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capt_noonie 07-17-2009 05:40 PM
Doggie life vests
 
What is the best brand out there? I heard the "Fido Floats" brand the zipper breaks easily.

I checked on ebay and there is also Pawsaboard (seems the best), Outward Hound, Guardian Gear. Guardian gear sizing seems weird. :confused: Anyone have any of these, and what do you think?

Uni is 12 1/2" chest, 8 1/2" neck, 11 1/2" length. I would say she is xs, but some of these sizings says xxs? No way, there are pups way smaller than her.

Help me! Thanks.:D

Miao 07-17-2009 09:54 PM
I think it would be best that you take her into places like PetSmart and fit her in some to see which works best for her then buy from another source. :)

I know the majority of them like Outward Hound and another brand I've seen are generally not in "sealed" packages. All of the pet stores I've been to encourage you to bring your dog in to try stuff on before buying.

chachi 07-17-2009 10:17 PM
I have the fido floats, Ive had them for yrs and the zipper hasnt broke. I got them at Petco

capt_noonie 07-17-2009 10:24 PM
Thanks for your replies. I took her to petco and tried on the ones they had there. I guess she is an xxs. I didn't like the fido floats b/c her hair is long and it can get caught in the zipper. I ordered a pawsaboard brand from ebay. :D The one with the nautical theme, bc you know we are pirates! LOL They are way cheaper on ebay than at petco! $20 vs $35!

chachi 07-17-2009 10:56 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by capt_noonie (Post 2717032)
Thanks for your replies. I took her to petco and tried on the ones they had there. I guess she is an xxs. I didn't like the fido floats b/c her hair is long and it can get caught in the zipper. I ordered a pawsaboard brand from ebay. :D The one with the nautical theme, bc you know we are pirates! LOL They are way cheaper on ebay than at petco! $20 vs $35!
Wow what a good deal! Im glad you found one you like

capt_noonie 07-17-2009 11:01 PM
well, we'll see once I get it :rolleyes: but yes, it was much cheaper than petco. :thumbup:

Miao 07-17-2009 11:17 PM
The thing I found with life jackets, I think my girl "fit" an xs or xxs too, but had to go a size or two higher because in spite of the girth fitting as she's skinny, the length didn't work out.

Uni is probably a little under an inch longer than my girl. The thing is, when she gets tired from swimming, do you notice her lower half starting to "sink"? So with the life jacket being the right length to cover more of her back, I think that's pretty important for it to make swimming a breeze for them. Of course, I never got the chance to put it to the test because my girl, unfortunately, has a deathly fear of water in most forms. :(

capt_noonie 07-17-2009 11:26 PM
That is some good advice, thanks! But,

Well,.... Uni's never been in the pool. We took her to the beach a few weeks ago, and I want to get her a life vest for the future (for the beach). So I don't really know.

We tried to teach her to swim when she was a baby in our tub. that's how small she was. We haven't tried anything aquatic since the Coronado thing. :)

Uni's measurements is what is throwing me off. She is tall ( in the legs) but thin in girth, but light in overall weight. :confused:

nneessaa 07-19-2009 10:04 AM
For Scruffs I got an XS Paws Aboard Nautical print. It is SO CUTE!!!

He is 7.1 lbs. He was on the verge of XXS and XS so I went with XS and it is a perfect fit. I think XS would only work for dogs up to 8 or 9 lbs. How heavy is Uni? Although you already ordered it and tried it on at the store so you should be good lol.

CouversMom 07-19-2009 12:11 PM
I got the Outward Hound Pet Saver Lifejacket from Petsmart, and have been very happy with it.

Couver is 6.5 pounds, and he wears an xs. According to his weight he should be an xxs, but I tried them on in the store and the xxs was WAY too small. It would have fit a way smaller dog. They are always off by a size or so.

His was only $17 or so. Not too bad!

Outward Hound™ Pet Saver™ Lifejacket - Clothes - Dog - PetSmart

postalmom1987 07-20-2009 10:09 PM
I've only had my Fido float for a short while so I don't know about the zipper.:confused: I have the tiny and her hair can get caught. But I have pretty much got it down so I don't catch the hair. We have a place called western ranch and pet supply. They only wanted $19.99 and I had a $5.00 off store coupon.:D I have another one of those coupons they just put out burning a hole in my pocket destined for a new toy for my girl. ;)

Dion

capt_noonie 07-20-2009 10:28 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by nneessaa (Post 2718287)
For Scruffs I got an XS Paws Aboard Nautical print. It is SO CUTE!!!

He is 7.1 lbs. He was on the verge of XXS and XS so I went with XS and it is a perfect fit. I think XS would only work for dogs up to 8 or 9 lbs. How heavy is Uni? Although you already ordered it and tried it on at the store so you should be good lol.
Ok I feel more confident getting the xxs then. Uni is 5.1 pounds. Miao was saying that Uni is longer than her pup and that the xs would have been better, but I had already ordered it, so oh well!

Quote:
Originally Posted by CouversMom (Post 2718391)
I got the Outward Hound Pet Saver Lifejacket from Petsmart, and have been very happy with it.

Couver is 6.5 pounds, and he wears an xs. According to his weight he should be an xxs, but I tried them on in the store and the xxs was WAY too small. It would have fit a way smaller dog. They are always off by a size or so.

His was only $17 or so. Not too bad!

Outward Hound™ Pet Saver™ Lifejacket - Clothes - Dog - PetSmart
I had thought that Outward hound sizing was very weird. Just like in the fashion industry that I used to be in, each company makes their own sizing, there is NO standard. I'll let you all know once I get it!
Thanks again!;)

capt_noonie 07-22-2009 12:30 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Miao (Post 2717057)
The thing I found with life jackets, I think my girl "fit" an xs or xxs too, but had to go a size or two higher because in spite of the girth fitting as she's skinny, the length didn't work out.

Uni is probably a little under an inch longer than my girl. The thing is, when she gets tired from swimming, do you notice her lower half starting to "sink"? So with the life jacket being the right length to cover more of her back, I think that's pretty important for it to make swimming a breeze for them. Of course, I never got the chance to put it to the test because my girl, unfortunately, has a deathly fear of water in most forms. :(
Miao, you were right! The vest came in today and it was waaaaaaay too small in the neck. Also with that much of the "hook" side of the velcro exposed it would snag her hair all day long!

The seller allows exchanges so that's good.

So to everyone, make sure you buy at least one size up! *I should have listened to Miao!!!*:p

Miao 07-22-2009 12:48 PM
Of course, the neck fitting is very important, lol. But please don't give me credit for that as I had neglected to warn about that part! And I haven't tried the brand you got so I was mainly referring to Outward Hound. :p

Glad they allow exchanges!! If they hadn't offered that, then you could find it somewhere locally to fit it first and/or touch/feel before finding it online for a better deal!

Btw, my girl's at least 1.5 lbs heavier than yours so mine may have a bigger set of ribs, and likely more leg. lol ;)

sherile47 07-24-2009 08:18 AM
When we first put life jackets on our dogs, they were 5 & 6 lbs. Isable had trouble controlling herself in the life jacket but Harley didn't, so I think it was a weight issue. She would just roll from side to side with no control. Now that she is a whopping 6.5lbs, she has much better control. Of course, she is also 2 years older, may have something to do with it. But my sisterinlaws dog had the same problem. So I'm just suggesting you keep a close eye on your lightweight dog, he may not have enough weight to be able to control himself in the water.

sarahheartmaddy 07-25-2009 07:34 PM
If there is one near you, check out Tuesday Morning. They had lifevests for 7.99!!

manina 07-30-2009 06:18 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by capt_noonie (Post 2716834)
What is the best brand out there? I heard the "Fido Floats" brand the zipper breaks easily.

I checked on ebay and there is also Pawsaboard (seems the best), Outward Hound, Guardian Gear. Guardian gear sizing seems weird. :confused: Anyone have any of these, and what do you think?

Uni is 12 1/2" chest, 8 1/2" neck, 11 1/2" length. I would say she is xs, but some of these sizings says xxs? No way, there are pups way smaller than her.

Help me! Thanks.:D
I have Outward Hound pet gear got it at pet mart last year for 1/2 price after the season was over, good time to buy summer thing for next year . Miley loves it and i feel she is safe. U should take your furbaby with u for fitting.
good luck!
bark@ulater!
manina,miley:aimeeyork,max:animal36

chattiesmom 08-17-2009 05:12 AM
1 Attachment(s)
I think this is the life vest I will be buying for Emmitt. We have just acquired a 21' cabin cruiser and Emmitt is my "go bye bye" boy. He is the only one of the pack that enjoys going.

From reading doggie life preserver reviews one of the problems with many of the life vests available are the narrow straps that go around the chest and waist -- if you have to pick them up it causes a lot of pressure in those areas. I am new to all of this boating stuff :) so watch out. Once I find out who is "boatish" I will be picking your brains.

capt_noonie 08-17-2009 03:10 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by chattiesmom (Post 2759348)
I think this is the life vest I will be buying for Emmitt. We have just acquired a 21' cabin cruiser and Emmitt is my "go bye bye" boy. He is the only one of the pack that enjoys going.

From reading doggie life preserver reviews one of the problems with many of the life vests available are the narrow straps that go around the chest and waist -- if you have to pick them up it causes a lot of pressure in those areas. I am new to all of this boating stuff :) so watch out. Once I find out who is "boatish" I will be picking your brains.
Cindy, I got the pawsaboard one with the nautical theme motif on it, very cute. The straps under the chest and waist and over a mesh netting, so if you have to use the handle it's still pretty comfy. Looks like when they have to rescue a horse or cow or something. LOL The neck circumference is SMALL though. Size up at least one or two sizes.

chattiesmom 08-17-2009 04:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by capt_noonie (Post 2760138)
Cindy, I got the pawsaboard one with the nautical theme motif on it, very cute. The straps under the chest and waist and over a mesh netting, so if you have to use the handle it's still pretty comfy. Looks like when they have to rescue a horse or cow or something. LOL The neck circumference is SMALL though. Size up at least one or two sizes.
Picture please :D

This one is a Ruff Wear that I found at REI. I think I'm going to take Emmitt for a fitting later this week. They are fairly pricey, but hey, he deserves the best. I really like the fact that this one covers his belly with the flotation material. I'll let you know how it fits :D I'll take my camera and get some pics of his handsomeness trying it on.

Mom to Hot Rod 08-17-2009 04:40 PM
3 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by chattiesmom (Post 2759348)
I think this is the life vest I will be buying for Emmitt. We have just acquired a 21' cabin cruiser and Emmitt is my "go bye bye" boy. He is the only one of the pack that enjoys going.

From reading doggie life preserver reviews one of the problems with many of the life vests available are the narrow straps that go around the chest and waist -- if you have to pick them up it causes a lot of pressure in those areas. I am new to all of this boating stuff :) so watch out. Once I find out who is "boatish" I will be picking your brains.
Cindy, here are some pics of what we use. They are not the best but I think you can see them.

The first 2 are of a vest that we happened to find. It has 2 straps that go all the way around, nothing under the belly.

the 2nd one, yellow- there is mesh on the belly part. It also has a neck support. This one works very well, but I don't think it is very comfortable for the dog. We got this at petco.

Mom to Hot Rod 08-17-2009 04:42 PM
2 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mom to Hot Rod (Post 2760303)
Cindy, here are some pics of what we use. They are not the best but I think you can see them.
Here is the other vest that we have: These are from petsmart website. They wrap around the belly so the dog is supported. The band is velcro so it will not shift or loosen up in the water.

I dont know if you can see the neck area, but there is a piece that velcros around the neck then a strap around it. You can make it as small or big around as you need. I like this as it keeps the dog face out of the water if you should need to do so. Maggie doesn't have any trouble wearing it. We swap between maggie and hot rod all the time.

capt_noonie 08-17-2009 05:11 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by chattiesmom (Post 2760301)
Picture please :D

This one is a Ruff Wear that I found at REI. I think I'm going to take Emmitt for a fitting later this week. They are fairly pricey, but hey, he deserves the best. I really like the fact that this one covers his belly with the flotation material. I'll let you know how it fits :D I'll take my camera and get some pics of his handsomeness trying it on.
Here is a link to their website that shows all the styles. Scrool down to the little yorkie, that's the one I got with the nautical theme. It works great for Uni. Got it on ebay, it was cheaper, about $22.

http://www.pawsaboard.com/dog-lifeja...ife-jacket.asp

chattiesmom 08-24-2009 08:36 AM
Bought the Float Coat
 
1 Attachment(s)
Well, after much debate I bit the bullet and bought Emmitt the Red xx-Small Float Coat from the REI outlet for $29.93. It sells for $49.93 in their retail stores. Since I'm not positive about the fit I had it shipped to an REI store and when it arrives I'll take Emmitt in to try it on. If it doesn't fit I was assured that I could get an immediate refund. We'll see how that goes.

I know that this live jacket isn't as stylish as some and is more expensive, but I was really concerned about the functionality and safety since he will be with us on the boat in deep water. I'll post pics of Emmitt wearing his new Float Coat when it comes in.

chattiesmom 09-13-2009 10:56 AM
Here's Emmitt
 
4 Attachment(s)
As promised, here is Emmitt in his new Float Coat. Needless to say, he wasn't thrilled about modeling, BUT the Float Coat is a spectatular product and fits well. What I like about this life vest that is different from some of the other less expensive ones that I researched is that this vest has flotation material on the under the belly as well as on top. Now if my boat building hubby could hurry up and get the boat finished -- that was mean of me because Ron is spending all of his spare time working on the boat! Just wait until you hear our plans for Christmas of 2010!

Mom to Hot Rod 09-14-2009 08:52 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by chattiesmom (Post 2799144)
As promised, here is Emmitt in his new Float Coat. Needless to say, he wasn't thrilled about modeling, BUT the Float Coat is a spectatular product and fits well. What I like about this life vest that is different from some of the other less expensive ones that I researched is that this vest has flotation material on the under the belly as well as on top. Now if my boat building hubby could hurry up and get the boat finished -- that was mean of me because Ron is spending all of his spare time working on the boat! Just wait until you hear our plans for Christmas of 2010!
Great pictures! He looks as thrilled as Hot Rod did when we first put his life vest on. :p:eek: Love the first picture. He doesn't even want to look at the camera.

Cindy Emmitt is beautiful. He's got such beautiful coloring!:)

chattiesmom 09-14-2009 09:06 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mom to Hot Rod (Post 2800485)
Great pictures! He looks as thrilled as Hot Rod did when we first put his life vest on. :p:eek: Love the first picture. He doesn't even want to look at the camera.

Cindy Emmitt is beautiful. He's got such beautiful coloring!:)
Bo, thank you for your compliments on Emmitt. He is an awesome little boy. He wasn't thrilled when we tried the vest on at the REI store, lol it was hysterical! I tried it on him again a couple of times driving home (Don't recommend trying to put a life jacket on an unwilling dog while driving down the interstate :rolleyes:). By the time we got home and I got the camera out we had put on and taken off the vest at least a 1/2 dozen times and he was resigned to having to wear it. :D

He didn't do the crab walk, but he did fall over a couple of times :lol tears


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