We love going to the lake with our dogs, for our Husky, Ruby, it’s the perfect way to get outside but beat the heat! Last Fall, we adopted Bodhi, a sweet mix breed pup who has fit right in on our adventures!
Although Ruby is a swimmer, we never attempted kayaking, mainly due to her preference to be in the water (not on it). But! Bodhi has turned into a true kayaker!
For both lake swimming and kayaking, dogs definitely benefit from wearing a life jacket. It takes some of the effort out of our water adventures!
Of the dog life vests we’ve tried, Bodhi’s Outward Hound Dawson Swim Dog Life Jacket is my favorite, both in fit and function.
It’s made primarily of Neoprene, so it’s easy to keep clean and comfortable for him to wear. It also has a chest strap with some flotation that helps keep his head above water while he paddles around.
The grab handles on the back are super sturdy and have made lifting him in and out of the water so much easier (especially from the boat or kayak). We’ve had several swim sessions now, and the vest has held up great — no fraying, stretching, or fading.
Overall, this is a well-designed, high-performance dog life jacket that’s clearly made with both safety and comfort in mind. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to keep their dog safe and happy around the water!
Bodhi is about 50 pounds, but has a small waist, he wears a Large (shown in pictures). But he definitely is on the smaller side of the Large. It can accommodate a larger dog for sure, when adjusted.
If you’re looking for a reliable, well-made life jacket to keep your dog safe during any water activity, this is the one to get. Whether you’re boating, swimming, or just enjoying time near the water, the Outward Hound Dawson Swim Dog Life Jacket offers peace of mind and keeps your pup comfortable and secure. Let me know what your favorite fit is and what adventures you are your pups take on the water!!
Check out our recent Lake Murray, Oklahoma Adventure Here: Lake Murray State Park! Oklahoma’s Oldest and Largest State Park
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