I always thought it was stupid that people put life jackets on their dogs. Dogs know how to swim, it's an instinct. Haven't met a dog yet who couldn't. Over the past year and a half or so, my dog started having seizures. One day last summer, my family and I were out on our lake with the dogs playing on a bunch of different sandbars that had surfaced with the lowering of the water. You could walk 100yrds in any direction and never get deeper than mid torso. When we were in one area, not much deeper than knees, my brother pointed out that my dog was starting to seize maybe about 75ft away from us. I started walking towards him and realized that he couldn't stay up and was starting to lay down and go under the water, I was already running. Scariest seconds of my life trying to get to him. We got him up on one of the skis and got him home. He wasn't right for several hours. But it wasn't until later when I woke up in the middle of the night and lost it, realizing that could have been any day that summer out in front of our house on the lake, where the slope into the water isn't nearly as forgiving as the part of the lake we were on that day. He could have easily seized up where he couldn't touch and no one could get to him quick enough or be able to find him in the murky water. And I would never forgive myself.
That's when I decided I needed to get my dog a life jacket. I chose this one because it has the flap under his chin. If he can't control his head, it's something to help keep his nose above water so he doesn't end up drowning despite the jacket keeping him afloat.
Today we went out to play on the water some more. He seized, but was on the beach. We picked him up, put him on the boat and headed home. By the time we got back, he had more of his wits about him but was still unsteady on his feet. That's when I learned what a great resource the handle on the back was. I was able to grab that and keep him on his feet, taking some of his weight, while still being able to steady myself as we climbed up the 40 something stairs to the house. We both made it safely up the stairs and he seems mostly recovered now. It always takes a while.
This product has really helped to put my fears at ease with letting him swim despite him having seizures. It would break my heart to not let him near the water knowing how happy he is swimming and chasing the tennis ball and chasing my brother. He absolutely LOVES to swim!!!! Very grateful to have this product!!!!

This life vest is GREAT! We bought the Large for our 65lb black lab and it fits great. She Loves it! Gets all excited when she sees it cause she knows it kayak/swim time. I also love the removable front flap. It Does zip off, contrary to other reviews. We bought the bright pink one and it's a great color. The handle is very helpful to pull her out of the water and onto the kayak. Under the handle is also a leash loop. We LOVE this vest!!!

Fits my chihuahua that weighs around 7lbs
Perfect. I can pick her up by the handle and set her in the water. Keeps her up just right and the chin up flap worked well.
Highly recommended vest

I purchased this life jacket in the "Large" size for our 45lb goldendoodle. It fits her perfectly and I am very pleased with the product overall. Our dog LOVES water and will run in and swim whenever she has the chance, she is also a fantastic and fast swimmer as well. We purchased this life vest because my wife wanted to take our dog out on our kayaks and while she is a great swimmer if she was to fall (or jump) out of the kayak while out on the lake in the center she could quickly tire out when she realizes she's not near shore. Also we really like that there's a handle on the top of the life jacket meaning if she did get out it would be a lot easier for us to help her back in the kayak without struggling to lift her from her belly. Fortunately we have yet to really need the life jacket, but we have found that it does not impede her running or swimming while it's on. Also she doesn't seem to mind it too much and doesn't try to bite or shake it off. While she may prefer to not be wearing it she also doesn't hate when it's on.

Overall we are very happy with the product and I definitely would recommend it to others!

We ordered this before our weekend at the lake, and it did serve its purpose well. Our dog had a great time swimming and never had any issues. The sizing is a bit odd, we have a 30 pound terrier that wears a medium in anything else, but we did have to order a large for this vest. Our problem with this product is that after just one weekend use, it tore in two spots. I do not think it would hold up for a second weekend. We will have to buy another vest before we go back to the lake.