Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Pet Safety on the water. How to choose a life jacket for a dog?

Summer, sun, wind and of course water! As you know, not only people but also our four-legged friends enjoy the pleasures of water. Even if a dog is a good swimmer, it can cause panic in dangerous situations, so the owner needs to take care of the pet's safety early.
Several factors influence your dog's water safety:

A dog accustomed to a peaceful life at home, quickly tired of swimming. If the pet has swum too far and is not out of the water by itself, it will panic;
waves or underwater currents can quickly exhaust even the best swimmer;
some dog breeds, such as French bulldogs or pugs, are not physically fit for long-term swimming. They have short legs, a large head and a flat muzzle that make breathing difficult during bathing;
even dog breeds that like water, such as Labradors, can experience discomfort when swimming if they are overweight, sick, or age-sensitive.

One way to take care of your pet's safety is to purchase a life jacket for him. Wearing a safety vest before bathing will allow the animal to remain afloat in any situation. The moment the animal starts to panic, it may try to climb on the owner - if he wears a life jacket, the dog will lose weight and will not endanger the human being.

If they tip over when traveling by boat or kayak, the life jacket will help your dog float quickly over water and reduce panic. Animal life safety jackets are also equipped with a handle above the animal's back - if the dog falls into the water, the owner can lift it comfortably and quickly.
The vest with reflective tape will also be useful if the pet is just learning to swim - it provides an extra sense of security and reduces the animal's fear.
How to choose a life jacket?

Good buoyancy. There should be foam padding on the back and sides of the vest so that the dog is always in a natural swimming position.

Size. The life jacket must fit close to the animal's body, but be careful not to tighten it too. It is possible to adjust the size of the vest a little, but you should go to the store with the dog to try it on.

Handle. The lifejacket must be fitted with a durable and ergonomic handle so that the pet can be quickly lifted out of the water when needed.

Closure. The vest's closure must be durable and of good quality so that it does not slide off the body of the dog itself and can be opened and closed quickly if necessary.