As the summer heat rises one of the best ways to keep cool for humans and canines is a dip in the pool. But, what do you do if your four-legged friend isn’t keen on getting in the water or never mastered the finer arts of swimming? The answer is to get them a pool float. That way they can join in all the fun without getting their paws wet and you can be secure in the knowledge that they are safe while you are all having fun. But, with so many different shapes, sizes, and styles of pool floats to choose from, which do you get for your dog? Our panel of pet experts and dog lovers have put together a list of the best dog pool floats to get you started.
The Best Dog Floats For Pool
The Kelsyus Floating Hammock by SwimWays is designed for safe use in pools and lakes. Created for use by adult humans it is more than capable to supporting the weight of even larger dogs. The durable fabric cover reduces the risk of your dog puncturing it with their claws. Stability and additional comfort are provided by the patented inner spring that sits around the outer edge of the float. The main bed area is created from a mesh material that suspends the body just below the water’s surface, helping to maintain a cool and comfortable temperature.
Supports up to 250lbs
Durable fabric covered float with mesh bed area
Suitable for use in pools and lakes
Foldable for easy storage
Can be tethered for safety using clips incorporated into the sides
- Brand: Kelsyus
- Model: 6038886
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
The SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws Dog Pool Float is custom designed for your pet pooch. The float is covered in claw friendly material that is puncture resistant and features a paw print pattern. The inner spring of the float is sewn into the outer edges of the reinforced construction to provide greater stability and comfort for even the wiggliest dog. When your dog has finished the pool float deflates quickly and is easy to fold for storage and transportation.
Available in two sizes to support up to 65lbs and over 65lbs
Covered in puncture resistant material
Suitable for use in pools
Easy to inflate and deflate and foldable for easy storage
Stable and comfortable design
- Brand: SwimWays
- Model: 13705
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
If you are looking for something fun, comfortable, and durable for your dog, then the PAWCY 6200 Doggy Lazy Raft could be just what you need. The paw print shaped raft is made from sun-resistant, durable vinyl fabric that is guaranteed to be puncture free when it comes to your dog’s claws. The raft is stable in the water with a small hole in the side of the raft that allows the layers to lay flat on the water. It is easy to inflate and deflate when your dog is finished with it.
Suitable for dogs weighing 30lbs+
Made from durable puncture resistant vinyl material
Easy to inflate and deflate
Contains small hole in side that allows air from between the inner tubes to escape, helping the float to lay flat
Fun dog paw shaped design
- Brand: Paws Aboard
- Model: 6200
- Weight: 2 pounds
If you are looking for something a little different for your dog when they are relaxing on the water, then try the SwimWays Spring Float Papasan Pool Chair. The floating pool chair is covered in fabric for comfort and has an inner spring for additional water stability. The seating area is made from soft cooling mesh and allows your dog to be suspended just below the surface of the water to keep them cool and comfortable even in the warmest weather. The pool chair is easily folded for storage and transportation and can hold a human up to 250lbs, so is easily able to hold the weight of most adult dogs.
Can hold up to 250lbs in weight
Inner spring and inflation ring maintain stability while floating
Mesh seat supports your dog just under the water surface
Folds for storage and easy transportation
- Brand: SwimWays
- Model: 13239-161
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
The EXPAWLORER Inflatable Dog Pool Float is a fun way for your pooch to enjoy relaxing in the pool. Its large size (60 inches x 30 inches) means that it can accommodate even a large dog. It’s made from thick and durable material that is also soft and comfortable. There are even strong handles that can be used to move it around. It has a bright blue and white design paw print and deflates quickly when not in use.
Easy to inflate and deflate with double valves
Soft and comfortable
Useful handles to move it around
- Brand: EXPAWLORER
- Weight: 5.33 pounds
Help to alleviate doggie stress with this bright and cheerful Vercico Inflatable Pool float. Its one of the brightest products on the market so you will always be able to see where your pooch is floating. It measures 50 inches by 49 inches making it big enough for most breeds. There are useful handle cut outs at the side and a paw print design to let everyone else know that this belongs to your dog!
It’s very easy to inflate using your own air pump and folds down into a small package when not in use making it convenient to carry around with you. Some dogs will sink a little but that just keeps them even cooler in the water.
Easy and quick to inflate
Large enough for most breeds
Useful handles to move it around
Very bright colours
- Brand: Verico
- Weight: 1.52 pounds
A thick and durable device for your pup to have plenty of fun in the pool, the Aiseve Premium Dog Float is just what they need when playing in water. It is one of the smaller dog floats on the market and measures just 47 inches by 36 inches but is very sturdy and is designed not to sink. This makes it the best choice for nervous dogs or those who have not used a float before.
It is made of strong heavy-duty vinyl plastic to stand up to claws and teeth and can be used by dogs up to 330 pounds. For convenience and safety there are two inflation ports.
Made from string vinyl to withstand claws and teeth
Compact size and will not sink
Suitable for dogs up to 330 pounds
Great for nervous dogs
- Brand: Aiseve
This next inflatable bone-shaped Dog Raft from Midlee is perfect for one large dog or several smaller dogs. It has been constructed from durable vinyl so you don’t have to worry about your dog chewing through it. This raft is affordable, ships on-demand with gift wrap available and comes deflated so you would need a pump. This raft is perfectly streamlined for a great time on the water and has been carefully crafted so that your dog has a great time when lounging the water. What’s more, your pup can even use the edge as a pillow.
Made from durable vinyl
Unique bone shape design
Affordable
Large in size
- Brand: Midlee
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
Available in a range of colors, the Lazy Dog Loungers Dog Pool Float is the ultimate in floating fun for dogs. This device has a range of features to make your life easier and to enhance your dog’s safety and enjoyment. There are two different sizes to suit large or small dogs.
It’s made from puncture-resistant polyester and is designed to submerge a little. This allows water to flow around your dog’s body and keeps them cool which is essential when the weather is very hot. It also has great stability which makes it easy for dogs to get on and off, this encourages your pup to try it out. The fabric is fade-resistant and has been handcrafted in the US to include a useful loop to hang it out to dry. This helps to prevent mold growth when it is not in use.
Strong puncture-resistant polyester
Designed to semi-submerge to keep dogs cool
Stable to make it easy to get on and off
Fade-resistant fabric in a range of bright colors
Two size options
- Brand: Lazy Dog Loungers
- Weight: 4.14 pounds
The Ginkago Dog Float is a contemporary product that offers enough room for all sizes of breeds. It comes with colorfully paw-printed blue design and is made of a heavy-duty material that won’t puncture. It is foldable, large in size with dimensions spelling luxury for your dog and has been purposefully designed to suit the way dogs like to play. Even if water flows through the bed, your pup remains cool while on a fool float.
Easily inflated for use
Large enough to house dogs weighing 30 kg
Float is foldable for easy storage
Water can flow through creating a bath
- Brand: Ginkago
- Weight: 1.77 pounds
Best Dog Floats For Pool Buying Guide & FAQ
As well as knowing what pool floats are available for your dog, it is important to think about what to look for in the best dog floats for pool or open water use. In this section of the guide we look at considerations for buying dog floaties, why having one is a good idea, and the different types that are available. We also explore some of the most frequently asked questions about inflatable pool floats for dogs.
What to Consider When Buying Dog Floats for Pool
When thinking about buying a dog pool float your main consideration needs to be your dog’s safety. The last thing you want is to purchase one that is unsuitable for the weight or size of your dog and find that it is too unstable. As well as making the floatie unusable, this could scare your dog and give them a permanent fear of the water. The main aspects to consider when choosing the right dog pool float are:
- Weight restrictions
What is the maximum weight the float can take? If you are unsure whether it is suitable for your dog, ensure you weigh them before purchasing the float.
- Shape and dimensions
If you have a tall or long dog, then a round float may not be suitable and your dog may find it very uncomfortable if they need to stay in one position to maintain its stability. Similarly, a long float may be unsuitable for a very small dog if they want to curl up at one end. This will make it unstable and more likely to tip.
- Material
While a pool float does not need to be made specifically for dogs to be suitable for their use, much depends on the materials it is made from. Your dog’s claws are the biggest problem here. If he material is not strong enough to be claw resistant, then simply stepping on the pool float could cause it to puncture. Look for multi-layer floats or ones that have thick material on the top surface.
- Intended use
Not all pool floaties are suitable for use on open water. So, if you want to use your float with your dog on a lake or something similar, check the manufacturer guidelines before buying.
- Stability
Dogs are not known for staying still, particularly when they are excited, which they are likely to be in a pool with their human family. Check the stability of the float before you buy, especially if you have an excitable dog that hasn’t quite figured out the water yet.
- Tether points
If you want to be able to secure the floatie, either to the side of the pool or to a dock if you are on a lake, then you need a secure tether point. Such points should be on the side or underside of the float and should not reduce the integrity of the float. If they are made from a separate piece, such as an additional plastic ring, then check how well this is secured to the main body of the float.
You may also like our article on Dog Life Jacket.
Why You Should Buy Dog Floats for Pools
Firstly, a dog float is a lot of fun for both your dog and your family. It allows them to be on the water with you, even if they are not strong swimmers or are getting tired of swimming. Pool floats are also a great way to introduce dogs that are nervous or scared of the water to a pool environment. They can be close to the water, feel it, and experience enjoyment without having to be immersed in the water.
Types of Dog Floats for Pools
There are many different styles of pool floats that are suitable for dogs, however, all of them tend to fit into one of two main categories flat floats and chair floats. A flat float is self-explanatory. It is flat and floats on the top of the water. Chair floats have raised edges, so your dog sits in the middle and has a visible barrier between them and the water. Some chair floats have a mesh seating area, so while the edge of the flat is flat on the water, the seating area is slightly submerged once your dog is sat on it. These are a great way for your dog to keep cool, but they are not ideal for dogs who are unsure of getting wet. Some flat floats also have the mesh material in the central area giving them a cross-over look between a flat and a chair floatie.
Best Dog Floats For Pool FAQ:
Q: What is a dog float for pool?
A: A dog float for a pool is an inflatable pool floatie that is suitable to take the weight of your dog. This allows your dog to enjoy being in the pool with you while allowing them to take a break from swimming or treading water. Usually, such floaties are made from sturdier material than other pool floats so that your dog’s claws do not easily penetrate the material causing it to deflate.
Q: Can the dog get into it from the water by him/her-self?
A: That greatly depends on your dog and the float that you choose. Regardless, it is a good idea to hold the float still for your dog while they enter and, when possible, when they exit the pool float. You may need to support your dog while they climb in, just to give them a bit of a boost and reducing the risk of the float turning over.
Q: How do I inflate dog floats for pool?
A: Most can be inflated in the same way as a balloon, by blowing air into the innertube via a valve. Be careful not to over inflate the float and always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using the float for the first time.
Q: Is it resistant to dog’s claws?
A: Floaties that are designed specifically for dogs are designed to be claw resistant. Those that are designed primarily for human use may not be quite as resistant. Check the materials that are used in their construction and look for those that are made from heavy duty vinyl and which state they are durable and hardwearing. It is a good idea to check your dog’s claws for sharp edges before they use the pool float and check the float for marks, weak points, and holes at the end of every swimming session.
Check out Swimming Dog Breeds.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick for a pool float for your dog is the Kelsyus Floating Hammock by SwimWays. It is designed for safe use in pools and lakes. Created for use by adult humans it is more than capable to supporting the weight of even larger dogs. The durable fabric cover reduces the risk of your dog puncturing it with their claws. Stability and additional comfort are provided by the patented inner spring that sits around the outer edge of the float. The main bed area is created from a mesh material that suspends the body just below the water’s surface, helping to maintain a cool and comfortable temperature.
Source:
- Patty Khuly, DVM, Poolside Safety: Prevent Pet Drowning Deaths, PetMD
