Dog - PFD (Personal Flotation Device), CFD (Canine Flotation Device), Life Jacket - Sizing Chart

Fito Floats, doggy life Jackets, canine flotation devices are sized for weight not shape of the dog. There is plenty of expansion in the straps to let your pet grow into thier PFD. The weight begins at 12 lbs, we have been unable to make jackets smaller. A sternum strap to keep the vest secure, without it the dog can slip out of the jacket while swimming. The grab handle is an added value so you can get a hold of the your pet. Our favorite feature is the zipper allowing you to wash the jacket without getting soap in the foam inside. My dogs roll in everything as soon as they hit the beach. The reflective tape has allowed us to see our dog in the water and on land as well.

Tips:

• We never use the dogs collar on the river. The handy D-ring on the top of the life jacket will allow you to attach a leash.
• We have found this table to be very accurate by weight.
• I would not put a jacket on my child with out crotch straps way would onyone put one on thier dog with out a chest strap.

Life jackets are essential pieces of equipment for the boater, even required by law. But does the boater dog really need a life jacket? Is it a help or a hindrance in a \"dog overboard\" situation? And how do you select the proper PFD for your pooch anyway? Don\'t All Dogs Swim? Older dogs may tire easily and breeds prone to hip dysphasia may have difficulty swimming. Hypothermia can be a threat to some breeds of dogs when they are unduly exposed to cold water. Some dogs just don\'t take to the water well. Breeds with low body fat like Doberman pinschers and boxers can have trouble in the water. Chest straps keep the dog from slipping out of the Flotaion Device, without it is is easy for them to get ot of it in the water.

The life jackets clearly change the way dogs float and the added buoyancy should certainly help a tired dog. Pet life jackets are designed to float the animal in a horizontal, swimming position, not with head up, out of the water.

There are no design or performance standards for pet devices against which to measure devices currently on the market. The pet products industry has none and neither does the U.S. Coast Guard (nor would we want them regulating life jackets for dogs).

Another challenge is the fact that dogs come in more sizes, shapes and anatomical configurations than humans. Their real-world use is different, too. Research had shown us that pet PFDs or CFDs serve as flotation aids and dog overboard lifting devices.

If you are thinking about a PFD for your dog, talk to other boater/pet owners. And when you shop, remember that while size guidelines come with the jackets, based on our experience we strongly recommend that you take Rover in for \"a fitting.\" Look at where the straps or other attachments contact the dog\'s body. In the wrong spot, these can make the dog miserable and they may try to chew them off.

Boat safe and keep your pet safe!

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