Neoprene Dog vest

[WCTaxidermy]

Hello everyone, I have a 9 month old black lab and got him out duck hunting a few times this year.  Last month during a cold spell here on the East side, I noticed he was shivering quite a bit, so I decided to buy him a neoprene vest, which I have never used before.  I bought him the Deluxe Neoprene flotation vest from Cabelas.  I trimmed it to fit him and it fit just a little loose but he looks comfortable in it. 

This last week I was out hunting with him for the first time wearing the vest, and I noticed that his left leg was out of the leg hole and the vest rode up under his arm pit and caused a huge rash.  (didn't notice the rash until after hunting when he was licking it constantly.)  It slipped out a few times and when were hunting I really didn't notice it right away so he was out running and swimming with it like that and made the rash even worse.  Is it better to get the vest a little tighter so it's snug on him?  Was checking to see if anyone else experienced the same issue.  Thanks.....John

[Happy Gilmore]

If the vest fits right you should barely be able to put your hand under it in any location. There should be zero chance his front leg should be able to come out unless you unzip it. Sounds like your vest is WAY too big. If there is any location where the vest does not snugly hug the body the neoprene is not going to work to insulate the dog.

For now, get some iodine on the hot spot to dry it up and try to keep your dog from licking it if possible.

[PointNLab]

Happy is correct. You may also want to use Vetericyn spray on the skin irritation

[WCTaxidermy]

Thanks Happy Gilmore and and PointNLab, I guess the vest is too big for him.  I think instead of buying a new one, I will have the wife sew on a new patch of Velcro to snug it up.  I'll put some Iodine on the hot spot tonight.  thanks again for the tip's guy's!  John

[tmike]

Those are cool. How did you do it? I have a five month old lab and a leaky pair of waders. I haven't seen vests for that small of a dog and I know he'll out grow it by next season. He's about 35 pounds.

[ICEMAN]

made these out of an old set of waiders. they fit tight and dont rub and make rashes.

Very creative! Great project!

[Curly]

made these out of an old set of waiders. they fit tight and dont rub and make rashes.

Very creative! Great project!