Being on the water is a perfect way to spend quality time with your companion. As with any outdoor pursuit, having the right dog water gear can make aquatic adventures a breeze. Whether you’re looking for the thrill-ride of whitewater rafting, a serene afternoon of paddleboarding on the lake, or just some time to splash and play together, you can explore our water dog adventure gear to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Check out life jackets that offer buoyancy, comfort, and mobility. Or find the perfect insulated water jackets for dogs who can’t resist jumping in, even when the temperature is chilly. And of course, an essential of dog water gear: floating toys that are perfect for aquatic fetch.
Explore All Dog Water Gear
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Jouet à lancer flottant Hydro Plane™
disque en mousse souple à haute flottabilité
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars204 Reviews -
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Jouet à lancer flottant Lunker™
jouet à lancer interactif flottant
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars117 Reviews -
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SUP Pup 101
How do you and your dog start paddleboarding without any experience? Ruffwear employees – and first-time SUP-ers – Brad & Umi and Julie & Beau volunteered to find out. With help from SUP instructor and dog trainer Maria Schulz, they learn all the basics and tackle their first day on the water.
Top Tales for Dog Water Gear
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The Story Behind the Float Coat™ Life Jacket
Ruffwear products are born out of the constant drive to provide a solution to a need or problem. The story of the Float Coat™ Life Jacket is no exception.
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5 Things Your Dog Wants To Do With You This Summer
Trying an activity that's new for your pup or new for you is both a rich and deeply rewarding experience. As you wade through new territory together, you'll forge a stronger bond and create memories that'll make you smile long after they happen.
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Teaching Tala To Love The Water
Our pup Tala hails from the high desert of the Navajo Reservation along the Arizona/New Mexico border. She’s a rescue dog, so we don’t have a lot of solid information about her history.
Frequently Asked Questions
With the right preparation, planning, and dog water gear, your companion can join your water activities. The possibilities are almost as endless for them as they are for you — canoeing, kayaking, boating, rafting, and paddleboarding with a dog are all possible.
One dog water gear essential that we always recommend is a PFD (personal flotation device). Check out our dog life jackets to find the one that works for you. And be sure to check in with your vet if you're just getting started to cover any questions you might have specific to your dog's health.
While many breeds have a natural inclination toward swimming, it’s not true for all dogs. Hill’s Pet Nutrition lists some breeds that might have difficulty in the water, including bulldogs, pugs, boxers, and more. Before you decide to take your dog swimming, always take the time to learn if your dog is comfortable in the water, or even enjoys it. Start slow, with shallow and warm water, and in a place where you can get into the water with them. Always ensure that they are wearing a life jacket or PFD. Pay attention to their cues and never push your dog past their comfort zone.
When it comes to dog water gear, it’s always a good idea to invest in a life jacket or PFD, regardless of their swimming ability. It's a great way to support them in the water if they get fatigued, especially in moving water.
Aside from practical gear like life jackets and water jackets, your companion will appreciate ways to have even more fun in the water. Consider bringing toys along with you for some aquatic fetch, like our floating disc dog toy, and keep tails wagging.