Dog vests temp

[Baddog]

What temperature do you guys put a vest on the dog when duck hunting with a Labrador?

 

[Dukhtr3]

Normally with temps in the 30 or when he starts to shiver.

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[BigDuckHunter]

Little late here but I hunt with a Chessie and he’s got his vest on anytime the air or water temp is much less than 50. A lot of folks will say that dogs (especially chessies) are made for the cold and don’t need them, but I’d rather have a dog that is comfortable and enjoys jumping in the water than one that’s cold and miserable the whole time.

Side note: My dog lives inside. I suppose if you have a dog that lives outside in the cold he builds up a thicker coat that will keep him warmer. But I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want their best friend in the house with them.

 

[Milestone522]

For me having a Springer it is a little different. If I know my dog is going to be retrieving in cold water, if it's close to freezing outside, or sitting for periods of time in cold temps...the vest goes on.

I had a vet tell me 30 years ago that putting a vest on your bird dog will add a year to their life. As the less their body is fighting to stay warm, the better off they will be not only during the hunt, but long term. Made sense, and I've been using the vests in inclement weather since.

 

[Rbehrens26]

Anytime the air temps will consistently stay under 50 or when the water temps plummet.

I will also put one on my lab when the temps are warmer but I know the hunt might require extended time periods in the water and where the extra flotation from the neoprene might be useful.

One should note that the dog vests offer some protection from unseen objects as well.