Summer Pet Safety ~ Why Your Dog Needs a Life Jacket

Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

dog h2o jackets

Everyone knows that dogs can swim, and most dogs LOVE swimming so much that it can be difficult to get them out of the lake/ocean/pond/pool when it’s time to towel off and call it a day. So then why do they make life jackets for dogs?

Well, it turns out there are several very important reasons why your dog might need a life jacket. Now that Memorial Day is behind us and things are starting to heat up, be sure to take a sec for this important pet safety info.

your dog needs a life jacket

Why Get a Life Jacket for Your Dog

  • Some dogs can’t swim: It’s a somewhat well-kept secret that certain breeds of dogs are NOT build for swimming. For their own safety, you’ll want to make sure they are wearing a life jacket whenever they are near the water. Bulldogs are one example, but check with your professional trainer or veterinarian if you aren’t sure.
  • You’re on a boat: This one seems like a no-brainer but I’ll mention it anyway. Every family member needs their own life jacket whenever you are out on a water craft and that includes your dog. If your dog accidentally falls overboard, there is an emergency or accident, a life jacket could help save their life.
  • Your dog is elderly or disabled: Swimming can be both enjoyable and therapeutic for dogs of all ages and abilities. By putting a life jacket on your dog, they will be able to play safely in the water with their pals, regardless of their limitations.
  • Dogs get tired: Have you ever accidentally swam out so far from shore that you were almost too tired to get back? Luckily, most of us have learned to float or tread water, but dogs don’t know what to do if they get tired. In fact, most of the time, dogs are having so much fun that they won’t realize when they’ve become overly tired and might not be able to swim back to safety on their own. If your dog is going to swim and play in a large body of water where they might get distracted and swim out too far, consider putting a life jacket on your pup.

Regardless of whether or not you decide to get a life jacket for your dog, it’s absolutely essential that you never leave your dog unattended in or around the water.

If you do decide you’d like to get one, here are 3 top-rated life jacket brands for dogs:

  1. Paws Aboard makes life jackets and other aquatic products for dogs, including the super CUTE Lifeguard dog water jacket pictured at the top of this post. Go HERE to view all the sizes and styles.
  2. Kyjen makes several products for the active and outdoor-loving dog including the Kyjen Outward Hound Life Jacket for dogs. It comes in bright colors for great visibility, and in sizes for dogs from 11-90 pounds.
  3. Kurgo also makes a popular life jacket for dogs, the Surf n’ Turf Red Dog Lifejacket and Coat

New Thinksport 17oz Insulated Sports Bottle Fits All Car Cupholders!

Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Long-time readers may recall that a while back, I told you about the most amazing super insulated water bottle I’d discovered thanks to ThinkSport. I’ve been such a fan that I’ve raved about it to friends and neighbors and even giving them as gifts! I always thought it was just the most perfect water bottle, being free of BPA, lead and all other toxic chemicals and so great for both hot and cold drinks. It never sweats and even has a mesh filter to keep the loose tea and ice cubes in the bottle when you drink or pour from it.

There was just one tiny thing that bugged me and that was that I’ve got a really tiny cup holder in my car and it didn’t fit. I always take water for Daisy & me when we are on the go, and had gotten used to our big 25oz water bottle rolling around on the passenger side floor, or wedging it between the passenger seat and door, but I really did the happy dance last week when I noticed that ThinkSport now makes the same bottle in a new 17oz size that is designed to fit all car cupholders!

Daisy with my thinksport purple water bottle

Of course I had to get one ASAP and it arrived really quickly so I can already tell you all about it! We got metallic purple because Daisy and I just LOVE anything purple, but it also is available in silver, metallic green and metallic blue.

If you missed the details in our previous review, here’s why we think it’s so great:

  • Double-walled and vacuum-sealed stainless steel – keeps contents hot or cold for hours
  • Does not sweat (for cold contents) or burn your hand (for hot contents)
  • Shape makes the bottle easy to hold and cooler-looking than straight-walled bottles
  • Removable mesh filter keeps ice from blocking the drinking spout
  • Convenient for brewing tea on the go
  • Rigorous chemical and biologic testing to insure products do not contain toxic chemicals

new sports bottle

I know we’ll still enjoy using the 25oz bottle when we go to the beach or park for the day with Woof Woof Papa, since it really does keep cold drinks cold for hours! But I’m so happy to have a smaller version that fits more easily in my bag and cupholder when Daisy and I are out and about for our walks or errands. Be sure to check out ThinkSport to get your own insulated sports bottle, safer sunscreen, natural shampoo & conditioner plus products for baby, yoga gear and more!

CleanFlow Water Bowls for Dogs & Cats 58% OFF + Free Shipping/Free Returns

Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

CleanFlow dog bowl

It’s important to make sure that your pets always have an adequate supply of clean, fresh water available to them. This CleanFlow kit takes it even one step further by filtering your pets water with a quiet-running charcoal filter so it’s free from impurities.

Right now, Groupon Goods has a deal on the CleanFlow Water Bowls and Kits that you won’t want to miss. Prices for dog or cat bowls are 58-63% OFF regular rates depending on size and all items come with Free Shipping and Free Returns. You also get a free cleaning brush, and dog bowls include expandable reservoir kits and spare filters. Go here to see photos and prices of all the options, starting from $24.99 ($60 reg).

T3 Source Handheld Shower Filter for Healthier Hair, Skin and Fur!

Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

t3 shower filter

Did you know that regular household tap water can contain half as much chlorine as a swimming pool? And that chlorine can cause dry and damaged hair and skin? I didn’t either until we were invited to try the T3 Source Source Shower Filter.

Not only does the T3 filter out up to 95% of chlorine but it also helps remove other irritants including Hydrogen Sulfide, Iron Oxide, dirt and other sediment, for healthier hair and skin. The T3 Tourmaline technology produces negative ions reduce water cluster size which improves filtration as well as help to PH balance the water.

You might think this only affects the people in your house, but if your pets have itchy skin or shed more than normal, poor water quality and too much chlorine could be a factor!

installing shower

I was super excited to install the new shower filter as soon as it arrived but had to wait for Woof Woof Papa to come home and help so that I could get some photos of the installation process. Trust me, now that I’ve seen him do it, you don’t need to add it to the “honey-do list” or wait for anyone to help you. If you’ve got an adjustable wrench, you can do it yourself in about 5 minutes. Everything else you need is in the box!

t3 shower filter

[Read more…]

Thanks For The Water Toy Mom, But I Still Hate Bath Time

Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

bath toy

bath

daisy water toy

For more cute photos of Daisy and pals, follow us on Instagram!

And for even more great pet photos, visit the weekly Wordless Wednesday Pet Blog Hop below:

wordless wednesday pet photos

[Read more…]