A hunting dog needs a vest in several situations to keep it safe and healthy. Retrievers working in cold weather need a vest to help them stay warm. In between swims in the cold water, the dog is expected to sit still, so it won’t be able to run around and keep itself warm. That said, even if the dog is wearing a vest, you need to watch it for signs of hypothermia like sluggish movements and excessive shivering. A sturdy vest will also protect a retriever from ice and underwater sticks. Upland hunting dogs need hi-vis vests to help them stay safe and visible during firearm gun seasons. On the underside, hard-charging dogs and nursing females require the chest and belly protection that a vest affords. Dogs coming back into the field after stitches might need the protection of a vest as well. And in very cold, wet conditions, even an upland dog could stand to wear a neoprene vest in the field.