Dog Lifejackets & Custom Wetsuits
We stock the 2 best lifejackets you can buy.
Designed by experienced Kayakers and SUP boarders, considering floatation and motion, and the best material for dogs that are active in the water on SUP's Surfboards or that swim off boats.
The only 2 lifejackets available with full chest and rib cage support and strong lifting handles. They are both designed to support chests and heads, and concentrate floatation around the heavy front part of the body to balance with the lighter rear end, to prevent heads dipping in the water. Both have incredibly strong lifting handles to help you retrieve your dog from water.
The main difference in the Stunt Puppy and the Red SUP Lifejacket is that the SUP Lifejacket has an adjustable neck.
The only dog Lifejackets that....
- support the head with a built in chest panel Which also stops your dog slipping out of his jacket when pulled from the water and helps you keep him steady whilst on your SUP or Kayak. This also helps support your dogs head without interfering with his vision
- have multiple body panels to curve the jacket around the body, giving floatation in all the right placed, removing flap and improving movement in water with less stress against the swimming motion, and less chance of any tissue damage from a sliding jacket
- super strong lifting handles, attached independently and not simply stitched to decorative fabric which will stretch and soon tear. A strong lifting handle is essential as the main purpose of a dog life jacket is to help you to pull him from the water or up on your SUP, Kayak or boat.
Dog Custom Wetsuits
We custom make Wetsuits in a small workshop that makes human wet suits. Sometimes we have to wait in the queue to get them made but we usually despatch within 15 business days
Read what makes a good Dog Life Jacket!
The Stunt Puppy Dog Lifejacket
No shark fins, no glitter, no thin ‘pretty’ fabric, no gaping hole under the chest, no flapping, no tummy cutting straps.
Inspired by human kayaking and wakeboarding vests, the Stunt Puppy dog life jacket uses a unique and patented enclosed design that wraps your dog in an ergonomic, balanced, comfortable and secure flotation jacket.
The design of these Stunt Puppy life jackets is taken very seriously because dogs' lives are at risk if they do not perform properly. Not trying to be dramatic, but not all dog life jackets are created with the same level of design functionality and attention to detail.
There are two key differences versus other dog life jackets:
1. A fully enclosed harness that is better for buoyancy, security and comfort
- A unique dog life jacket that encloses between the front legs - other dog life jackets are open between the front legs
- Enclosed is better for buoyancy, security and comfort, particularly when being lifted flotation in the under-chest panel supports the heavier shoulder area and helps keep the head higher in the water
- Attaching the handle to the full harness supports the dog fully, secures them firmly and eases pressure on soft issue
2. Curved and articulated panels for a better, more streamlined fit
- Every panel on the Float Doggy is curved to mirror the shape of a dog's body
- Each panel is articulated for flexibility to improve comfort and movement and give streamlined fit
- Panels use different densities of foam to best balance flotation and reduce bulk
- Independent front and rear adjustments allow for different body shapes
- The Float Doggy uses a unique combination of structural design and materials to provide a secure, ergonomic, comfortable fit and balanced flotation.
The best materials for the job are used including Cordura® fabrics, Solas® reflective tapes and bar-tack for the fastenings for durability and safety.
Key Features and Benefits
- construction cradles your dog from below as the buoyancy foam lifts them up providing more balanced and comfortable flotation
- Harness construction secures dogs inside the harness so they cannot wriggle or slip out when being lifted and keeps pressure off soft tissue of throat and belly. Lift your dog securely and safely back onto your board or boat.
- Floatation between the front legs keeps the front end and head higher in the water without craning the dog's head or putting pressure on the throat
- Hinged foam segments allow free movement and a better fit
- Variable density foam complements natural buoyancy
- Tapered panels give a better fit on a range of doggy shapes
- Double adjustment straps secure the jacket evenly and firmly on a range of doggy shapes
- Full-length lifting handle and leash attachment for doggy overboard situations
- Durable construction using Cordura® Nylon and waterproof reflective tapes
- No Velcro or awkward fastenings!
We don't want the jacket to extend past the point of the hips. Ideally it finishes somewhere between the last rib and the sacrum. The jacket doesn't need to extend all the way along to the tail and we don't want it to.
The belly panel sits along the base of the ribcage and does not go into the groin area or interfere with boy dog 'business'
The neck is a snug but not tight fit at the base of the neck.
If you are still unsure, please get in touch with us at info@surfdogaustralia.com and provide us with the measurements and if possible a photo of your dog so we can see what we're aiming for. The best photos are taken side on to the camera, standing, so we can get a clear view of the torso
Dog Lifejackets
A Dog Lifejacket Designed by SUP Boarders to help them stay afloat with their dogs.
No shark fins, no glitter, no thin ‘pretty’ fabric, no gaping hole under the chest, no velcro; just ergonomic fit, (that means they are dog shaped not box shaped!)
Dog Lifejacket Sizing
Other dog Lifejackets have issues
Open chests for dogs to slip forward when lifted
No consideration to the shape of the dog. Ours have multiples body shaped panels
Most handles are stitched to the fabric which soon tears.
Lack of understanding to a dogs swimming position same floatation at back and front can cause heads s
Designed with adventure in mind this Dog Lifejacket is built to last.
- Adjustable neck strap for a more comfortable secure fit
- 4 grab handles to effectively and safely lift dog out of water whilst minimising back strain for owner and soft tissue damage to dog.
- Maximum flotation with added chest buoyancy which supports swimming and keeps heads above water
- Tailored design featuring extra wide front leg space for unrestricted movement, reducing friction on joints
- Unique body fastening system to reduce stress on the body whilst fitting and removing - neck and body open up to allow stress fitting.
- Hard wearing fabric that won’t tear or puncture
- No pinch clip system
- Dogs will always remain visible in low light conditions or tough rain with the high reflective detailing
- Additional features include metal integrated dog lead attachment for extra control around water
Dog Wetsuits
Design a custom dog wetsuit and choose your own colours. With measurements, color selection and the addition of a custom name. Our dog wetsuits are tailored with the highest-quality neoprene by an experienced human wetsuit designer and cut by hand. Seams are sealed, and ‘overlocking’ is added along each seam. Surfdog logo and custom names are heat printed. Production of a single wetsuit requires approximately 3 weeks.
Our wetsuit is made in 3mm neoprene. We find this provides best balance of insulation and comfort.
Custom name at additional charge.
Custom Wetsuits cannot be included in any sales or promotions
Do I need a Dog Wetsuit?
Yes dogs do sometimes need a wetsuit... spending long times in water, swimming, kayaking or surfing. Short haired dogs in particular feel the cold. Dog Wetsuits also provide extra buoyancy in the water. So if your dog refuses to wear a lifejacket this might give some extra protection.
Features of our Custom Dog Wetsuit
Shaped to fit your dog
Sealed and stitched seams
All seams smooth on inside to prevent rubbing
3cm full body length Velcro fastening
Optional Name printing - We use a simple font if you have any special requests let us know and we will see what we can do. Enter name in box provided our just get in touch
When a dog wetsuit is needed
Sometimes, dogs don’t know when to stop, even in very cold temperatures! It’s up to us to make sure that dogs are staying safe while swimming in water. Dogs are great sprint swimmers.. in and out of the water. But prolonged swimming or exposure to cold water for any length of time can be dangerous.
Your dog’s breed, age, and health
Some dogs are better suited to cold water swimming than others. Dogs with thick fur or double coats (like huskies, retrievers, and great pyrenees) will be able to stay warmer in the water than dogs with thin coats (like greyhounds, dobermans, and boxers).
Small dog breeds, puppies, and older dogs will also be more sensitive to cold water. Dogs with health conditions that may inhibit their body’s ability to regulate temperature should get a vet’s clearance before swimming in cold water.
Amount of time spent in the water
With so much fun to be had in the water, dogs may not realise how cold they are until they are already at risk of hypothermia. The colder the water is, the more quickly these two conditions can set in. A quicker swim of five to ten minutes or less may be safest. When you dog is cold it will tire very easily and tired dogs do not make good swimmers.
YES YOU HAVE TO DO SOME WORK to make your dog wetsuit! (but any problems then just get in touch)
- Measure your dog using the guide below, and write down!
Enter measurements into the relevant boxes
Select colour of main body
Select colour of feature stripe
If you would like to add a name (extra $15) please enter in the box provided. If you do not need a name leave blank. We print names in the colour of the body to contrast against the colour you select for the stripe. We have found this gives a bold look. If you have a particular preference for another colour to print the name please add a note at checkout in the box provided.
We normally turn around custom wetsuits in about business 15 business days depending on how busy we are! We will work as quickly as we can.
To make a dog wetsuit to fit we have to get the measurement of your dog. We will make the wetsuit to the measurements you provide for an exact fit so if you want a little looser add extra cm's to allow for more room.
Don't stress your dog. Take a measurement a day if needed.
Please be accurate as we cannot accept returns on custom wetsuits (unless there is a major difference between your measurements and the final garment)
