The Ruffwear Undercoat Water Dog Jacket is designed to keep your dog warm during cold water swims. With a sleek Aurora Teal color and a formfitting design, it’s an essential piece of gear for adventurous dogs.
This insulated amphibious jacket features an innovative neoprene body and reflective trim for safety. It’s perfect for extending your dog’s outdoor activities into colder temperatures.
My little dog injured a hind leg and wasn’t using it for weeks. Water therapy helped immensely, but she got cold quickly. This wetsuit kept her warm longer and provided added buoyancy, making her therapy sessions much more comfortable.
I also used this jacket for my German Shepherds during fall swimming sessions in a 55-degree pool. The suits kept them warm and allowed them to enjoy their swim without shivering. The fit was snug but effective.
Insulation and Warmth
The Ruffwear Undercoat Water Jacket is designed with insulation in mind, specifically for cold water swimming. The insulated neoprene body ensures that your dog stays warm even when they are wet. This feature is particularly beneficial for dogs that are prone to getting cold quickly. The neoprene material is flexible, allowing your dog to move naturally while swimming, providing both comfort and warmth.
Design and Fit
This water jacket is form-fitting and closes with a zipper, which ensures a snug fit. The inclusion of stretch StormSleeves helps seal in warmth while allowing your dog to swim without restriction. Additionally, the jacket features small drain holes along the belly to let water escape, preventing it from weighing your dog down. The design is practical and considers the natural movements of a swimming dog.
Safety Features
Safety is a key aspect of the Ruffwear Undercoat Water Jacket. The jacket includes reflective trim for better visibility in low-light conditions, enhancing your dog’s safety during evening or early morning swims. Moreover, you can add the Ruffwear Beacon (sold separately) to the jacket’s light loop for an extra layer of safety, making it easier to spot your dog in the water.
Ease of Use
The Ruffwear Undercoat Water Jacket is user-friendly, designed to be easy to put on and take off. The full zipper along the side makes it simple to get both legs in and zip up quickly. This convenience is particularly appreciated by dog owners who might struggle with more complicated gear. The jacket also features a snap at the bottom for extra security, ensuring it stays in place during vigorous activities.
Durability and Quality
Ruffwear is known for its high-quality outdoor gear, and this water jacket is no exception. Made with durable materials like 1mm neoprene laminated fabric and 200 denier polyester, it is built to withstand the rigors of active water play. The YKK Vision zipper is also a reliable feature, known for its durability and smooth operation. This jacket is designed to last, providing good value for its price.
Versatility
The Ruffwear Undercoat Water Jacket is versatile, suitable for various water activities and climates. It is especially useful for extending water adventures into colder weather and is also effective for water therapy sessions. The jacket can be layered under a life vest for additional warmth and buoyancy, making it a multifunctional piece of gear for your dog.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews highlight the effectiveness of the Ruffwear Undercoat Water Jacket in keeping dogs warm during water activities. Many users have noted that their dogs no longer shiver when wearing the jacket, even in colder waters. The jacket’s fit and ease of use are also frequently praised, though some customers mention it can be a bit tight, especially for long-haired dogs.
Sizing and Fit
The jacket is available in multiple sizes, ranging from extra extra small to extra large, ensuring a good fit for a wide range of dog breeds and sizes. Accurate measurement of your dog’s chest is crucial for a proper fit. The jacket is form-fitting, which is essential for maintaining warmth and preventing water from seeping in. It is advisable to follow Ruffwear’s girth measurement chart for the best results.
Color Options
The Ruffwear Undercoat Water Jacket comes in two attractive color options: Campfire Orange and Aurora Teal. These colors are not only stylish but also improve visibility, making it easier to spot your dog during water activities. The vibrant colors add an element of fun while ensuring your dog’s safety.
Price and Value
While the Ruffwear Undercoat Water Jacket is on the pricier side, many customers believe it offers good value for the money. The jacket’s durability, design, and effectiveness in keeping dogs warm justify the cost. However, some users find it expensive and suggest looking for discounts or deals. Overall, the jacket is a worthwhile investment for those who frequently engage in water activities with their dogs.
Pros:
- Keeps dogs warm in cold water
- Formfitting with zippered closure
- Reflective trim for extra visibility
Cons:
- Pricey compared to other options
- Can be difficult to zip with long-haired dogs
- Rear can be loose, allowing water inside
Conclusion
The Ruffwear Undercoat Water Dog Jacket is a well-made, effective solution for keeping your dog warm during cold water activities. It fits snugly and allows natural swimming motion, thanks to its flexible neoprene body.
While it may be a bit pricey, the benefits of keeping your dog warm and comfortable are well worth the investment. This jacket is highly recommended for dogs who love to swim in cooler waters.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Is this jacket suitable for very small dogs?
Answer: Yes, the jacket is available in sizes ranging from extra extra small to extra large, making it suitable for very small dogs as well.
Question: Can this be used under a life vest?
Answer: Yes, the undercoat is designed to fit well under a life vest, providing additional warmth and comfort.
Question: Is the jacket easy to put on and take off?
Answer: The jacket features a full zipper along the side, making it relatively easy to put on and take off, though it may be a bit challenging with long-haired dogs.
