A drying coat is a towelling robe for your dog. You put it on the moment you're back from a wet walk and it soaks up the water while you sort yourself out. Done right, it means a drier dog, cleaner car seats and less wet-dog smell in the house.
They're not all the same, though. Here's what to look at before you buy.
1. The fabric
Most drying coats are made from one of three things:
- Microfibre. Light, quick to dry itself, and very good at pulling water off a coat. It's the most common choice for a reason.
- Bamboo or bamboo blends. Soft and absorbent, often a bit heavier and pricier.
- Cotton towelling. Familiar and cheap, but it holds onto water and takes longer to dry between walks.
If you walk most days, a fabric that dries quickly between walks matters as much as how much it soaks up.
2. Coverage
The wettest parts of a dog after a walk are usually the chest, belly and legs, not the back. Look for a coat that wraps under the chest and belly rather than just sitting on top like a cape. Some have a hood or a high neck, which helps with long-eared breeds.
3. Getting the size right
This is where most returns come from. Measure your dog's back from the base of the collar to the base of the tail, then check it against the size chart. If you're between sizes, go up one: a drying coat should be roomy so air can move and your dog can walk comfortably.
If you've got a big dog, check the top size actually fits. Plenty of drying coats stop at medium, which is no use for a Labrador or a German shepherd.
4. Fastenings
Good fastenings keep the coat in place while your dog walks to the car or shakes. Adjustable straps round the chest and belly are the thing to look for. Thin ties tend to come undone.
5. Washing
A drying coat will be covered in mud most days, so it has to go in the washing machine without fuss. Skip the fabric softener: it coats the fibres and stops microfibre absorbing. Our guide to washing dog towels works for coats too.
How to use one
- Give paws and legs a quick rub with a towel at the door or the boot.
- Put the coat on and fasten it snugly but not tight.
- Leave it on for the drive home or while you get your boots off.
- Take it off once your dog is dry rather than leaving a damp coat on all evening.
Our drying coat
We sell one drying coat, the Boot Room Drying Coat. It's microfibre, covers the back, chest and belly, has adjustable fastenings and comes in sizes S to XL, so it fits dogs from Jack Russells up to Labradors and German shepherds. There's a size finder on the page: put in your dog's back length and it picks the size for you.
Quick questions
Is a drying coat better than a towel? They do different jobs. A towel is best for paws and legs at the door. A coat keeps working while you get on with things. Most people end up using both.
Can my dog wear it in the car? Yes, that's one of the main reasons to have one. It keeps the wet off the seats on the way home.
Does it work on long-haired dogs? Yes, though thick coats will still need a rub with a towel and some time to dry fully.