Pooch Protection: Life Vests For Dogs

Life vests for dogs are a good idea--especially if your dog doesn't swim well. (EasternSlopes.com) — Life vests for dogs are a good idea–especially if your dog doesn’t swim well. (EasternSlopes.com)

My dog Chester is an old boy…14 1/2, at current count. He’s also a rotten swimmer, and he’s skinny and can’t float. But…he loves going out in the kayak with me. Life vests for dogs are a perfect solution to the problem. The one he wears was cheap ($19.99), adjusts easily, and while it doesn’t make him LIKE swimming any better, he panics a lot less if he falls in. It also has a very handy “handle” on the top; I can pick the mutt up like a hairy suitcase and move him from shore to boat. It’s great for the kayak, any other boat, or even for when he’s running around on those ocean docks that bob up and down a lot…just in case the clumsy bugger falls in. He doesn’t mind it, and it gives me peace of mind. Cheap insurance! A variety of life vests for dogs are easily available online.