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Why Some Dogs Wear Life Jackets in the Pool

October 31, 2024 Jocelyn Michaud, CVT and Nicole VanNienwenhove
Pet Paradise Day Camp

When Day Campers at Pet Paradise get ready to dip (or cannonball) into the pool, our first priority is to keep everyone safe! That's why you might notice some dogs wearing life jackets while they’re doggy paddling. Life vests aren’t just adorable (who knew pups could look so dapper in orange?) – they also play a vital role in helping to keep pets safe!  

Specifically designed for dogs, life jackets provide extra protection and peace of mind in the pool. There are a few reasons why our Playtime Coordinators might choose to put a life jacket on a Day Camp guest. Let’s dive into the details. 

a dog in a life jacket in a pool

Brachycephalic Breed Safety

In most cases, smaller pups or those with shorter snouts have a more difficult time swimming. These “brachycephalic” dogs, known for their flat faces and short noses, include dogs like English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and more.  

Brachycephalic breeds have shorter snouts that require them to keep their heads higher above the water, which can take a bit more effort. A life vest can help them paddle safely with the rest of the pack. 

a dog in a life jacket in water

Swimming with Confidence 

We take extra care to ensure that even our smallest guests can swim safely. That’s why all dogs under 30 lbs. wear a life jacket when they're in or around the pool. Here in Paradise, we think even the tiniest paws should be able to have fun and make a big splash in the pool yard! 

Regardless of their size, breed, or age, some dogs may have a harder time swimming or get tired more easily than others. If our team of Playtime Coordinators feels that a pet needs a little extra oomph to stay afloat, they might use a life jacket.  

Younger pets who are learning to swim might need an extra lift to give them a boost of confidence in the water. Life jackets are a fantastic tool for pets who are just learning to swim, offering the extra support and confidence dogs need to paddle with ease.  

A life jacket can help to build swimming skills, one doggy paddle at a time! Whether it's a young pup testing the waters for the first time or an older dog finding their sea legs, a life jacket provides just the right lift to help make swimming fun and safe. 

a group of dogs in front of a pool

Safety Is Key 

Some dogs simply aren’t natural swimmers, whether due to their breed, age, or experience in the water, but that shouldn’t stop them from making a splash! At Pet Paradise, we support every pup’s doggy-paddling dreams by using life jackets when necessary. That way, every pet can have fun swimming safely in the pool, and nobody gets left out! 

We're all about providing a safe, happy environment for every pet. Want to learn more about some of our Day Camp safety practices? Check out our blog post: Safety You Can See! The next time you drop off your pup for a day of fun at day camp, you can rest easy knowing your best friend’s paws are in great hands at Pet Paradise. 

 

If you’ve never been to Pet Paradise, get a FREE first day of camp or a FREE first night of boarding. That’s One Free Stay or Play – on us! Book their first visit.  

Ready to drop your pet off for a safe and fun-filled day? Create an accountlog in, or book on the app today!

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Meet Our Veterinary Authors

Our Veterinarians are at the center of everything we do at Pet Paradise + NewDay Veterinary Care. They not only inform our resort operations, vet clinics, science-backed dog training and the way we groom our dogs, but they also contribute to our articles for medical accuracy and insight.

Dr Clay Hellner DVM

Dr. Clay Hellner, Chief Veterinary Officer

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Dr. Karen O'Connor, Regional Veterinary Medical Director

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Dr. Steve Capron, Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry

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