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Life vest recommendation
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In your heart, where I belong.
Member Since:
9 February 2011
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9 April 2013 - 11:53 am
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Does anyone have any recommendation for a doggie life vest? Dakota got one here through the Angel Exchange, but of course it is absolutely inappropriate for Evelyn. Since we are a one-dog family now and Evelyn actually enjoys traveling, I want to be prepared for taking her places where she can get her feet wet. Problem is, not all life vests are created equally. And bulldogs are made funny.

I am looking specifically for brands that you've had experience with, brands that have stood up to actually being used hard in the water. My big concern is that the smaller vest that would fit a bulldog might not be beefy enough for how much a bulldog actually weighs. She may be short, but she's sturdy. 

Any brands, anyone? What lasted? What should I avoid? What would you buy again? Thanks!

Shari

From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.

Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/

NC
Member Since:
26 February 2013
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9 April 2013 - 12:38 pm
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Kermit has an Outward Hound life jacket that I chose because it has an extra floaty piece under the chin that's supposed to help support the head.  Much like human PFD's, I was hoping to find one that keeps the dog afloat with head out of the water even in the event of an accident where he's rendered unconscious.  However I don't think such a canine PFD exists.

As you mentioned, in order for it to have enough flotation for a heavy dog, I had to get one that's a little too big for him, so I doubt I'll be able to use it on him now that he's a tripawd, since it'll likely spin around now.

Other than the fit issue, I really like the adjustability and buoyancy of the Outward Hound. And it has a neoprene belly band that covers the whole belly instead of straps, which make it a lot more stable and easier to lift the dog up by the handle into a boat.  If it fits your dog I'd recommend it.

Our rehab vet uses K9 Float Coats in the underwater treadmill and they're uber-comfortable looking & allow a lot of freedom of movement, but I don't view them as buoyant enough for open water with a dog who isn't much of a swimmer.

I'm still on the hunt for a true PFD-type doggy lifejacket, so if you find a great one let me know, too!

NC
Member Since:
26 February 2013
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9 April 2013 - 12:49 pm
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I just found this one and it looks like exactly what I'm looking for (assuming it's thick enough to be really buoyant)- maybe it'll work for you too:

 

lg-13105-43838P_004-dog.jpgImage Enlarger

 

http://www.drsf.....catid=9023

 

In your heart, where I belong.
Member Since:
9 February 2011
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9 April 2013 - 1:53 pm
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It does look good, dharma, but I don't think it'll work for tubby, I mean Evelyn. It says not recommended for breeds with short legs, and according to their size chart she'd need the XL. I know that won't work. It would probably be longer than she is. 

I've done some searching on the bulldog forums but most of the posts are old and I doubt the information now. I'll keep looking. It's only April and it's snowing outside right now.smiley

Thanks for the tip, and if you get it for Kermit let me know how you like the part at the front. Or rather, how he likes it.

Shari

From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.

Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/

In your heart, where I belong.
Member Since:
9 February 2011
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9 April 2013 - 1:55 pm
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Hey, look at this! It's got a huge size selection, a bulldog model and numerous measuring points. 

http://www.petf.....tcid=CSEAZ

From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.

Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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9 April 2013 - 2:06 pm
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Okay you two---I have zero help to offer but I just want our to know that the model in Chris's picture looks like my Happy Hannah!!!

Take a back leg off----add a lot of gray to the muzzle.....take a few lbs. off.....add a tail wagging and there you have it!!

Sorry for butting in!! And dharma--thanks for the tablet advice....now I at leat I understand how IT just jumps in and types what it wants too!!

Okay,,,....no more interruptions from me!

Sally and (model) Happy Hannah

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!





Member Since:
16 October 2012
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9 April 2013 - 2:29 pm
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I know we got ours at petsmart but not sure what they have for Evelyn's size but here is a picture of Bosch in his

there is a handle on top too and belts & velcro :)

100_0849_zpsb5201d80.jpgImage Enlarger

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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9 April 2013 - 3:15 pm
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OK seeing Evelyn swim is a MUST! This you've gotta share!

Well as you've probably guessed we are very partial to Ruff Wear's K9 Float Coat and here's why.

20120608w_floatcoat19.jpgImage Enlarger

Ruff Wear float coats were designed for outdoor, rugged swimming conditions for all shapes and sizes of dogs. This is not a wimpy coat and the price reflects it. We've tested it ourselves in both types of swimming areas, from icy cold lakes to swimming pools, and found that for both myself and Wyatt, it helped keep our heads above water and the under-belly padding gives us enough buoyancy to keep us swimming for much longer than we could have if we weren't wearing one.

Our K9 Float Coat review lists all the reason why we love it, but in short here's why:

  • Telescoping, permanently attached neck closure that’s easier to adjust, and stays put securely.
  • Low-profile handle for easier assistance when getting into and out of water
  • Form-fitting profile with strategically-placed foam panels that keep your dog safely afloat in a natural swimming position
  • Sheltered buckles that don’t create drag in the water, and stay put
  • Reflective trim for enhanced visibility in or out of the water

 

 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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9 April 2013 - 3:21 pm
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Oh I forgot to say that Tripawds Member Spirit Hurley's Dad's company, EzyDog, also has a life vest. We talked about it in the Gear blog a couple of years ago. I'm not sure if it's right for Evelyn but here's the info

Free EzyDog Life Vest for Product Review

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

In your heart, where I belong.
Member Since:
9 February 2011
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10
9 April 2013 - 3:54 pm
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I will look at the sizing for the Ruff Wear and see if it would accommodate her. And I'll look at the other link, too. And bulldogs do swim! Take a look at one of our favorites, a handsome white boy named Little Buddy.

From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.

Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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11
9 April 2013 - 6:53 pm
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Oh Shari thanks for posting that uplifting video!!!!It gave us all some well needed cheer!! You go Buddy! I think you are beyond adorable!!

Sally and Happy Hannah

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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12
9 April 2013 - 9:40 pm
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Wow! Who knew bulldogs could swim? Buddy is adorable. He's wearing a Ruff Wear float coat too!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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