Life Vest?

[feline13x]

I was wondering if anyone uses a life vest for their Mastiff. My friend who has one of Fenway's brothers told me that someone told her Mastiffs should wear life vests when in deeper water or they tend to having a hard time keeping head above water. Would like thoughts on this. Right now Fenway just has access to a kiddie pool but after he gets all of his vaccines we will take him to the dog park that has access to a lake.

Thank you!

 

[stephanieb]

I think it depends on the dog. Our EM / BM cross loves to swim. Our EM won't go out past his shoulders. Never thought to try a life jacket on him.

 

[Rugers-Kris]

I just bought one for Ruger (It should be here this week) http://www.petmountain.com/show_product/574112 But for more input and links there is a thread that I started a couple of days ago that has tons of info from forum members. You can search it. It was called need help with a couple purchases.

---------- Post added at 02:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:31 PM ----------

This is the thread http://www.mastiff-forum.com/showth...-couple-purchases-please....?highlight=couple

 

[Rugers-Kris]

This is the thread http://www.mastiff-forum.com/showth...-couple-purchases-please....?highlight=couple

 

[m0rg4n]

I was going to suggest checking out Ruger-Kris' message, but looks like I'm too late! =)

 

[Ursa]

I actually use life vests for my Newfs. They're excellent swimmers but aren't in shape to swim for long distances. If I were taking them somewhere that I could swim out to save them I wouldn't bother with a vest (ok - if their dad could swim out. I can't swim so they'd have to save me). If we're going somewhere with a larger body of water I put a vest on them.

 

[DennasMom]

Denna LOVES to swim, but she doesn't kick hard enough to keep her hind end up, and she tends to stop paddling to shake water out of her ears, which sends her straight to the bottom.

We have a life vest for her now, which will let her swim longer before she tires out - and also let her keep afloat when she does get tired - but best of all, gives us peace of mind that she won't sink faster than we can get to her.

Her first vest was too big for her - but I'm sure she'll grow our of it before next summer rolls around.