limited experience with them. Here’s one article that reviews vests: https://www.k9ofmine.com/best-dog-life-vests/


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    We have a life vest that we used with Scully when she was 15 ... no particular brand that I can remember - just whatever we found at Petsmart, but it did give us good peace of mind about her swimming when she was getting older and frailer.
    Annette

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    Senior Dog zd262's Avatar
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    We just got the ruffwear vest for boating in case we're far from shore. It fits well and it seems like Bubba is starting to be a more relaxed swimmer as a result (he was always a very strong swimmer and would just swim and swim forever but he always looked just a little strained/panicked to me).
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    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    Thank you!

    Sue that article was really helpful, thanks. I think I have found the perfect vest.
    Cookie Black Snowflake
    July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.

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    I found a perfect vest for Sophie, where the back could be next-to-snug against her chest and belly area with a sturdy, well-placed handle to lift her into a boat, but I can't remember the brand right now - I'd have to check at home. It cost $100 but worth every penny.
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  12. #7
    Senior Dog zd262's Avatar
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    Oh one note, we went to a pet store to try them on rather than order online. And we actually spent a lot of time trying on the two possible sizes and talking with the store owner. We ended up going with the smaller size even though technically bubba fell into the chest range for the larger size because once the vest gets wet you really can tighten everything up a lot more and I felt (and the store owner agreed), that similar to human vests they are meant to be snug and not loose. I'm glad now we went with the smaller size!
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  14. #8
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by zd262 View Post
    Oh one note, we went to a pet store to try them on rather than order online. And we actually spent a lot of time trying on the two possible sizes and talking with the store owner. We ended up going with the smaller size even though technically bubba fell into the chest range for the larger size because once the vest gets wet you really can tighten everything up a lot more and I felt (and the store owner agreed), that similar to human vests they are meant to be snug and not loose. I'm glad now we went with the smaller size!
    Unfortunately I have no other choice but to order online, since pet stores here don't sell them.
    Cookie Black Snowflake
    July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Berna View Post
    Unfortunately I have no other choice but to order online, since pet stores here don't sell them.
    When you decide on one, contact the company and ask someone there to recommend a size if Cookie seems to be between sizes....they can ask you questions to fine-tune your purchase.

    It's tough to think of Cookie as aging...he's such a warrior.

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    Senior Dog JackK's Avatar
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    I had a jacket for Cassie because we were offshore quite often and tides could pull her away from me regardless of how well she swims. I highly recommend the Ruffwear Vests. With the handle I could lift Cassie to the swim platform without difficulty.

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