Abby wears a FIDO FLOAT,its yellow like ours, zips along the back, has two holes for the front legs and carrying straps on top. She weighs 7 pounds,(delicate build,not heavy) now and the FIDO FLOAT is in the Tiny size. She can wear her harness under it so we can attach a cord in case the kayak flips. ( Like if I were to stand up in the boat and act crazy if a snake fell in with us
) In the heat, it might be a bit uncomfortable, just as they are for humans. However, it is safer to have the floatation device than not. There are snapping turtles in the lakes and rivers. They get gi-gant-u-us. Don't even want them to get a bit of my little delisious baby!