Taking your furry friend along for your summer adventures is always a thrilling experience. Whether it’s floating around the pool or riding the waves on a floaty in the ocean, dogs love to be included in all of your activities. However, finding the perfect floaty for your dog can be a daunting task. Canine claws can often clash with rafts designed for humans, which is why it’s crucial to choose a floaty made of durable, puncture-proof material that can withstand your pup’s bouncy personality.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a guide on how to choose the best floaty for your furry friend, along with reviews of some of the top dog floaties on the market.
Pool Floats for Dogs: A Buyer’s Guide
When you’re purchasing a floaty for your furry friend, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure their safety and comfort.
Weight Limits: Adhering to the float’s weight limit is crucial for your pup’s safety and comfort. Most floats have different weight limits, so ensure that you choose the appropriate one for your dog’s size.
Design: Consider the shape and design of the floaty. Some have inflatable sides or are entirely flat. Others let water into the base, while some sit on top of the water. Your furry friend may prefer to feel more secure with raised sides or may not like getting wet. You also want to ensure that the floaty is sturdy enough to hold a wiggly, active dog.
Material: Of course, you want to make sure that the floaty is made of puncture-proof, durable material since your dog’s claws can cause damage.
Tether Points: If you plan on using your doggy float on a lake, river, or in the ocean, it’s advisable to either tie your pup’s float to yours or hold onto the tether.
Best Dog Floaties
Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a closer look at some of the top dog floaties on the market.
1. SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws
This doggy raft is one of the best on the market. It’s durable, stable, and easy to use. The floaty is made with claw-friendly materials and has an inner-spring design around the outside edge to keep it from tipping over easily. The puncture-resistant inflatable ring surrounds a sturdy mesh base, which allows in a bit of water to keep your pup cool on those hot summer days. The floaty comes in two sizes: small/medium for pups up to 65 pounds (48″ x 27″) and large/extra-large (64.5″ x 43.25″) for dogs weighing 65 to over 200 pounds. And when it comes to storage, the floaty folds down flat into three compact circles for portability.
2. Paws Aboard Doggy Lazy Raft
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty, above-the-water float, this Paws Aboard Doggy Raft is an excellent option. It’s made of thick, puncture-resistant vinyl that stands up to even the most playful pups. The side sits nine inches above the water, making it an excellent choice for dogs who’d rather stay dry while floating in the pool with you.
The floaty comes in three sizes: small for little ones up to 30 pounds (30″ x 23″), large for pups up to 90 pounds (50″ x 40″), and extra-large for dogs over 90 pounds (70″ x 55″). Many customers advise going up a size for maximum stability.
3. PoolCandy Inflatable Pet Float
This compact design floaty is perfect for smaller dogs. It has a raised side with small holes in the base to let water in, and the side and base are made of inflatable, heavy-duty PVC that stands up to most dog claws. The base is extremely comfortable for your furry friend, and the floaty comes in two sizes: small for dogs up to 35 pounds (34.5″ x 27″) and large for pups up to 100 pounds (54″ x 40″). However, the floaty may not be durable or stable enough for larger dogs, as some medium to large-sized dog owners claimed.
What About Milliard & Rupert’s Dog Floaties?
Although these two products didn’t make our top cut, they are still deserving of an honorable mention.
1. Milliard Dog Float
This extra-large raft is equipped with a built-in hook and included rope to keep your large breed dog safe when she’s in open water with you. It’s made of UV and puncture-resistant vinyl and sits nine inches above the water, giving ample room for your furry friend to stretch out and relax. It’s stable enough to support two medium or large-sized dogs but may not be suitable for giant breeds.
2. Rupert’s Float Dog Pool Float
This cozy little dog floaty has an attachable canopy to keep pups shaded from the bright summer sun. The floaty is made of durable PVC and has thick inflated sides that are excellent for pups anxious about being on a float. It’s ideal for small dogs but may not be suitable for dogs over 20-ish pounds.
Water Safety Tips For Your Dog
Following these expert safety tips can give you peace of mind when your furry friend is having a splashing good time in a pool, lake, or any body of water:
– Get a dog life jacket to give your dog extra protection, especially if she’s not a good swimmer.
– Always keep your eyes on your pup when she’s near or in any body of water.
– Before each use, check your pup’s floaty for any holes or tears and make sure it’s fully inflated.
– Some dog floats have tethers, but it’s extremely dangerous to pull your dog behind a boat with a motor.
– Check water conditions for strong currents or rip tides if you’re planning to take your dog into the ocean or a river.
– Have fresh drinking water on hand. Drinking from lakes, rivers, oceans, or pools can make your dog ill because they can contain algae, bacteria, parasites, chemicals, or salt.
Protecting Your Pup For Summer Fun
Whether your summer adventures with your dog involve water rafting, hiking, spending time at the park, or merely long strolls through your neighborhood, you want to ensure that your pup is protected. Check out our reviews for the best dog sunscreen, as well as booties to keep her pads from burning on the scorching pavement. And don’t forget to give your pup a flea and tick preventative to keep her safe all summer long.
