Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Arie Loves Water. Arie Cannot Swim. The Water Safety Gear That Changed That.
16
items I learned the hard way that a dog running toward the water and a dog who can actually swim in the water are two very different things. Arie is enthusiastic. Arie is also a stone in the ocean. After one very stressful lake trip early on, I started bui...
Sections
1
Life Jacket & Safety First
Life Jacket & Safety First
Before anything else, Arie wears his life jacket. Most dogs cannot actually swim safely in open water for extended periods, and a jacket is not just for dogs who cannot swim — it is for dogs who get tired, hit a current, or panic. This section is whe...
This is the one most dog parents start with and for good reason. The grab handle on the back made a real difference on our first lake trip with Arie. The bright color makes him easy to spot in the water, and the front float actually keeps his head up...
Outward Hound Granby Splash Yellow Dog Life Jacket L
Ruffwear is worth the price if your dog is actually in the water regularly. The handles on this one are more structured and easier to grab in a rush. Arie looks very serious in this jacket, which he would hate me for saying.
Ruffwear Life Jacket Small Dogs, Wave Orange
Ezydog DFD Dog Life Jacket - Small Yellow
Budget-friendly option that holds up better than you'd expect. Good choice if you're not sure yet whether your dog will tolerate a life jacket — no point spending full price on something they refuse to wear twice.
VIVAGLORY Rip Stop Dog Life Vest S Floral
Arie ignores regular fetch toys in the water but will absolutely launch himself after this one. The bright orange helps too when you're squinting across a lake trying to track a dog.
Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Fetch Stick Toy - Medium
These are the only goggles he does not immediately shake off. Takes a few sessions to get them used to it but worth it if your dog swims in chlorinated pools or on bright-sun lake days.
Rex Specs V2 Dog Goggles (Large, Black)
Neoprene and regular leashes get waterlogged and heavy fast. This one dries in minutes and does not smell after a full summer of lake trips. The handle float is underrated.
Dogline Biothane Waterproof Dog Leash Violet
Dogs burn through water fast when swimming. These pack flat, clip to a bag, and hold enough for a proper mid-session drink break. Easy to rinse, easy to carry.
Dog Bowl Pet Collapsible Bowls, 2 Pack
Soak it, wring it out, put it on. Keeps him regulated during swim breaks without needing to find shade. Especially useful on the drive home when the car heats up fast.
SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Grey Green XL
Sandy, rocky lake shores do a number on paw pads. He gets a coat of this before any beach day and has not had cracking or soreness since. Works as a light waterproof barrier too.
Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax 200g - Natural Balm
Dogs actually need sunscreen, especially on the nose and ear tips where the fur is thinnest. This spray goes on quick and Arie tolerates it better than the wax-based ones. Apply before any extended outdoor time near water.
Dog Sunscreen With Aloe Vera Moisturizer - Warren London
A step up from the basic cooling vests. Better coverage and stays cooler longer. Good if your dog runs hot or you are spending a full day out in the sun between swims.
Terrain Dog Cooling Vest with Coolcore Tech
Swimmer's ear in dogs is real. After every swim day we do a quick ear flush with this and let him shake it out. Vet recommended it after his second ear infection and we have not had one since.
Virbac EPIOTIC® Advanced Ear Cleanser 4 oz
Four sandy muddy paws times a wet dog who does not want to wait to get in the car. This is faster than toweling each paw and actually works. The large fits Arie's paws well.
Dexas MudBuster Large Blue Paw Cleaner for Dogs
Microfiber absorbs way more than a regular towel and fits in the bag without taking up half the space. The pocket design means you can actually scrub instead of just pat.
Dog Towel 2 Pack Large Super Absorbent Microfiber
For the car ride home when he smells like a wet dog and a lake and you still have 45 minutes to go. Spray, rub in, done. Not a substitute for a real bath but it makes the drive survivable.
Burt's Bees Waterless Shampoo Spray for Dogs