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When it is hot outside, all we want is to enjoy a nice swim with our pooch. But if he is still reluctant to swim, then we ought to buy him his own pool float. This way, he can still enjoy the waters the safe and convenient way.
But then, not all pool floats are good for dog’s use. We need to invest in one of the best pool floats to ensure his comfort and safety. The following lists some of the best pool floats for dogs that we can consider for our pooch.
9 Best Dog Pool Floats of 2023
Here are our top picks!
- Best Overall: Paws Aboard Doggy Lazy Raft
- Best Budget: Intex King Kool Inflatable Lounge
- Best for Puppies: Poolcandy Inflatable Pet Float
- Best for Small Dogs: SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws Dog Pool Float
- Best for Large Dogs: Kelsyus Floating Hammock
- Best Flat Float: Swimline Sunsoft Mattress Pool Float
- Best Chair Float: Kelsyus Chaise Lounger
- Best for Anxious Dogs: Intex Red River Run 1 Inflatable Water Float
- Most Comfortable: Intex Explorer Inflatable Boat Series
Best Overall: Paws Aboard Doggy Lazy Raft
Key Features:
- Paw-shaped surface
- Durable vinyl top
- Puncture-resistant and UV-resistant
- East to store, quick to inflate
- Maintains stability
- Comes in 3 sizes
If durability is our main concern when looking for a pool float for dogs, then the Paws Aboard Doggy Lazy Raft is one of the products we can’t afford to miss. It looks great, puts us and our pooch in such a happy vibe, plus it is UV-resistant and puncture-resistant. It comes in three sizes, which means we get to keep one no matter the size of our pooch.
One may think this is rather expensive compared to other floats on the list. But one good look and a few tries and it is easy to see that every penny spent is worth it. It looks great, it is very durable and it serves its purpose well, making it a favorite of pet parents.
Best Budget: Intex King Kool Inflatable Lounge
Key Features:
- Vinyl bottom material
- With a repair patch
- 63 inches long
- Has a drink holder, armrest, and backrest
The Intex King Kool Inflatable Lounge is beautiful, colorful, spacious, and very cheap. Don’t be intimidated by the fact that it is marketed for humans. The inflatable lounge is 63 inches in length and can easily hold our big boy with no issues.
Did we mention it also comes with a repair patch? Although he can’t easily puncture the plastic, the manufacturers made sure we get to enjoy an instant remedy in case his claws pierce the float. We just wish the seams were bonded well enough to last.
Best for Puppies: Poolcandy Inflatable Pet Float
Key Features:
- Puncture-resistant PVC
- 2 bottom holes
- Swimming pool raft design
- Heavy-duty
- 30 lbs weight capacity
Looking for a pet float for puppies or small dogs? Then add the Poolcandy Inflatable Pet Float to the list. This heavy-duty float is the perfect size for small dogs who love to chill in pool rafts.
The float’s bottom surface has two holes, allowing water to flow into the base. But this very feature can sometimes scare our dog as his paw can sometimes get caught in them. Also, it can’t hold its shape after we let our pooch inside.
Best for Small Dogs: SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws Dog Pool Float
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty fabric
- Soft-mesh seat
- Patented innerspring technology
- Easily foldable and portable
- Can support up to 65 lbs
This pool float from SwimWays made from paw-and-claw-friendly materials, making it extra durable. Now, we don’t need to worry about our canine buddy ripping his float on the first use. It easily folds flat thanks to its innerspring technology, making it very convenient to store and take on a swimming trip.
The inserts on the sides of the mesh bed allow water to flow through the pool float. This helps cool off our pooch while basking under the heat of the sun. We only wish the bed comes in a larger size since it can only accommodate dogs up to 65 lbs.
Best for Large Dogs: Kelsyus Floating Hammock
Key Features:
- Patented innerspring
- Soft mesh seat
- Durable fabric
- Includes a carry bag
- Can support up to 250lbs
- 39″L x 39″W x 17″H
How about a floating chair for the love of our life? The Kelsyus Floating Hammock is a floating chair we can tether to another float, a dock, or even to a boat. Now, we don’t have to worry about his float drifting away from where we can’t reach him.
It has a patented inner spring, offering greater stability and comfort in the water. The soft mesh seat is fairly durable and suspends his body in the water allowing him to cool down. It also comes with a carry bag.
One con pet parents found is that it is hard to press the air valve back in after inflation.
Best Flat Float: Swimline Sunsoft Mattress Pool Float
Key Features:
- Sunsoft fabric
- Multi-chamber design
- Bean-bag feel
- With handle and drain
- 72 inches in length
Want to keep the best dog in the world comfortable while chilling in the pool? How about a comfortable mattress that floats? With the Swimline Sunsoft Mattress Pool Float, he gets to enjoy that bean-bag feel thanks to its multi-chamber design.
Some dogs like firm mattresses. Others like it on the softer side. With this pool float, we can adjust the inflation to match our pooch’s desired comfort level. But since it is initially made for humans, it may not hold up well to a dog’s chewing and scratching tendencies.
Best Chair Float: Kelsyus Chaise Lounger
Key Features:
- Comfortable mesh seat
- Patented innerspring
- Side clips for tethering
- Easy to store, portable
- With a carry bag
- 56″L x 38″W x 16″H
- Supports up to 250 lbs
For the budget-conscious pet parents, this Kelsyus Chaise Lounger should do the trick. Our pooch can float and will feel safe and comfortable while using this inexpensive dog float. It can hold up to 250 lbs of weight and we can even tether this to our own float.
But like all good things, this chaise lounge has its drawbacks. Some pet owners reported that the air plug keeps popping out of place. It is also not as durable as other floats since this is marketed for humans.
Best for Anxious Dogs: Intex Red River Run 1 Inflatable Water Float
Key Features:
- Mesh bottom
- Built-in backrest
- Built-in cup holders
- Connect-and-float system
- All around grab rope
- 53 x 53 x 16 inches
The Intex Red River Run 1 Inflatable Water Float is a lightweight and durable inflatable pool float meant for humans but good for sharing with our favorite pooch. He will love the fact that it comes in a donut shape, similar to his favorite dog bed at home. For our dog who loves to curl up, this is one water float he can’t live without.
We love how it makes our canine best friend feel secure thanks to its spacious but durable inner surface. The mesh bottom makes it extra comfortable while the connect-and-float system is a plus if we have another Intex product we can use for our other dogs. One drawback is that the printing on the tube can rub off after constant friction.
Most Comfortable: Intex Explorer Inflatable Boat Series
Key Features:
- 2 air chambers with double valves
- Grab rope on the front
- Includes repair patch
- Heavy duty handles
- All-around grab rope
- Available in 3 variants
- 58 x 14 x 33 inches
- 120 lbs weight capacity
We totally ship this Intex Explorer Inflatable Boat Series. This boat float is made for human use, but our favorite fido will surely look his turn on the boat. It’s all-around grab rope and durable handles make it easy for us to control the float and get a hold of our pooch.
It is made from durable plastic and comes with a repair patch in case he rips or tears the float with his claws. The inflatable floor feels comfortable and is big enough to accommodate a large dog. We just wish it was a little bit easier to blow up.
Why You Should Buy Dog Floats for Pools?
Pool floats for dogs are a great way to make sure our pooch gets to relax in his own space during summer activities. He may not know how to swim just yet. But the right float can help him get used to the water and start training him to swim.
Things to Consider When Buying the Perfect Dog Pool Float
These are but a few things we need to keep in mind when choosing a pool float for our buddy.
Capacity and Your Dog’s Weight
Pool floats have varying capacities. We need to make sure our pooch will fit inside the float and that it can accommodate his weight. No matter the size and weight of our pooch, we can’t ignore this feature.
Material and Durability
We want a pool float that is durable and long-lasting. So, we need to find one that is made from the right materials. We don’t want our pooch to end up getting more scared of the water if his float starts sinking because his nails accidentally ripped the fabric.
Intended Use
Some floats are meant for pools, while others we can use in the open water. Our pooch can end up drifting away in open water if we buy him afloat intended for pools only. Check the description before buying and it will be easier to know if the float we will buy is only safe for pools or not.
Shape and Dimensions
Pool floats come in different shapes and dimensions. We need a float where he can fit and have enough space and stability to move around. Small dogs will benefit from round floats while larger dogs can enjoy longer floats.
Stability and Safety Features
Chances are, our pooch won’t stay still while on the float. This is especially true if we got one excited canine. We need to confirm the stability of the float before buying.
Comfort
Never take a dog’s comfort for granted. He will let us know if he is uncomfortable. Consider the float’s shape, size, and contour as well as the materials used before buying.
Tether Points
If we intend to take our pooch to the lake, we want a float that has a secure tether point. This will help keep the float in place.
Types of Dog Pool Floats
Chair Floats
These types of floats have raised edges. Our pooch can sit in the middle while the barriers help keep them secure. Some char floats have holes while others have a mesh seating area to allow some water and keep him cool.
Flat Floats
This is a float with a flat surface. It is ideal for a big and longer dog who likes to float while his owners swim nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dog float for pool?
This is an inflatable floatie that is durable enough to accommodate dogs. The materials used are a lot more durable than regular floaties. Manufacturers take into consideration the weight of the dog as well as his chewing tendencies and strong nails.
Can a dog get into the float from the water on his own?
Some dogs can get into the float without any help. But it is always a good idea to help our pooch by holding the floatie in place. This helps to avoid the float from turning over.
How do I inflate my dog’s pool float?
We can choose to inflate the float as we would when blowing air into a balloon. Locate the air valve and inflate just the right amount of air. Make sure to read the manual before using the pool float.
What is the cost of dog pool float?
The cost of a dog pool float highly depends on the brand, materials used, size, and quality. Some pool floats are cheaper than the rest. But if we want a durable pool float, we need to read the reviews, check out the product description, and consider his dog’s size, weight, and needs.
Which is the best dog pool float?
The best dog pool float will depend on our pooch. Dogs have varying needs and preferences. But when it comes to price, durability, portability, and design, the Paws Aboard Doggy Lazy Raft wins the list.
It is made from durable materials, making it Puncture- and UV-resistant. It is very easy to inflate and deflate and effortless to store. It looks great, offers comfort and stability, and can accommodate small to large dogs.
Are dog pool floats resistant to dog’s claws?
Like chew-proof dog beds, dog pool floats are made with durability in mind. A dog pool float can be claw-resistant if made with the right materials. If we want a float that is resistant to our dog’s claws, it is best to choose one made from heavy-duty vinyl.
Before allowing our canine buddy to use the pool float, it would be best to check his claws first. We need to make sure there are no sharp edges or else he can surely pierce this float. Also, keep an eye on the float and watch out for any signs of wear and tear.
Conclusion
No dog pool float is the same. We need to take into consideration the needs of our pooch before investing in a pool float. It has to be durable, comfortable, portable, and easy to inflate and deflate. There is also a need to verify the features of the float before buying to make sure we buy the right one.
Pay attention to the material, intended use, size, stability, and comfort of the floatie. It needs to be able to accommodate his size and weight. If we want him to get the most out of every summer adventure, then we have to buy the best floatie for him.
