Vests for dogs??

[BLACKJACK]

My two year old lab bounced off a barb wire fence in SoDak over the weekend and after my $201 vet bill (he didn't even kiss me first!!!), I'm thinking that a vest would be a good investment. Any recommendations on brand names? Will they stay on? No neoprenes, I think they'd be too hot. I'd probably just use it on younger dogs since they by the time they hit five they have fences figured out. Any ideas are welcome.

[FOOT]

Just a quick FYI.

I've purchased several over the years and I've had to modify each one. Not a knock on the vest makers but either the neck or leg holes are too small and have to be cut out a little.

[OUTDOORNUT]

I bought a Winchester vest for my Weim and also had to modify it. I think it was around $15. My buddy bought an expensive one and he also had to modify to fit. Nothing a little cutting, sewing and some new velcro can't fix though. The vest as it ran out of the package was tearing up the skin around the joint in the front quarters. Seemed to help the cest and underside greatly though!

[Mr. B]

I bought the orange Ripstop vest from Cabelas and it seems to be working pretty well.

The one thing I would watch out for is if the straps loosen up and the vest slips down lower on the dogs legs, it can create some sores on the legs. I did not notice this happening, Maggie did not care but I felt bad. I now check it every so often to make sure it is fitting properly.

[HARPOON-OR-BUST]

YA THEY DO SEEM TO ALL NEED A FEW MODS. I HAVE A REMINGTON VEST AND MY DOG IS FAIRLY LARGE ABOUT 75 LBS AND I BELIEVE A GOT A LARGE.......WELL NEEDLESS TO SAY HE WOULD HAVE TO BE ABOUT 95 TO FILL IT OUT!

[LuciandTim]

Bought this one a Joe's sporting Goods. Don't remeber the brand but it fits perfect and never had to modify it. Its already been sliced pretty bad....luckily we had the vest on!

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

I bought the Rem. Took the first one back because as everyone mentioned they do run big. The one I got seemed to fit. Tried it out and made it about 200 yards before if was upside down on the dog. Have not used it since. I should try it again. I really like the idea of having some protection on the dogs chest.

[Top Gun]

My 82 lb Chocolate female tangled with fences twice in ND a couple of weeks ago- 20 staples in three different spots. I picked up a vest that looks just like the one Tim has in the picture. It's called a Skidplate but I don't remember who makes it. I got it at Sheels in St. Cloud on my way out to Benson for the opener last weekend . There are three adjustable straps so you can fit it to your dog. I got the large size. No problems with it staying on and Maggie didn't seem to mind it at all. It's made with a heavy Cordura nylon and has webbing straps. It doesn't protect the forelegs much but does a good job protecting the chest and belly.

[sdstate]

Vests are definately a good idea. Two years ago my yellow lab got a seed stuck in her and it got infected. After nummerous vet visits, we finally had it operated on this summer and then the infection started draining on the other side of her. They finally came to a head and two big pimple like things as big as a silver dollar formed. They finally popped and hopefully this will be the end of it. Long story short, have your dog wear a vest. I actually had my grandma make one out of fabric so its lighter and cooler and it works great.

[LuciandTim]

Top Gun: Thats has to be the same one....Skidplate is what mine was called too. Works great. Fits like a glove.

[Gadgetman]

I have been searching also. Skip the Remington one, the skid plate looks great but I cant find one that will fit my 65 pound lab (all sold out except for smalls)I have been using the one that Cabelas carries and have been happy with it. Has three straps and heavy cordura on the chest. No mods necessary. Have borrowed it to a couple friends that needed it worse than my dog did and it seemed to fit those dogs also

[LuciandTim]

Gadgetman....When I got mine it was the last one on the shelf and lucky enough it was the right side.

The great thing abouth this particular brand (whatever it is) they have a lot of sizes. Not only do they carry the basic small, medium, and large, but they also have for example...Medium wide, medium narrow, etc...

i'll look into it and see if I can't find out the exact brand mine was made by.

[Bryce]

Do a search for a product called tummy saver. Should be just what you are looking for. Look at pic below and again do search. No buckles to ice up for late season hunts. Velcro rules with a tight, no sag fit.

[ccarlson]

I have the cabela's one as refered to in the two other posts. I've really liked it. No modifications needed other than to adjust from one dog to another. My only complaint is that the straps are sewn in on the the sides of the vest and the top 3 or 4 inches above that tends to sag down. I think I'll stitch that up so it stays in place better. Here is a picture of my smaller setter wearing it. I did not take the time to adjust the straps as I should have after I switched dogs for the last hour of the hunt so it looks more saggy than it usually is.

[Maxwell]

LuciandTim,

send me an email,

badexpresso yahoo com

I am interested where you took that picture at.

Thanks

[ccarlson]

Was at fleet farm in Brainerd last night and see they had one "Skidplate" dog vest on the shelf. It was a size large I believe. It looked like a very nice vest. Anyway, thought it was interesting that fleet carried that brand. I know I was looking for a second vest earlier this fall and the same store only had the Remington one which was not good. For now I'll just swap my cabela's vest from dog to dog but will consider a "skidplate" for next year.

ccarlson