The summer is fast approaching and your family’s furry friend is just as anxious as you are to get out into the warm weather, and even more anxious to get into that pool!
Which makes you wonder as the responsible pet owner that you are, what is the best dog float for your pool?
And because we are all pet people, we took it upon ourselves to sort through the many dog floats out there and fully test 9 of the top dog floats available.
So now to answer the question foremost on all our minds, what really is the best and safest dog float?
Based on our testing, here are the top 5 best dog floats and 4 honorable mentions.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: Swimways Float Paddle | There’s nothing our top pick doesn’t have! It’s perfect no matter what size your dog is. It’s made from claw-friendly and puncture-resistant material and easy to travel with. | Check Price |
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Best For Fun Floating Toys: KUCDBUN Dog Pool Float Set | This close-second is a fun item on the market. Though it is specific for smaller dogs, it is one of the only options that come with fun water toys for your dog and cup holders for your drink! | Check Price |
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Best For Floats Together: Kelsyus Floating Hammock | While this option is a great size and material, it is not actually made for dogs. However, we think this is a great option if owners want to float the pool with their furry companion. | Check Price |
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Best For A More Flexible Budget: Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge | This is one of the more expensive floats, it’s not made for dogs, but it’s perfect for them! It has a canopy that extends over the float and is the largest option made with comfy material so you and your dog can happily lounge. | Check Price |
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Best For Design: Omil Portable Inflatable Dog Pool Float | This option allows the water from the pool, lake, or river to flow into the float so your dog can cool down and enjoy the water too! It also has a fun pattern for decoration instead of a basic color. | Check Price |
How We Chose the Best Dog Float
So, how did we choose the best dog float? To get to the bottom of this question, we tested factors such as material, affordability, and intended use.
When searching for the best dog float, the most important question that any loving dog owner would ask is which is the safest for your pet?
After all, our dogs are not just pets; they’re members of the family!
Here’s a quick guide on Dog Water Safety that we highly recommend you look over before taking your dog out on the water.
The material is very important when choosing the best dog float. The dog float must be water-resistant and puncture-resistant because of the furry passenger boarding it.
Our research shows that the most water-resistant material is polyester, which mesh is made from.
Our best overall choice, the Swimways Float Paddle, is made of mesh. So are three of our other top choices.
This is the best material to stand against your dog’s claws as well as the water.
Then we considered that maybe the best dog float for dogs is just a regular float.
That’s how we found products on this list, such as the Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge, an option that allows protection for your dog from the sun’s rays and rain.
Lastly, we searched through the top sites that dog owners everywhere would visit to buy dog floats.
We compared the ratings and decided to try out 9 of the best products that customers everywhere were raving about.
In the end, we narrowed it down to the 5 best dog floats and 4 honorable mentions that may be worth considering.
Best Dog Floats For Pools Reviewed
1. Best Overall: Swimways Float Paddle
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 4/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Size Limit | 5/5 |
| Portability | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
Material: Mesh | Weight Limit: For dogs over 65 lbs. | Brand: SwimWays | Size: 38 x 19.88 x 20.75 inches
What We Liked
- Easily foldable
- Great for dogs of all sizes
- Durable material for the water and for dogs
- Good shape for a float
What We Didn’t Like
- No safety measures for dogs that can’t swim
- It isn’t the most affordable option
One of the things we noticed about our top pick is that while it may not be the most affordable option, it is not the most expensive.
It is our top pick because our testing showed that this float is worth the money.
The SwimWays Float Paddle is our Best Overall for more reasons than just affordability.
Size
The SwimWays Float Paddle can fit any size dog comfortably. This makes it a great option for all dog owners.
Its size also allows for movement. Since many dogs don’t like to swim or don’t know how and don’t usually sit completely still, they can move with ease given the size of this float.
This float can hold dogs over 65 lbs., and most dogs are under or right around that weight, so this will be a good option for most dog owners.
Make sure your dog is finished growing before you buy a float and then have to get another one because your dog no longer can fit on it.
Visit our guide on When Dogs Stop Growing to learn when your dog has reached its maximum size.
Comfort
Of course, our favorite choice was designed for the comfort of man’s best friend.
The SwimWays Float Paddle is made with soft, comfortable fabric on the area where your dog will likely lay.
Comfort is important when choosing the best dog float because who knows how long you’ll want to lounge or float a river? Surely you want to take your time and enjoy yourself.
The float is designed to let a little bit of water flow up over your dog, cooling him or her down in the summer heat.
We want our dogs to be at ease, and comfort from the heat is a huge part of that!
Durability
One of the main things that comes to mind when thinking of dog floats is that claws, inflatable floats, and water equal man overboard! Durability is crucial.
What if your dog can’t swim? We never recommend using a pool float as a substitute for a dog life jacket, especially for dogs who can’t swim.
If you need to get a life jacket for your pup, check out our testing and reviews of the best dog life jacket.
Polyester mesh is the most durable float material, and this float combines it with a puncture-resistant and water-resistant ring to let your dog relax and float safely in the water.
Once you’re all done in the water, this float easily folds down so you can tuck it away in any small space. It’s also super-lightweight and highly portable.
We loved this because we like to test our floats at a lake, and this portability makes it easy to load up floaties and dogs for a fun day on the water.
Out of all the products we reviewed, our overall favorite float for our furry friends comes from SwimWays in the form of this lightweight yet supportive float paddle, perfect for lazy summer days with your dog.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON2. Best for Fun Floating Toys: KUCDBUN Dog Pool Float Set
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Durability | 3/5 |
| Size Limit | 3/5 |
| Portability | 4/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
Material: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Weight Limit: Recommended for Small Breed | Brand: KUCDBUN | Size: 9 x 6.9 x 1.9 inches
What We Liked
- Affordable option
- Comes with safe water toys for dogs
- Comes with cup holders for owner
- Comes in 2 different colors
- Made from safe non-toxic material
What We Didn’t Like
- Restricted to small breeds
- Not the most durable
Next up we have the KUCDBUN Dog Pool Float Set which is super fun for playing with small dogs. We loved the assortment of toys that came with this bright, fun float.
Size
This dog float was our runner-up, but it is not our top choice in size. It only really caters to small dogs. Its fun shape cannot accommodate a larger breed.
Also, though good for small dogs, there is not much room for even a small dog to roam.
Size is limited in this option but probably best for shorter floats. Perfect for a pool party!
Comfort
Speaking of a party, that’s what this option was made for!
Designed for the comfort of both dog and owner, this choice comes with a variety of safe, non-toxic toys for your furry friend as well as cup holders for the pool so your drink can float along with you and your four-legged pal!
On top of that, this float comes in two colors, so it’s your choice which one suits you best!
Durability
We had fun testing this float and the toys that come with it, and it worked well for our small dogs, but we assume that the material will not hold up to extensive use or sharp claws.
We think that this float could be popped by sharp dog claws, so be careful with the length of your dog’s nails.
We recommend using a nail grinder to blunt your dog’s nails before using any inflatable floats.
We love this float because it is the only one we found that includes everything you need for a fun time!
Made for all your party needs and all your dog’s playing needs, this is a great choice for your summer pool party.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON3. Best for Floats Together: Kelsyus Floating Hammock
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Durability | 3/5 |
| Size Limit | 3/5 |
| Portability | 4/5 |
| Comfort | 2/5 |
Material: Mesh | Weight Limit: For dogs or humans up to 250 lbs. | Brand: Kelsyus | Size: 5 x 18.5 x 18.5 inches
What We Liked
- Affordable option compared to some others we tested
- Can be used for dogs or humans
- Easy storage
- Portable carry bag
What We Didn’t Like
- Glue around the valve could be stronger
This option was not meant for dogs, but we found it works great for them anyway!
Size
Many dog owners have large dogs, and we found this option is perfect for those large breeds because it has a weight limit of 250 pounds!
This is perfect for lounging in the pool with your dog, so long as you don’t max out the weight limit together.
Thanks to the high weight limit, we enjoyed this float with our dogs in the pool and at the lake.
Comfort
This float was made for ultimate comfort. It will be easy for your dog to relax on the soft, cooling mesh bed.
It is designed for you to lay down and enjoy warm days at the pool or lake in total relaxation which makes this the perfect float for when you want to lay in the sun with your dog in your lap or by your feet.
Durability
There are some customer complaints that the glue around the valve is not the strongest, making durability a certain weak point in this option.
We didn’t have any trouble with this during our testing period, but we see where it could be a problem.
Since it is not meant for dogs, it is not clear how resistant the material will be to the claws on your furry friend.
The high weight limit makes this a smart choice if you have larger breeds at home and you’ve been struggling to find adequate support in the pool.
This float folds down neatly for storage in limited spaces despite the oversized dimensions.
It is easy to overlook the advantage for a float to be easily packed up. However, with furry animals along for the trip, your hands can get full fast.
It’s extremely helpful to get going with the least amount of difficulty, and being able to pack and store this float will make your life only that much easier!
The float is made for tethering boats, docks, pools, and other Kelsyus products, giving you enormous flexibility.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON4. Best for a More Flexible Budget: Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 1/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Size Limit | 2/5 |
| Portability | 2/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
Material: Mesh & Vinyl | Weight Limit: Not Specified | Brand: Intex | Size: 5 x 59 x 59 inches
What We Liked
- Can be used for dogs or humans
- Canopy to protect from weather/sun
- Spacious and comfy
- Good for larger breeds or more than one dog
What We Didn’t Like
- Least affordable option
- Not portable
- Weight limit not specified
This option made our list for those dog owners with a more flexible budget for their dog float.
Size
While this is the most expensive float on our list, it’s not just a float. It’s more like a lounge.
The amount of space on this float will give both you and your furry friend some room to stretch your legs and paws.
This is the biggest, most spacious pick on our list and great for dog owners with more than one pet!
Comfort
Like we said earlier, this float was made for comfort.
On top of the lounge-like feel of it, this choice includes a removable sunshade that can protect your puppy from the harsh rays of the Sun, or any other possible weather.
Visit this guide for some extra information on how to protect your dog from the sun!
Dual air chambers give this float a cushioned feel, but you’ll also benefit from a supportive backrest and a solid overall feel.
When you’re lounging in this float yourself, you’ll appreciate the pair of cup holders.
Durability
While this option is made of mesh, it was meant for humans, so it wasn’t designed for the sharp claws of your furry buddy.
We tested it with our dogs, and it held up fine. We love this lounge.
It sure is a treat for you and your dog to relax in this inflatable lounge for a few extra dollars.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON5. Best for Design: Omil Portable Inflatable Dog Pool Float
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Durability | 3/5 |
| Size Limit | 2/5 |
| Portability | 2/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
Material: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Weight Limit: Dogs under 65 lbs. | Brand: Omil| Size:53.15×5.91×35.43 inches
What We Liked
- Foldable
- Unique design
- Pretty affordable
- good customer service
What We Didn’t Like
- Not most durable material
- Only for smaller dogs
The Omil Portable Inflatable Dog Float is made for your furry friend to lounge in by the pool and enjoy a little bit of water to cool down his or her fur.
Size
However, this dog float is best for small and medium-sized dogs. It has a weight restriction and can only hold dogs under 65 pounds in weight.
Comfort
This float has two holes at the bottom on both sides to let water flow through so that your dog can feel the coolness of the water on its fur and stay comfortable.
We love this feature because our dogs can safely play in the water while aboard this float on a hot summer day.
Durability
The material is questionable because PVC is not what dog floats are usually made of. Mesh would be more durable, but PVC is easy to dry and keep clean.
This float is designed for dogs, so we assume that it can withstand sharp claws, and we didn’t have any trouble with the durability of this float.
However, we always manicure our dogs’ claws before we use any inflatables.
It’s easy to fold up and take along for any fun summer getaway with your puppy pal.
It also has a unique design compared to other dog floats, and we think fun colors are always a plus!
SEE PRICE ON AMAZONComparison Chart
| Products | Best Overall | Best Floating Toys | Best for Floats Together | Best For A More Flexible Budget | Best For Design |
| Overall Rating | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Affordability | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Size Limit | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Portability | 5/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
The Winner
In the end, we found the SwimWays Float Paddle to be the number one choice for the best dog float out there.
This product was great for dogs of all sizes, extremely durable against pesky claws and water, and overall the best choice for all dog owners and their summer pool-side lounging needs.
READ MORE: Best Dog Life Vests. Keep your dog safe out on the water with these tried and true doggie life vests!
How to Choose the Best Dog Float
When choosing a dog float for yourself and, of course, your furry companion, there are some key things you should consider.
Size
How big is your dog? If you have a small breed, any options we listed should work.
However, getting a float that can comfortably accommodate its size is important if your dog is a little larger.
You want to make sure that your dog can lay out if it wants to, move around a bit, and not feel cramped into a tight space.
Affordability
The dog floats we tested are of a wide range of prices. It’s important to stick to your budget, which shouldn’t be too hard as there are many affordable options.
Weather
Consider the weather in your area. Do you need a sunshade to protect you or your dog from things like harsh sunlight or heat or even possible rain?
Everyone knows there’s nothing like some rain or an overheated dog to put a damper on the summer fun.
Read More: How to Keep Your Dog Out of the Swimming Pool. It’s important that your dog can’t get access to your pool when they’re alone. Here’s how to keep your dog safe!
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a brief look at the 4 options that didn’t make our list.
1. GoFloats Buddy the Dog Party
While this option didn’t make our list, it’s literally shaped like a dog and so fun just to have for you or your pet!
However, it is just kind of a party float and not meant for dogs and also rather cheap. This is a great choice if you want something for the day or a few hours.
For overall party fun, we prefer the KUCDBUN Dog Pool Floats Set, so it made our top picks.
2. Ginkago Inflatable Pool Float
This float has a great price, but the Ginkago Inflatable Pool Float is only advised to be used for dogs under 65 pounds.
Therefore, it may not be for you if you own a larger breed or your dog moves around a lot on the float.
It is around the same price as our option, Omil Portable Inflatable Dog Pool Float, and has pretty much all the same features, but is an overall better choice since dog owners everywhere seem to love it.
3. Milliard Dog Pool Float
This is one of the only dog floats we found that came in different sizes, large and extra-large.
While it is a great choice, one of the floats that actually made our list, the SwimWays Float Paddle also comes in two sizes, and our dogs like it better.
4. Pool Candy Inflatable Pet Float
While this dog float seems to be a great option, many customers claim that the float sinks because the holes are too big and that it doesn’t actually carry the weight it claims to.
We enjoyed it during testing, but we found that the SwimWays Float Paddle was a much better option for our dogs and performed reliably.
