Doggie life vests - YorkieTalk.com Forums

capt_noonie · 07-17-2009, 05:40 PM

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

but yes, it was much cheaper than petco.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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!!!*

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.

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.

07-17-2009, 05:40 PM	#1
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	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. 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. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

07-17-2009, 10:17 PM	#3
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I have the fido floats, Ive had them for yrs and the zipper hasnt broke. I got them at Petco __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

07-17-2009, 10:24 PM	#4
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	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. 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! __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

07-17-2009, 11:01 PM	#6
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	well, we'll see once I get it but yes, it was much cheaper than petco. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

07-17-2009, 11:26 PM	#8
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	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. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

07-17-2009, 09:54 PM	#2
Miao No Longer a Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Savage Garden Posts: 1,147	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.

07-17-2009, 11:17 PM	#7
Miao No Longer a Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Savage Garden Posts: 1,147	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.

07-19-2009, 10:04 AM	#9
nneessaa YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cupertino, CA, USA Posts: 516	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. __________________ Vanessa & Scruffs (2 year old Yorkie) RIP My Little Neu (16 year old Cocker Spaniel)

07-19-2009, 12:11 PM	#10
CouversMom and Khloe Mae's too! Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Eastern Washington Posts: 14,732	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 __________________ Michelle- mommy to Couver and Khloe Mae! http://yorkiehavenrescue.com/

07-20-2009, 10:09 PM	#11
postalmom1987 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: vacaville ca usa Posts: 235	I've only had my Fido float for a short while so I don't know about the zipper. 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. 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 __________________ LOVE my little Krystal, my sweet Jack, and little lover Morgan

07-22-2009, 12:48 PM	#14
Miao No Longer a Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Savage Garden Posts: 1,147	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. 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

07-24-2009, 08:18 AM	#15
sherile47 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: pewee valley Posts: 118	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.