The perfect duo for any water loving dog!
It's been a few months since I've posted on here. We've been busy with our new rescue dog as well as with Noddy, we got married, went away and are in the middle of a house move but we're back with a double whammy review for all the water lovers out there.
As Podgy Paws Ambassadors, we were sent a life jacket by Ezydog in July and a drying robe by Rukka in August. We've tested them out and will share our honest thoughts on both below.
Ezydog DFD x2 Boost Bouyancy Aid
The Ezydog x2 Boost is the second generation of their best-selling dog life jacket. It claims to offer a high level of flotation, new features and a custom fit.
Noddy has always LOVED water. We live in the South Lakes and alongside a river with various beaches nearby too so we often encounter water on our walks which Nod loves to paddle in. He's a small 6kg dog so although he's fearless when it comes to jumping in and making a splash, we're very careful with where he actually swims as he could easily be swept away with the river current and his technique isn't the best either. His favourite thing to do is to splash and catch huge mouthfuls of water which is obviously not great and potentially very harmful so he actually went to hydrotherapy for a while to get some 'lessons' which did really help but the centre has since closed and his splashing habits have reappeared so we try to use toys to provide a suitable focus point.
Although he's always supervised in the water, I've always felt it important for Noddy to have a life jacket so was excited to try this new & improved model when the opportunity came. Noddy has the smallest size, 2XS, in colour Yellow, this is a great fit on him which he is 100% happy to wear, walk, run and swim in. I like how adjustable this jacket is, with 2 belly straps and 1 over the shoulders/base of neck. I actually can't believe how much confidence this life jacket gave Noddy. He's generally confident but is usually careful in the river and does take caution when it's deep enough to actually swim but he was OFF, I actually had to send Andy running after him shouting "get him, get him" as he was swimming away at rocket speed, haha! The x2 Boost definitely gives a great amount of floatation and I'd say this aided Noddy's swimming technique, he was incredibly happy in the water with it on. The jacket has a sturdy neoprene grab handle on the back which is great for lifting in & out of the water, for catching in case of emergency and for helping beginner swimmers. It also has a high strength alloy D ring for lead attachment which is really handy for tethering near the water whilst getting ready or for walking to and from the water. We haven't needed to use it yet but there is an adventure light attachment which I really like and there's also reflective piping for low light adventuring.
This bouyancy aid is well padded and feels durable whilst remaining streamlined and lightweight, it doesn't feel bulky and Noddy seems totally comfortable in it. I like that it comes in a whopping 8 sizes which with the amount of adjustability in each, should cater for most dog breeds. It also comes in 4 different colours. Although the front piece of the jacket goes horizontally across the chest, I found it was minimally restrictive, sitting high enough for the shoulders and front legs to move freely and extend fully when walking and swimming which is something I always look for. Out of the water, the jacket is easy to take off and naturally dried nice and quickly. I would absolutely recommend this life jacket from our experience, I like the look, the fit, the performance and Noddy is happy in it and had a great time too.
Rukka Medea Eco Green Dressing Gown
"This bathrobe containing recycled polyester is an ecological but also practical choice dog's daily lifestyle."
What better item to follow a life jacket than a drying robe? I honestly wish I had found this item sooner. A while ago I spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect drying robe for our Shepherd but the only one I found designed like this one was nearly £70 which I couldn't justify so we ended up with one of the most commonly seen drying coat brands which is great but like others have also mentioned, I'm not happy with how tight and restrictive it is around the shoulders and front legs despite being sized correctly. Rukka however have absolutely nailed this design, it gives free movement and also gives complete coverage, no bare, open chest area like a lot of other styles.
Noddy wears the smallest size, XS and although he was below the minimum measurements on the size chart it actually fits really nicely (a close fit isn't essential in a robe like it is with a harness or coat). The robe is easy to put on, it's adjustable with a clip fastening which I personally prefer to velcro. It also has a high collar which fastens with press studs meaning it's easy to get on and off but can also give really good coverage. It's a really nice soft fabric, very absorbent, Noddy looked so cosy in it. He was actually shivering after coming out of the water but he was so snug inside this robe, it kept him warm and his muscles warm as well as drying him off. Noddy wore the robe as we walked home from the river and he was happy wearing it although I will say the fabric is a little like velcro for any loose leaves, sticky buds etc but they just brushed off once home. In most cases this wouldn't be an issue but the footpath back to our house is a little over grown at the moment.
This robe is available in 5 sizes and although this exact one comes in green, Rukka have a few style options available in different colours with slightly varying features but I'd say there should definitely be something for everyone. As well as being a great drying robe, it can also double as a cooling coat in the Summer by soaking in cold water, wringing out and putting on your dog. I genuinely really like the style of this robe and haven't seen many others that fit this nicely allowing free movement. I also think they're incredibly well priced for the quality when compared to other popular brands. This will definitely be my top choice to recommend to people in the future, without a doubt!
Podgy Paws Pet Shop
4-6 Tithebarn Street
Keswick
Cumbria
T: 017687 73737
W: podgypaws.co.uk
E: info@podgypaws.co.uk
More photos available on our Instagram @positively.wild (previously noddythepatt)
